Rhode Island Domestic Assault & Battery Attorney
Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Rhode Island
The Crime of Domestic Violence in Rhode Island
Domestic violence is a crime involving the physical, mental and/or sexual abuse of a current or past partner, spouse or an existing family member. Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws, 12-29-2, domestic violence is defined as including, but is not limited to, any of the following offenses when committed by one family or household member against another: simple assault, felony assault, vandalism, disorderly conduct, trespass, kidnapping, child snatching, sexual assault, homicide, violation of a protective order or a no contact order, stalking, and refusal to relinquish, damage or obstruction of a telephone. The definition of "family or household member" is broadly written to reflect the diverse nature of the modern American family and includes persons who are or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship.
The most common domestic violence charges are assault and battery. A battery occurs when actual physical violence or unwanted touching takes place. Assault is only the actual threat of physical violence. Both can go hand in hand or they can be charged separately.
Penalties for Domestic Violence in Rhode Island
Simple Assault and Battery
- Up to one (1) year imprisonment;
- Up to a $1,000.00 fine ; and/or
- Both.
Felony Assault
- Imprisonment up to twenty (20) years.
Vandalism
- Up to one (1) year imprisonment;
- Up to $1,000.00 fine; and/or both;
- Up to (100) one hundred hours of community service; and
- Restitution for damage.
Willful Trespass
- Up to one (1) year imprisonment;
- Up to $1,000.00 fine; and/or
- Both.
Disorderly Conduct
- Up to six (6) months imprisonment;
- Up to $500.00 fine; and/or
- Both.
Violation of No-Contact Order
- Up to one (1) year imprisonment;
- Up to $1,000.00 fine; and/or
- Both.
Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., is a leading domestic violence lawyer in Rhode Island and he has lectured on the topic for the Rhode Island Bar Association and other educational programs and he has published two (2) articles, "The Law of Domestic Violence in Rhode Island" and
"Domestic Violence: Detection, Prosecution and Defense" in the Rhode Island Bar Journal.
If you or a loved one is facing charges of domestic violence or domestic assault and battery it is critical to speak with a Rhode Island domestic violence attorney immediately. At the Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey we represent clients throughout Rhode Island accused of domestic assault and battery, domestic disorderly conduct, domestic vandalism and other domestic violence charges.