Being arrested can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of your life. You may feel frightened, confused, or uncertain about your future. During this difficult time, the most important thing you can do is secure a skilled and dedicated legal advocate. At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, we understand what’s at stake and are here to help.
If you have been charged with a crime in Rhode Island, contact us as soon as possible to get the representation you deserve from our Warwick criminal defense lawyers. We are committed to giving you the vigorous defense you deserve. Call our law office at (401) 854-7794 today to schedule a free consultation with a Warwick criminal defense attorney. We are ready to stand by your side every step of the way.
How Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You Have Been Arrested
When you’re facing criminal charges, you need an experienced legal advocate who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights. At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, we are prepared to give you the robust defense you deserve with the experience and resources needed to fight for you. Our focused approach has earned distinctions such as Super Lawyers recognition.
With over 36 years of combined experience, including decades of trial expertise, we are prepared to handle even the most complex criminal cases in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Here’s how a Warwick criminal defense lawyer at our law firm can help:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged crime to gather exculpatory evidence
- Analyze the evidence against you and challenge the admissibility
- Investigate whether your civil rights were violated or whether police engaged in misconduct
- Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
- Explain the implications of any plea deal you are offered
- Handle all court filings and motions in your case
- Explain your legal rights and collaborate with you to build your defense
- Represent you in court with a strategic defense tailored to your case
- Offer guidance and keep you informed throughout the process
Your future is worth fighting for. We are ready to put our decades of experience to work on your case. Call Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation with a Warwick criminal defense attorney to take the next step in your defense.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Arrested In Warwick?
If you have been arrested in Warwick, your actions in the first hours and days after the arrest can have a significant impact on your case. Here’s what you should do to protect yourself:
- Do not fight or argue with the police or attempt to escape or resist arrest. Remain as calm as possible.
- Exercise your constitutional right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used against you, even if it’s misrepresented or misunderstood. You will not be able to talk yourself out of the charges you are facing.
- Request a defense attorney immediately. Do not speak to law enforcement until your lawyer is by your side. Your lawyer can advise you on what to do next and speak on your behalf.
- Do not discuss the charges or any details with anyone, even your family or other people in jail.
The sooner you seek legal representation, the better. Contact Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys as soon as you can so we can protect your rights and begin building a strong defense.
Our Warwick Criminal Defense Practice Areas
At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, we represent clients in all types of criminal cases in Warwick, Rhode Island. No matter the charges you’re facing, our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and pursuing the best possible outcome. If you’ve already been convicted of a crime in Rhode Island, we can also assist you with filing an appeal. Below are some of the most common criminal cases we handle:
- Drug crimes: From simple possession to trafficking, drug charges can carry serious consequences. We’ll scrutinize the evidence, investigate police procedures, and explore all options to challenge your charges. You may qualify for the Adult Drug Court Program, an alternative sentencing option that focuses on treatment and community service to have your criminal case dismissed.
- DUI: Driving under the influence is taken very seriously. Even a first-time conviction can result in a driver’s license suspension, hefty fines, jail time, and collateral costs. We will assess the evidence and challenge improper procedures. We will also negotiate to seek a reduced charge of reckless driving or dismissal of the charges to protect your driving privileges and future.
- Federal crimes: Federal cases are complex and require specialized knowledge. Federal charges often carry harsher penalties than state offenses, and only a defense attorney admitted to practice in the federal district court can represent you. Attorney Kara Hoopis Manosh has an LLM in Trial Advocacy, specializing in Federal Criminal Law. We are prepared to defend you in federal court.
- Gun charges: Gun-related offenses can result in severe penalties. Rhode Island has harsher gun laws than some states, with some offenses carrying penalties of up to ten years in prison. If you are facing a gun possession charge, we are prepared to build the strongest defense possible.
- Juvenile crimes: A juvenile criminal charge shouldn’t define a young person’s future. We advocate for minors, seeking alternatives to incarceration and preserving their potential. We work with families to navigate the juvenile justice system and provide referrals for counseling and other services. We can also assist with expungement to clear your child’s criminal record.
- Homicide/murder: If you’re accused of taking a life, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With decades of trial experience, including more than 45 homicide cases, we provide tenacious and strategic defense for clients facing homicide charges.
- Sex crimes: Sex crime allegations can damage your reputation and future. We handle these sensitive cases with discretion while building a robust defense to protect your rights. Our Warwick defense attorneys handle all types of sex crime cases, including sexual assault, child pornography, and indecent exposure.
- Theft crimes: Whether you’re accused of shoplifting or grand theft, we fight to minimize penalties and clear your name. Conviction of a theft crime can follow you for life, no matter how minor the offense. These crimes can affect your ability to get a job and hold a professional license. They can even affect immigration.
- White Collar Crimes: White-collar crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading, are often highly technical and involve substantial documentation. We have the expertise to analyze complex financial evidence and develop a robust defense strategy to protect your career and reputation.
At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, we are committed to providing skilled and compassionate representation across a wide range of criminal cases.
What Are The Potential Penalties For A Criminal Conviction In Warwick, RI?
In Rhode Island, criminal charges are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies.
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fines.
- Felonies: Serious offenses carrying harsher penalties, including years in prison.
Some offenses, known as “wobblers,” can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances.
If you are convicted of a crime in Rhode Island, you may face a range of penalties, including:
- Fines that may be thousands of dollars
- Probation
- Community service
- Court-supervised counseling or treatment
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Alternative sentencing programs, such as diversion or Drug Court
- Restitution to compensate victims
- Property forfeiture
- Loss of a job or professional license
- Potential problems with child custody and visitation
- Immigration consequences
- A criminal record
Even allegations can damage your reputation, harm your relationships, and destroy your career. If you are convicted, the consequences are even more serious. With so much at stake, you deserve a robust defense. Call our law office for a free case evaluation with an experienced Warwick criminal defense attorney. We will help you understand the penalties you face and explore possible defense strategies.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested In Warwick, Rhode Island?
A strong defense is critical to achieving a favorable outcome in your case. While the defenses available to you may depend on the charges you are facing, common defenses include:
- Self-defense: If you acted to protect yourself or others, self-defense may apply.
- Innocence. We’ll investigate and present evidence proving you did not commit the crime.
- Mistaken identity: Eyewitness misidentification is a common cause of wrongful accusations.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime, entrapment may be a valid defense.
- Violation of your constitutional rights: If your rights were violated, such as during an illegal search, we’ll seek to suppress evidence or have the charge dismissed.
- Lack of intent: Certain crimes require intent. If intent is absent, charges may be reduced or dismissed.
- Mistake of fact: A misunderstanding or lack of knowledge about a key fact may negate criminal liability.
- Lack of possession: For possession charges, we’ll challenge whether the alleged item was truly under your control.
- Affirmative defense: In specific cases, we may raise an affirmative defense, acknowledging the criminal act but arguing a legal justification.
You may have several sound legal defenses available. We will carefully explain your options and help you understand the potential outcomes of your case. Our legal team will work with you to develop the strongest possible defense against the charges you are facing.
Schedule A Free Case Evaluation With Our Warwick Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you have been arrested for a crime in Rhode Island, it’s time to take action to fight for your future and good name. Contact Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys today for a free consultation with a Warwick criminal defense attorney. We’re here to give you compassionate support and fight for the best possible outcome. Take the first step toward defending your future.