Newport

Criminal Defense Attorney in Newport

Newport Criminal Defense Informed by Experience as a Prosecutor & Judge

A criminal charge can threaten your liberty, driving privileges, employment, professional standing, and reputation. Early legal advice can guide how you respond to police contact, court notices, release conditions, evidence, and plea discussions while avoiding statements or decisions that could harm your case.

I defend people facing misdemeanor and felony charges, DUI, chemical test refusal, domestic violence allegations, sex crimes, and other criminal accusations. My service as a Newport County Bail Commissioner since 1996 gives me direct knowledge of the early decisions that can shape a case.

Call (401) 441-5486 to request a free initial, no-obligation consultation about your Newport charge.

Criminal Proceedings in Newport County Courts

A criminal case may begin with an arrest or summons, followed by arraignment and a decision about bail or release conditions. The Second Division District Court in Newport generally handles misdemeanors and the early stages of many felony cases. Felony trials and later proceedings may take place in Newport County Superior Court.

Depending on the accusation and procedural posture, the case may involve discovery, motions, negotiations, trial, and sentencing. I can explain where your case stands, what the court requires, and which issues need immediate attention.

Former Prosecutor & Municipal Court Judge Perspective

I have more than 30 years of experience representing people charged with DUI and other criminal offenses. Before becoming a defense attorney, I served as a prosecutor and handled cases involving drunk driving, domestic violence, and proceedings connected with Superior Court. I’ve also served as a Municipal Court Judge.

That perspective helps me examine how charges were selected, how the prosecution may assess the evidence, and which defense positions require closer investigation. I provide honest, straightforward advice based on the facts and legal issues in your case.

Published Knowledge of Rhode Island DUI & Criminal Law

I prepared Rhode Island’s DUI practice manual, Drunk Driving: Detection, Prosecution and Defense, including its 2025 update. I’ve also published 20 Rhode Island Bar Journal articles on criminal law, DUI, and sex-crime topics.

My legal education work includes:

Lectures for the Rhode Island Bar Association on DUI and criminal-law subjects
Programs for law-enforcement organizations and public defenders
Instruction on chemical test refusal, hardship licenses, domestic violence, cyber crimes, sex crimes, and criminal procedure

My defense practice ranges from misdemeanors to first-degree sexual assault and DUI death-resulting cases. I assess each accusation according to its evidence and legal issues, not simply the name of the charge.

Direct, One-on-One Representation Throughout Your Case

At Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey, I remain directly involved in each representation and explain the decisions a client may face at every stage. One client testimonial on my website describes a Newport vandalism charge that was dismissed and later expunged. That result was specific to the facts of that case and doesn’t predict the outcome of another.

How I Examine the Evidence & Police Conduct

A defense review starts with the facts, available evidence, and procedures used by police and prosecutors. The relevant issues depend on the charge, prior record, stage of the proceedings, and information obtained through investigation and discovery.

I may review:

The stop or arrest: The stated legal basis for police action and whether officers followed required procedures.
Statements and searches: How evidence was obtained and whether constitutional protections apply.
Witness evidence: Accounts, identification procedures, credibility concerns, and available video.
Scientific evidence: Chemical testing, forensic materials, collection methods, and documentation.
Charging decisions: The alleged conduct, the elements prosecutors must establish, and available defense positions.

While your case is pending, follow all court-ordered conditions. Don’t discuss the details publicly or contact potential witnesses about their testimony without first obtaining legal advice.

Defense Issues Vary by the Criminal Charge

Each type of accusation presents different evidentiary, procedural, and personal concerns. I build the defense around the specific facts rather than applying a standard response based on the charge alone.

Charge-specific concerns may include:

DUI and chemical test refusal: The traffic stop, field sobriety testing, chemical testing, driving privileges, and any separate license-related proceeding.
Sex-crime allegations: Witness statements, digital evidence, forensic materials, identification, and the timeline of the alleged conduct.
Domestic violence charges: Release conditions, no-contact orders, witness evidence, and related family concerns.
Drug charges: Searches, possession or control, laboratory testing, statements, and the circumstances surrounding seized evidence.
Property and financial offenses: Intent, ownership, records, identification, and evidence connecting a person to burglary, fraud, vandalism, or another alleged act.
Violent-crime accusations: Eyewitness accounts, self-defense issues, forensic evidence, video, and the sequence of events.

I also represent clients charged with misdemeanors, robbery, murder, and other serious offenses. The available options depend on the evidence, applicable law, and procedural stage of the case.

Get Clear Advice About a Newport Criminal Charge

If you’re facing a criminal charge, DUI, or related investigation in Newport or Newport County, I can review the accusation, current court status, and immediate concerns. A free initial, no-obligation consultation allows you to understand the next steps before deciding whether to retain me.

Call (401) 441-5486 to speak with me directly about your criminal defense case.

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"His efforts were outstanding and I am so happy that I hired Attorney Humphrey"
I had never been in any trouble with the law before when a co-worker accused me of stealing. The police arrested me and charged me with larceny. Attorney Humphrey helped me navigate through the unfamiliar legal process with ease. He believed in my innocence and was prepared to take my case to trial. However, I never had to go to trial because he successfully persuaded the Prosecution to dismiss the charge. His efforts were outstanding and I am so happy that I hired Attorney Humphrey to represent me.

- Steven
"HE WROTE THE RHODE ISLAND BOOK ON DUI DEFENSE!"
HE WROTE THE RHODE ISLAND BOOK ON DUI DEFENSE! When I recently got charged with drunk driving with high BAC readings after hitting a tree, I was referred to Attorney Humphrey by a friend who said he wrote Rhode Island’s book on DUI law. I could not recommend Attorney Humphrey more highly. He was able to get my high BAC readings thrown out so I could have a very successful outcome. When you have a DUI case, call the Man who wrote the Book.

- Ross
"As a result of his hard work, I never received a criminal conviction"
I am a URI student and when I was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident, I knew I needed help. My parents thoroughly researched Rhode Island criminal defense attorneys and hired Attorney Robert Humphrey. It was clear from the onset of my case that my parents had hired the right attorney for the job. Not having a criminal conviction was my number one concern. However, Attorney Humphrey did not stop there. As a result of his hard work, I never received a criminal conviction and I never received any license suspension. I have already recommended him to friends and they have been equally satisfied with his representation.

- Adeline

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