Recent Blog Posts in May 2010

As reported by the Associated Press on May 17, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government has the power to hold inmates in prison after their prison terms are complete, if the prisoner is considered "sexually dangerous."  Labeling a prisoner sexually dangerous means prison officials have determined there is a "risk of sexually violent conduct or child molestation" if the prisoner is released.  The decision by the Court allows prisoners to be held indefinitely, beyond the term of their prison sentence, a form of civil commitment. A group of four inmates were challenging their commitment, after being held two years beyond the end of their prison terms.  The men were charged with possession of child pornography or sexual abuse of a minor.

As reported by Felice Freyer in the May 17, 2010 Providence Journal, a police chase led to the arrest of a Pawtucket man.  The RI State Police responded to a 911 call about a motorist hitting a Jersey barrier on Rt. 95 and continued driving.  The police were able to locate the vehicle and tried to stop it.  During the chase, the police learned the motorist was driving a stolen car.  The car chase ended on Gano Street when the motorist jumped from his car while it was running and proceeded to run away on foot. His car then rolled backwards into a house.  As the police pursued the motorist on foot, they observed him swallow a plastic bag, which the police believe contained heroin.  After the motorist was arrested, the police learned he was wanted on three outstanding warrants. The motorist also faces new charges of possession of a stolen motor vehicle, reckless driving, eluding a police officer, drunk driving (DUI), resisting arrest, simple assault, malicious damage and driving with a suspended license.

As reported by Talia Buford in the May 11, 2010 Providence Journal, sexting was the reason behind the fight between mother and daughter.  The fight escalated to the point where the 14 year old daughter stabbed her mother in the chest.  The 14 year old has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon and is being held at the Rhode Island Training School.  The girl's mother said her daughter has "sexted" before and she was trying to take away her daughter's cell phone when the fight broke out.

As reported by Katherine Gregg in the May 5, 2010 Providence Journal, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee conducted hearings on a proposed bill to decriminalize marijuana.  Under current Rhode Island law, any possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor and penalties including a $200-$500 fine and up to one year in jail.  The new proposal would decriminalize marijuana possession of one ounce or less and instead of facing criminal charges, possession would be a civil offense.  The sole penalty would be a fine ranging from $150-$1,000 for first time offenders.  Repeat offenders could eventually be charged with a misdemeanor.  Proponents of decriminalization argue this bill will help reduce the prison population and raise revenue for the State through taxes on the sale of marijuana.  Opponents express concern about the impact on "young people of making marijuana a more legally and socially acceptable drug."   Although the debate regarding decriminalization of marijuana continues, it is important to remember that possession of marijuana is still a crime in Rhode Island.

As reported by C. Eugene Emery Jr. in the May 4, 2010 Providence Journal, Cranston police conducted a routine traffic stop of a speeding car.  During the stop, the police noticed markings on the car's armrest, which led them to a secret compartment inside the vehicle.  Upon opening the secret compartment, police discovered a loaded semiautomatic handgun and rounds of ammunition.   Police then arrested the passenger of the vehicle and charged him with felony counts of having a loaded weapon in a vehicle, not having a license for the handgun and being a convict in possession of a firearm. 

I am honored to have had the opportunity to present with Judge Hastings, Judge Houlihan, Attorney Kimberly Petta and Trooper Yelle the Rhode Island Law Day program at the Newport County Superior Court.  The Rhode Island Law Day program focused on the serious issues of Cyber-Bullying and the dangers of posting personal information on the Internet.  In attendance at the program were over seventy students from Thompson Middle School located in Newport, Rhode Island.  The Rhode Island Bar Association does an excellent job in presenting programs throughout the State for middle school and high school students to celebrate Law Day.  It is extremely beneficial for young people to understand our judicial system and to have an opportunity to discuss topics which are relevant to them.

If you or a family member has been charged with an Internet crime such as Cyber-Bullying or Sexting, which can lead to child pornography charges, please contact the Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey.  Attorney Robert H. Humphrey is a recognized leader in the area of sex crimes and Internet-related crimes and his office serves all of Newport County (Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton), Washington County (Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, New Shoreham, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, Wakefield and Westerly),  Kent County (Coventry, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Greenwich and West Warwick), and Providence County (Burrillville, Central Falls, Cranston, Cumberland, East Providence, Foster, Glocester, Johnston, Lincoln, North Providence, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Providence, Scituate, Smithfield and Woonsocket).  Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.