An assault charge can have far-reaching consequences that impact your personal and professional life. If you’re facing such charges in Providence, RI, it becomes essential to seek quality legal representation immediately. This is where our team at Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys plays an indispensable role.
As experienced Providence defense lawyers, we’re committed to providing you with secure and dependable representation, from Providence drug crimes to domestic violence, sex crimes to Providence homicide charges, we’re here to protect your rights and fight for your freedom. We understand the nuances of Rhode Island law and have a strong track record of creating successful defense strategies for our clients.
If you’re charged with assault in Providence, Rhode Island, don’t wait – contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Providence criminal defense lawyer at (401) 854-7794.
How Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You’re Arrested For Assault
Facing an assault charge in Providence can be a frightening experience that leaves you unsure of where to turn. At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’re here to guide you through this difficult process and ensure your rights and interests are protected. Our award-winning attorneys have nearly four decades of combined experience and are qualified to defend you against any charge in this area of the law.
Here’s how our Providence criminal defense lawyers can help:
Listen to Your Side of the Story
We believe everyone deserves to have their story heard. A critical step in constructing an effective defense strategy is understanding your point of view about what happened.
Investigate
In-depth investigation plays a vital role in any criminal case. We will collect all pertinent evidence, speak with witnesses, and review police reports, ensuring no detail goes unnoticed.
Negotiate With the Prosecutor
Every case pending in Rhode Island is given a plea offer- even if you don’t want one! We will work to get the best possible offer, and then we can discuss whether to proceed to trial.
Representation at Trial
If negotiations do not achieve desirable results or are not applicable given your circumstances, we will provide skilled representation during trial. Presenting all the details gathered during the investigation, we will argue your case passionately and effectively.
If you’re facing assault charges in Rhode Island, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. Contact our criminal defense law firm today to set up a free initial consultation.
Overview of Assault in Rhode Island
In the jurisdiction of Rhode Island, assault refers to a wide range of offenses that involve harmful or offensive physical contact between individuals. The overarching definition for such acts is any form of unwelcome touching.
Some actions which can be classified as an assault could include:
- Hitting
- Slapping
- Pushing
- Punching
- Kicking
This is not an exhaustive list of actions that can be considered assault in Rhode Island. Physical contact doesn’t always have to occur for an act to be considered assault in Rhode Island. If your actions cause another person fear or apprehension of harm – even if you do not physically strike them – this can still fall within the bounds of an assault charge under state law.
Felony Assault
Greater severity is attached to felony assault offenses in Rhode Island. The use of weapons, for instance, increases charges from a simple assault to a felony one. Weapons may include, but are not limited to, knives, guns, sticks, or brass knuckles.
Sexual assault can also be classified as a form of assault in Rhode Island and involves unwarranted, non-consensual touching of private and intimate areas with the intent of sexual gratification. This is also a felony offense.
What Are the Penalties for Assault Convictions in Providence, Rhode Island?
Penalties for assault charges in Rhode Island vary, largely depending upon the severity of the offense.
Penalties for Simple Assault
For a simple assault charge typically involving minor physical contact or injuries or a threat of harm, you could face up to one year in jail and fines not exceeding $1,000.
Additionally, there may be other potential consequences with the intention of rehabilitation that can include mental health counseling or anger management treatment. You may also lose your right to own or possess a firearm.
Penalties for Felony Assault in Rhode Island
For a felony assault, penalties increase significantly. The potential prison term for a felony charge of assault in Rhode Island can reach up to 20 years, and fines can be up to $10,000.
In addition, the defendant might find themselves under a no-contact order imposed by the courts. These orders strictly prohibit any form of contact between the defendant and the alleged victim.
Understanding the specific terms and conditions of this court order is vital, as any violations of a no-contact order or restraining order can lead to serious consequences as well, including additional charges.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Assault in Providence, Rhode Island?
When facing an assault charge, your defense attorney has numerous options they may choose to raise in the course of your representation. Here are some common defenses:
Self-Defense
The law of self-defense is very strict, so you will need attorneys with experience to present this defense to a jury. To use a self-defense strategy, you will need to show that you genuinely feared imminent harm. You must also prove that you responded proportionately with force that was reasonable under the circumstances.
Consent
This defense is common in assault cases where the alleged victim consented to potential harm, such as engaging in consensual sexual activity. If you can present evidence that the other party was fully aware of and consented to the contact, this could make for a strong argument against an assault charge.
Accident
Another potential defense is citing the event as an accident. If you can demonstrate that any injury caused was accidental and not intentional or reckless, it may serve as a strong defense for assault charges. This approach emphasizes that you did not aim to harm or believed your actions wouldn’t result in any harm or fear of harm.
False Allegations
The truth is that false allegations happen sometimes. One defense strategy may involve proving that the accusations against you are completely fabricated. This generally requires having strategic evidence and witness testimonies.
If you or your attorney can effectively demonstrate the motive behind the false allegations, it could potentially strengthen your defense as well. This might involve demonstrating bias, revenge, jealousy, or other personal motives of the alleged victim that explain why they would fabricate charges against you.
Alibi
Providing an alibi – that is, proof that you were somewhere else at the time when the alleged assault occurred – can potentially exonerate you from an assault accusation altogether.
This can be accomplished through a variety of methods, such as witness testimony, video footage proving your presence somewhere else, or even digital evidence like GPS data, credit card transactions, or cell phone records corroborating that you were not at the location when the incident took place.
Effectively presenting these defenses requires skilled legal representation, so always reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Facing charges for an assault crime can be challenging and stressful, but you don’t have to face this battle on your own. Reach out to Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, and let our skilled team guide you every step of the way through these complex legal proceedings. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated Providence assault defense lawyers.
Local Resources
- East Coast Mental Wellness – Counselor
- Behavioral Development Center Inc – Mental Health Service
- Center for Women’s Behavioral Health – Mental Health Clinic
- Diversity Counseling, LLC – Mental Health Service
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
Visit Our Criminal Defense Law Office in Providence, RI
Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys
101 Dyer St Suite 2D, Providence, RI 02903, United States
(401) 854-7794
