Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer

Anyone charged with a crime should get a lawyer on board as soon as possible. Even “small” criminal charges can have life-altering effects, and the first step for anyone charged in Rhode Island is to hire an experienced Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer.

Our state has some unique laws and procedures, and only a lawyer well-versed in Rhode Island criminal law can give you the full picture of your situation and your options.

Turn to a former prosecutor at our firm who understands the nuances of our court system, the key players, and the dynamics of criminal prosecution. Learn your rights and explore your legal options with a trusted criminal defense lawyer in Rhode Island. Contact the Law Office of Jason Knight today.

Call our Rhode Island criminal defense law firm at (401) 354-2255 or contact us online to begin discussing your case.

The Role of a Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer

A criminal defense lawyer plays a critical role in ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair trial. They analyze the facts of your case, investigate the case, gather evidence, and challenge any procedural errors that could affect the outcome. Additionally, a skilled defense lawyer negotiates with prosecutors to secure plea deals or reduced charges when appropriate and provides robust representation in court if the case goes to trial. With an in-depth understanding of local laws and procedures, they act as your advocate and guide throughout the daunting criminal legal process.

Comprehensive Representation for Criminal Charges

Our team is equipped to handle a wide range of criminal charges, ensuring that you receive thorough and effective representation. We accept a wide range of criminal law cases, including:

• Drug charges;
• Juvenile crimes;
• Felonies;
• Domestic violence;
• Traffic violations;
• DUI;
• Post-conviction relief and expungement;
• Sexual offenses;
• Assault and battery;
• Theft and burglary;
• White-Collar Crimes (Including Fraud and Embezzlement);
• Homicide; and 
• Manslaughter.

From the initial investigations and plea negotiations to trial, we diligently prepare each case to ensure the best possible outcome. Our Providence criminal defense law firm consists of confident and savvy professionals who know how to bargain hard and litigate aggressively on your behalf. See what our experienced team can do for your case.

Potential Penalties and Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

Criminal convictions carry a range of potential penalties, depending on the severity of the offense. These penalties may include:

• Fines. Financial penalties vary widely, from minor infractions to significant fines for serious crimes.
• Imprisonment. Jail or prison sentences can range from a few days for misdemeanors to life imprisonment for the most serious felony offenses.
• Probation. Some convictions result in supervised release rather than jail time. But probation is costly, and you must comply with strict conditions to stay compliant and avoid a violation that might land you in jail.
• Loss of rights. Felony convictions may lead to the loss of certain rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm.
• Professional and personal consequences. A criminal record can impact employment, housing, and personal relationships, creating lasting challenges.

Understanding the potential penalties highlights the importance of having a skilled defense attorney who can help mitigate these consequences.

Defense Strategies to Protect Your Future

Our firm employs a variety of defense strategies to minimize penalties.

• Challenging evidence. We ensure that all evidence against you was obtained legally and is admissible in court. This may involve questioning the legality of search and seizure procedures or the reliability of witness testimony.
• Negotiating plea deals. Our team works with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or penalties, helping you avoid the most severe consequences.
• Representing you in court. If your case goes to trial, we provide a strong defense. We use our knowledge of the local courts, the law, the rules of evidence, and the trial skills we’ve honed over many years to zealously advocate on your behalf.

Each case is unique, and we tailor our approach to your specific circumstances, ensuring that every aspect of your case is meticulously reviewed.

Additional Defenses Tailored to Specific Cases

Depending on the charges, we may employ additional defenses, such as:

• Self-defense. For cases involving assault or violent crimes, we demonstrate that you acted to protect yourself or others from imminent harm.
• Mistaken identity. Eyewitnesses can and do get it wrong. We might be able to weaken the prosecution’s case by calling the credibility of any eyewitness into question.
• Lack of intent. Intent is often a key element the prosecution must prove. In some cases, we could argue that there was no intent to commit a crime.
• Violation of rights. If your constitutional rights were violated during your arrest or investigation—such as through unlawful searches or failure to provide Miranda warnings—we could seek to exclude the related evidence. If enough critical evidence is excluded, we could work to get the case dismissed.

By thoroughly analyzing the circumstances of your case, we build a customized defense strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome. Whether challenging evidence or asserting your rights, our focus is on protecting your future.

For example, in cases involving DUI charges, our team examines the legality of traffic stops and the accuracy of breathalyzer tests. For drug-related offenses, we scrutinize search warrants and the handling of evidence. By focusing on the details, our criminal lawyer aims to protect your rights at every step.

Superior Defense at Affordable Rates

Thousands of clients have turned to us when they needed reliable and proven defense. Our Rhode Island criminal defense law firm has earned a reputation not only for our effective results but for our client-centered approach as well. We take the time to understand the details of our client’s cases and to thoroughly inform them of their rights so they know exactly what to expect. Our rates are affordable and our office hours are also convenient. If there is an emergency, we are accessible 24/7. This is the level of responsive, high-quality service you can expect from our team.

Turn to a former prosecutor at our firm who understands the nuances of our court system, the key players, and the dynamics of criminal prosecution. Learn your rights with our Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer today – contact us online or call (401) 354-2255.