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Domestic Violence

Rhode Island Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Understanding Domestic Violence Laws in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, family and criminal courts hold simultaneous jurisdiction over “family crimes” such as assault, sexual abuse, and stalking. These criminal cases mean that charges may be filed in either court and, in some cases, both. For example, civil criminal charges can be set in family court while criminal charges pursue in front of a criminal judge.

In domestic violence cases, it is not unique for victims to be involved in protection orders prepared to limit or stop defendants who have charges from reaching ex-spouses or children who may live at the location where the pending domestic violence case occurred.

Over the past several years, there has been a heightened public awareness of the severe consequences of domestic violence. One response to Rhode Island includes the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (R.I.G.L. 12-29), which was created to ensure that a crime between relatives could be penalized as harshly as a similar violent crime involving strangers.

Under R.I.G.L. 12-29-2, domestic violence is a term that covers the following crimes that are committed by one relative or household member against another.

These domestic violence offenses include:

  • Simple assault
  • Felony assault
  • Vandalism
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Trespass
  • Kidnapping
  • Child snatching
  • Violating a protective order or no-contact order
  • Homicide
  • Sexual assault
  • Stalking
  • Damage or obstruction of a telephone
  • Burglary and unlawful entry
  • Arson
  • Cyberstalking and cyber harassment
  • Assault by strangulation

What does it mean to be a “family or household member”? This can include anyone from spouses, ex-spouses, and adults related by blood or marriage to adults who have lived together for the past three years. This law can also apply to any people who have a child, whether or not they ever lived together, and to people who currently are in a dating relationship or were so within the past year.

But you face more than severe criminal penalties. The effect of a domestic violence arrest can be a massive blow to your reputation, and a conviction would only preserve that social stigma. At the Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey, you can find a legal advocate who understands that a simple misunderstanding or even a maliciously false accusation can land good people in a difficult situation.

Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey Family Violence Legal Counsel

Under Rhode Island law, when a police officer responds to a domestic violence call and believes that probable cause exists that a crime has occurred, they are required to make an arrest. If you are charged with a crime of domestic violence, you need a domestic violence attorney who has the reputation, experience and skill to successfully handle your domestic violence case.

Attorney Humphrey has over 30 years of experience as a criminal attorney, including fourteen (14) years of experience as a municipal prosecutor and special prosecutor handling domestic violence cases. As a result of his knowledge in the area of domestic violence, he has lectured on the topic for the Rhode Island Bar Association and other educational programs and he has published two articles specifically related to the field of domestic violence: “The Law of Domestic Violence in Rhode Island” and “Domestic Violence: Detection, Prosecution, and Defense” in the Rhode Island Bar Journal. Attorney Humphrey is also DUIDLA’s State Ambassador for the State of Rhode Island. 

Protecting Your Rights and Building a Strong Defense

At the Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey, we understand the seriousness and complexity of domestic violence cases. Our experienced domestic violence defense lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you navigate through the legal process.

When facing domestic violence charges, it is crucial to have a strong defense strategy. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the details of your case, gather evidence, and build a solid defense to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Our team will guide you through each step of the legal process, from the initial arrest to court hearings and negotiations. We will advocate for your rights, work towards minimizing the potential consequences, and explore all available options for your defense.

With our expertise and dedication, you can trust us to fight for your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome in your domestic violence case.

Why Hire Attorney Humphrey for Your Domestic Violence Case?

  • Over 30 years of criminal law experience
  • Courtroom-tested insights of a former prosecutor
  • Trusted and highly recommended representation
  • A free, no-obligation consultation to discover your defenses

At this Rhode Island criminal defense firm, you can find the trial-tested defense you need and deserve. Don’t hesitate to see how our hard-hitting legal advocate can craft a legal strategy to guard your reputation, liberty, and future. Contact a Rhode Island domestic violence lawyer at the firm today!


Call Attorney Humphrey today for your free case review!


Our Wins & Happy Clients Testimonials

"Thank you for the wonderful way you handled my Westerly DUI case. I was very scared when I was charged with a DUI with readings over .15. However, I knew you were the right man for the job when you picked up the phone on a Sunday and put my mind at ease. Thank you so much for everything you did for me!"

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