Rhode Island Criminal Defense Legal Questions

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58 legal questions have been posted about criminal law by real users in Rhode Island. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include theft, weapons charges, and death penalty. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.

Should I have my attorney request a destroyed evidence motion?

Answered 12 years and 7 months ago by Ronald A. Steinberg (Unclaimed Profile)   |   9 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
The destroyed evidence motion is used when one of the parties to the lawsuit has control of the evidence, and while under their control it gets destroyed. I do not think it applies here.
The destroyed evidence motion is used when one of the parties to the lawsuit has control of the evidence, and while under their control it gets... Read More

If I am about 9 months into my 12 month misdemeanor probation, how can I get permission to leave the country on vacation?

Answered 12 years and 8 months ago by James Edward Smith (Unclaimed Profile)   |   8 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If it's not a felony just go.
If it's not a felony just go.

If a person is under house arrest but not home, can a third party (roommate) refuse to allow the deputies to enter for a search?

Answered 12 years and 8 months ago by Jared Christian Winter (Unclaimed Profile)   |   4 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You can refuse all you want, but they will probably search anyway. Are they expected to simply rely on your good word that the person isn't home?
You can refuse all you want, but they will probably search anyway. Are they expected to simply rely on your good word that the person isn't home?

If I filed charges against someone and later dropped the charges, can the state subpoena me and make me testify?

Answered 12 years and 8 months ago by Eric Jon Sterkenburg (Unclaimed Profile)   |   5 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
The victim of a crime is not the one filing charges. The state is the one filing the charges. Therefore, the victim cannot have the charges dropped or dismissed. If the state is prosecuting prosecution of the charges, they can subpoena any witness to the crime. This includes the victim even if the victim does not want the state to proceed.... Read More
The victim of a crime is not the one filing charges. The state is the one filing the charges. Therefore, the victim cannot have the charges dropped... Read More

Can I get a retainer fee back if nothing was done?

Answered 12 years and 8 months ago by attorney Paul David Stanko   |   29 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
The lawyer is at least entitled to keep the reasonable value of services provided, even if those services were different from what was anticipated. This is called Quantum Meruit. Also, if the retainer was a "General Retainer" securing the lawyer's services over a certain period, he may be entitled to keep the entire amount regardless. Either way, he is not required to return the entire amount if he put any time or effort into the case.... Read More
The lawyer is at least entitled to keep the reasonable value of services provided, even if those services were different from what was anticipated.... Read More

What can I do if the speeding ticket that is supposed to be for my boyfriend was given to me?

Answered 12 years and 9 months ago by Steven Jed Alpers (Unclaimed Profile)   |   11 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Is it possible that both of you were speeding?
Is it possible that both of you were speeding?
Yes, but this time you will likely get a conviction.
Yes, but this time you will likely get a conviction.

Are obscene words considered a sexual harassment?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Gregory Karl Crain (Unclaimed Profile)   |   16 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes.
Yes.

Are obscene words considered a sexual harassment?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Leonard A. Kaanta (Unclaimed Profile)   |   16 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes.
Yes.

Can a person on parole be negated for violating just a no contact that was issued by their parole agent?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by James M. Osak (Unclaimed Profile)   |   16 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
YES.
YES.

How long after an altercation can my ex press charges?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Leonard A. Kaanta (Unclaimed Profile)   |   19 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes.
Yes.

What is the penalty for a ticket of possession of marijuana?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by Ms. Cynthia Russell Henley (Unclaimed Profile)   |   4 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Class B misdemeanor carries up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine as well as a license suspension upon conviction.
Class B misdemeanor carries up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine as well as a license suspension upon conviction.

What can happen in court for a first domestic family violence charge? Does she need a lawyer?

Answered 12 years and 11 months ago by Michael J. Breczinski (Unclaimed Profile)   |   8 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
She should get a good lawyer to fight these charges. If she did nothing wrong then she should be found not guilty.
She should get a good lawyer to fight these charges. If she did nothing wrong then she should be found not guilty.

What are the penalties for a minor who was caught shoplifting?

Answered 12 years and 11 months ago by John J. Carney (Unclaimed Profile)   |   5 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Retain a good lawyer to get it dismissed.
Retain a good lawyer to get it dismissed.

Can a police officer who has a search warrant arrest me without reading my Miranda rights first?

Answered 12 years and 11 months ago by John J. Carney (Unclaimed Profile)   |   6 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
The police do not have to give you a copy of the warrant or read you the Miranda Warnings.
The police do not have to give you a copy of the warrant or read you the Miranda Warnings.