Woonsocket Criminal Defense Lawyer

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Woonsocket Criminal Defense Attorney

With the ideal blend of urban community and small-town charm, Woonsocket is a wonderful place to live or work. Centrally located in the Boston, Worcester, and Providence triangle, Woonsocket is a thriving community. Living and working here may seem like a dream, but it can become a nightmare if you’re accused of a criminal offense. A skilled Woonsocket criminal defense lawyer can guide you through the process with compassion and dignity.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

At Ellison Law LLC, we fight all of our cases using a three-strategy approach. We fight on legal issues, on factual issues, and by showing the human side of our clients. Everyone deserves respectful representation after making a mistake. With thousands of clients in Rhode Island, we have the experience to represent your interests during negotiations or litigation, if necessary. We understand the importance of your case and strive to fight with you throughout the process.

Types of Cases We Handle

Our team at Ellison Law LLC handles numerous criminal defense cases common to Woonsocket in Rhode Island, including:

  • Violent crimes: These include domestic violence, assault, assault of a health care provider, assault on a police officer, and resisting arrest.
  • Property crimes: Offenses in this category include shoplifting, larceny, breaking and entering, trespassing, vandalism, stealing, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
  • Driving offenses: Common charges include reckless driving, DUI, hit and run, operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and driving on a suspended license.
  • Drug-related crimes: These involve possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent, drug distribution, minor in possession of alcohol, and transporting alcohol by a minor.
  • Firearm offenses: This includes any charge involving the unlawful carrying, use, or possession of a firearm.
  • Probation and court violations: These cover probation violations and failures to follow court orders, such as no-contact directives.
  • Other offenses: This group includes obstruction of justice, conspiracy, disorderly conduct, and other misdemeanor or felony charges.

Crime Rates in Rhode Island

The Federal Bureau of Investigation publishes yearly national crime rates through its Uniform Crime Reporting Program. USAFacts compiles this information to provide a review of Rhode Island’s crime rate. In 2024, Rhode Island saw:

  • Violent crime rates at 154 offenses per 100,000 people
  • Property crime rates at 1,032 per 100,000 people

By comparison, national statistics saw:

  • Violent crime rates at 359 per 100,000 people
  • Property crime rates at 1,760 per 100,000 people

Rhode Island reported a 57.2% lower violent crime rate and a 41.3% lower property crime rate than the national average in 2024.

Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing accusations of a criminal offense is overwhelming for many people. If the accusations are false, you may think that insisting on having an attorney makes you look guilty. The situation may be complicated, and you would like the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. There are five main benefits to hiring a criminal defense attorney:

  1. Educated knowledge of the criminal justice system: Criminal defense attorneys are knowledgeable in specific case precedents, local laws, state laws, and federal laws that may have an impact on your case. Criminal defense laws are usually complicated and can be difficult for the layman to understand.
  2. Professional evaluation of your case: Your criminal defense attorney can evaluate the facts of your case and determine the most appropriate defense strategy. They can also advise you of the realities of how the case may end and any penalties you could face.
  3. Protect your constitutional rights: You have rights that must be protected during criminal charges. A skilled criminal defense attorney can ensure your rights are not violated and take steps to rectify any violations that do occur.
  4. Strong support system: Facing charges is stressful. Having a strong ally who can walk you through the process and offer guidance is key to remaining calm and making informed decisions.
  5. Established relationships with other criminal justice personnel. Having strong working relationships with prosecutors and judges is important. Without these relationships, it would be challenging for criminal defense attorneys to negotiate reduced charges, plea agreements, and reduced sentences.

FAQs

Can Criminal Defense Attorneys Defend Those They Know Are Guilty?

Yes, criminal defense attorneys can still legally defend those they know are guilty. Attorney-client privilege means that all interactions between an attorney and their client are confidential. The only exception is if an attorney knows a crime is still being committed or is going to be committed. After the fact, you need to be honest with your attorney so they can examine the facts of your case and determine an appropriate defense strategy.

Who Pays a Criminal Defense Attorney?

The client is responsible for paying their criminal defense attorney. Payment rates may vary. Some attorneys require a retainer fee to be paid up front before they can perform any work on your case. Charges for their services may be a flat fee based on the type of offense or an hourly rate based on the number of hours they work on your case. Payment arrangements can be made during the initial consultation.

Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Spend Most of Their Time in Court?

How much time a criminal defense attorney spends in court depends on the type of cases they represent and the size of the firm where they work. Some cases are much less likely to require a lot of time in court. Instead, these cases are handled through negotiations. Additionally, larger firms allow for attorneys to focus on one area of law. Some attorneys would spend a lot of time in court, while others spend more time on research, strategizing, and client interactions.

Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Get to Choose Who They Defend?

Yes, criminal defense attorneys get to choose who they defend. Depending on the facts of the case, a criminal defense attorney may choose not to represent a client if there is a conflict of interest or if they have a heavy caseload. Smaller firms may only have the resources to work on a few cases at a time, while larger firms can handle a larger caseload.

Contact Ellison Law LLC

If you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer, our team at Ellison Law LLC provides compassionate representation for all manner of criminal charges. Our team believes in providing quality representation for all our Rhode Island clients, so you do not have to face legal issues alone. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

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