Recent Posts in Drug Charges Category

As reported in the July 1, 2010 Providence Journal, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed a new law focused on date rape.  "Date Rape" refers to a specific type of sexual assault.  Sometimes drugs are used to alter the victim physically or mentally, making it easier for the sexual assault to occur.  The new bill makes it a felony for a person to distribute a controlled substance to another person without their knowledge with the intent to commit a crime of violence against that person.  Even if the perpetrator does not actual commit the crime of violence, he/she can be convicted under the new law.  If convicted, a person can face up to ten (10) years in prison.

The bill was proposed over two years ago and based on a real situation that happened in Warwick, RI.  A man put a drug into a woman's drink, but luckily, her friends witnessed his actions.  The man was then detained until police arrived. However, the police had to let the man go because at the time no crime had been committed.

If you or a family member have been charged with rape, sexual assault or other sex crimes please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process.  Contact Robert H. Humphrey at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.

As reported by W. Zachary Malinowski, Amanda Milkovits and Tracey Breton in the June 10, 2010 Providence Journal and Kate Bramson in the June 15, 2010 Providence Journal, four police officers and one corrections officer were indicted on drug charges.  These new indictments are all part of the undercover operation known as Operation Deception, organized by the Rhode Island State Police. The original investigation led to the arrest of three police officers in March.  As the investigation continued, another police officer, a corrections officer and 19 other people were also arrested.  In total 24 people have been indicted and charged with 89 counts.  Two other suspects turned themselves in to the Rhode Island State Police following the indictments.  The Rhode Island State Police used wiretaps and electronic car monitoring during their investigation, which helped lead to the arrests. 

Two of the four police officers arrested and charged were veteran narcotics detectives from the Providence Police Department and had served in the narcotics division for fifteen years.  Both were part of an investigation in 2004 which led to more than $1 million worth of cocaine being seized.  At the time, that was the largest drug seizure in the history of the Providence Police Department. 

All 24 people were charged with drug related offenses, including conspiracy to deliver marijuana, conspiracy to deliver cocaine, possession of cocaine, harboring a drug dealer, solicitation to deliver cocaine, and possession of cocaine with intent to deliver.   The alleged drug dealer is Albert Hamlin, the brother of one of the police officers who was charged.  Hamlin is charged with 21 counts of possession with intent to deliver cocaine.  It is believed that Hamlin received protection from his brother for his drug dealing, including tipping him off about other police officers.

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 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 Katherine Gregg in the March 17, 2010 Providence Journal, “a state Senate commission has recommended the decriminalization of an ounce or less of marijuana.”  It is anticipated that Rhode Island may follow the Massachusetts marijuana law where adults found in possession of an ounce or less of marijuana are required to pay a $100.00 civil fine.  Currently, anyone found in possession of marijuana in Rhode Island is guilty of a misdemeanor and is punished by a fine of $200.00 to $500.00 and up to a year in jail.  The Rhode Island Department of Attorney General and many police departments have opposed the decriminalization of marijuana.  The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association has referred to marijuana as a “dangerous drug”.  Last year there were 2,546 arrests for first offense possession of marijuana.  Although the decriminalization of marijuana is being hotly debated in Rhode Island, it is important to remember that possession of marijuana is still a crime in Rhode Island.

As reported by Tatiana in the February 17, 2010, Providence Journal, “the Hopkinton Police charged a Charlestown couple with drug and gun possession Sunday and confiscated marijuana, cocaine, and assault rifle, a sniper rifle and a shotgun from their house.”

If you or a family member has been charged with possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine,  assault and such or illegal possession of firearms in the towns of Hopkinton or Charlestown or another Rhode Island community, please allow  Attorney Robert H. Humphrey’s reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process.  Contact  Robert H. Humphrey, Esq. at (401) 816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.

With the Newport St. Patrick’s Day parade just around the corner, it is important to remember that both the Newport Police and the Middletown Police have increased their alcohol enforcement patrols.  The 2009 St. Patrick’s Day parade saw an unprecedented amount of Salve Regina University and other college students apprehended for the unlawful possession of an alcoholic beverage.

The first offense penalties for the possession of an alcoholic beverage by an underage person include a $150.00 to $750.00 fine, thirty (30) hours of community service, and a minimum sixty (60) days suspension of his or her driver’s license.  The penalties for  furnishing or procurement of alcoholic beverages for underage persons include a $350.00 to $1,000.00 fine and/or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six (6) months or both.  In addition the Newport Municipal Court fine for an open container has dramatically increased in recent years.

Please allow  Attorney Robert H. Humphrey’s reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process when you have been charged with an alcohol offense in Newport, RI.

“Decriminalizing marijuana might save the state millions of dollars in prosecution and prison costs, or it could have the opposite effect and make a drug that is currently illegal in Rhode Island – and most of the United States – much more readily available to anyone within the state’s borders, including teenagers, “ reports Katherine Gregg, State House Bureau reporter in the January 20, 2010 Providence Journal.  Proponents for decriminalizing marijuana argue that “the state could save upwards of $2.2 million annually in prison costs alone by decriminalizing the possession of less than an ounce of marijuana.”

As the debate regarding the possibility of decriminalizing marijuana continues in the State of Rhode Island it is important to remember that  possession of marijuana is still a crime.  Therefore, if you or a family member has been charged with possession of marijuana please contact  Attorney Robert H. Humphrey at (401) 816-5862 or E-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.