Providence Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

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Trusted Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Providence

Being charged with a domestic violence offense can be incredibly overwhelming. If you are convicted, you could face criminal penalties like fines and imprisonment, as well as personal and professional consequences. It is essential that you work with a dedicated Providence domestic violence defense lawyer. Whether your charges happened because of a misunderstanding, false accusations, or other reasons, you need a strong defense to protect your future.

Ellison Law LLC: Experienced Providence Criminal Defense Lawyer

At Ellison Law LLC, we have helped many individuals work to minimize or avoid the consequences of domestic violence offenses in Providence. We have helped clients avoid restraining orders and secure dismissals of domestic assault. While these past results cannot guarantee a future outcome, they represent our diligence for our clients. Our firm understands the social stigma of these crimes and how that can affect your life, and we advocate for you.

The attorneys at Ellison Law LLC work entirely in criminal defense and know how to navigate these legally complex and emotionally stressful cases. We can help you navigate criminal cases in the district or superior courts located in Providence, like the J. Joseph Garrahy Judicial Complex or the Frank J. Licht Judicial Complex. Our goal is to find ways to minimize your domestic violence charges or avoid conviction entirely.

What Is a Domestic Violence Crime in Providence?

Domestic violence crimes in Providence are certain violent and other criminal offenses when they are committed against a family or household member. This includes:

  • Spouses and former spouses
  • Adults living together
  • Adults who have lived together in the last three years
  • Adults related by blood or marriage
  • Individuals who have a child in common
  • Individuals with a substantial dating relationship within the past year

In 2020, the Providence Police Department recorded 1,303 domestic violence forms and 1,041 arrests. Domestic violence offenses can include:

  • Disorderly conduct
  • Simple or felony assault
  • Violations of a protective order, when the individual has knowledge of the order and the penalty
  • Obstructing, damaging, or refusing to relinquish a telephone
  • Tracking a motor vehicle electronically
  • Stalking
  • Cyberstalking or cyberharassment
  • Trespassing
  • Vandalism
  • Kidnapping
  • Child-snatching
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Unlawful entry
  • Domestic assault by strangulation
  • Sexual assault
  • Homicide

These are not the only crimes that may be considered domestic violence offenses in Rhode Island.

Penalties for Domestic Violence Charges

If the domestic violence offense would be charged as a misdemeanor, then a first offense would result in the typical penalties of a misdemeanor, including up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. A domestic violence first offense will also carry penalties like:

  • Required attendance of a batterer’s intervention program
  • An assessment fee of $125
  • Enforcement of a no-contact order

A second offense of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, including penalties between 10 days and one year in jail, on top of the fine, fee, no-contact order, and batterer’s intervention program. A third offense becomes a felony offense and requires between one year and 10 years of imprisonment. Jail sentences for a second or third offense can’t be suspended.

Penalties can be even more severe depending on the offense. If the non-domestic violence offense is a felony, you can expect even harsher penalties for a domestic violence charge.

In 2024, the Superior Court for Bristol and Providence Counties processed 37 extreme risk protection orders. There were 703 temporary restraining orders processed in all superior courts in the state the same year. A restraining order and no-contact order are different types of orders, but both can have a severe impact on your life and lead to additional penalties if it is violated.

Potential Defenses to Domestic Violence Charges in Providence

The ideal defense for a domestic violence charge depends on your case and might include:

  • Self-defense and acting with reasonable force
  • An accident
  • False accusations
  • Lack of domestic relationship

Working with an experienced attorney makes it easier to determine the right defense. They can assess the charges, your arrest, the evidence the prosecution has against you, and more. Your attorney also listens to your side of the story. They use all this information to determine a strong defense for your case.

FAQs

What Is the Ideal Defense for Domestic Violence Charges?

The ideal defense for domestic violence charges depends entirely on your unique case. Your defense may be that the offense did happen, but you acted in self-defense and with reasonable force. Your defense might try to prove that you did not commit the offense and the accusations against you are false. When you work with an attorney, they can help you assess these or other defenses to better protect your future.

Why Do Most Domestic Violence Cases Get Dismissed?

Many domestic violence cases get dismissed because the alleged victim of the offense does not wish to testify, and this can make it harder for the prosecution to meet its burden of proof. Individuals may not want to testify because it is retraumatizing or, in some cases, because they recant their statements about the offense.

However, the prosecution may have enough evidence to continue with the case without the victim’s testimony, so charged individuals should always have legal defense.

How Can You Beat a Domestic Violence Charge in Rhode Island?

The most effective way to beat a domestic violence charge in Rhode Island is to hire a domestic violence defense lawyer. An attorney helps you assess your options after a charge and listens to your side of things. They determine potential defenses or options for reducing the charges against you. An attorney’s goal is to protect your rights and work for the ideal outcome to your case.

How Much Does It Cost to Defend a Domestic Violence Case?

The cost to hire a defense lawyer for a domestic violence case depends on the facts of your case and the attorney you work with. An attorney with more experience may charge more for defense, but may also be more effective at securing a beneficial outcome to the case. Most attorneys charge an hourly rate for a criminal defense, and you should always discuss these fees with an attorney upfront.

Hire a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer at Ellison Law LLC

If you’ve been charged with a domestic violence offense in Providence, you have the right to legal representation, and you need to take advantage of that right. Reach out to Ellison Law LLC to address a protective order or build a defense against criminal charges.

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