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Criminal Defense in Providence, RI

What Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Providence, Rhode Island attorney on your side.

These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time, and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Providence, RI is the most effective way to protect your rights.

Unfortunately, the Rhode Island criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time, and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel.

As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence, and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Providence criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.

Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Providence, Rhode Island

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Providence professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Providence, RI who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers who are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.

What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?

If you are facing criminal charges in Providence you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.

Probation

Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times when a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will have to abide by a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.

Because of this, Rhode Island laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.

When you receive probation, a judge usually will allow you to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.

Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions that come with serving time in prison. Some of these conditions include participating in rehabilitating programs, following a curfew, and receiving frequent drug testing.

In Providence, Rhode Island you may be also required to pay restitution, court costs, a fine, and any other fees. The length of time you are on probation may drastically range, depending on the initial crime and your previous history.  

According to Rhode Island law, probation length is typically limited to the maximum length of the prison sentence for the offense. According to The Council of State Governments Justice Center, the average probation term in Rhode Island is 6 years, which is three times the national average.

Probation Revoked

If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.

Probation in Providence is supervised by the State of Rhode Island Department of Corrections. You will typically have regular meetings with your probation officer at the Providence Probation & Parole Office.

Other conditions of probation can include community service and substance abuse treatment. In addition, the court can impose restrictions on your internet use and require you to pay restitution fees to victims. If you violate the terms of your probation, Rhode Island law allows you to be held without bail for up to 10 days.

At your probation violation hearing, the judge can extend your probation or send you to jail. You are entitled to have counsel present at the hearing, which may be held at the Providence County District Court. Having a qualified Providence attorney on your side can give you the best chance for a positive outcome.

Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Providence, Rhode Island criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.

Parole

Instead of reporting to a probation officer, parole requires you to report to a parole officer who will set expectations for your compliance. In addition to following the rules of your parole, the parole officer also monitors your progress and reports back to the court and the parole board.

Parole is the period following your release from incarceration, and like probation, it typically comes with numerous conditions and safeguards that you must adhere to during this time.

In Providence, the State of Rhode Island Parole Board has the authority to grant or revoke parole. If you are granted parole, you will typically meet with your parole officer at the Providence Probation & Parole Office. Conditions of your parole may include substance abuse treatment and maintaining lawful employment.

If you violate any terms of your parole, the Board will schedule a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause for a significant violation. Under Rhode Island Law, a violation charge must either be dismissed or a revocation hearing must be scheduled within 90 days. The Parole Board may return you to jail, but you have the right to counsel during all parole hearings. A qualified Providence attorney can help you navigate these proceedings and potentially minimize your time behind bars.

In the case of parole violations, the parole board may require you to serve the remainder of your sentence. However, some violations may lead to additional charges and extended incarceration, which could necessitate the help of a skilled , criminal defense attorney.

Work With an Experienced Local Providence, Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer

A Providence criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case.

By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Providence, RI criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Rhode Island state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.

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