As reported earlier today by the Providence Journal, an incident that occurred yesterday evening at a Subway Restaurant in Cranston, Rhode Island led to two arrests.  A female patron was arrested on multiple charges including disorderly conduct, simple assault, obstruction of justice, and possession of marijuana.  A male who fled the scene was later arrested and charged with felony assault and disorderly conduct charges.  The felony assault charges have resulted in the male being held at the ACI pending an arraignment in the Kent County District Court on Monday morning.  For more information on this case, visit the Projo.

 

 

A charge of felony assault in Rhode Island is an extremely serious offense.  Even for a first offense, a conviction for felony assault carries up to 20 years in jail.  As alleged in the Subway Restaurant incident above, a felony assault can be committed using a dangerous weapon.  Oftentimes this is referred to as assault with a dangerous weapon, or assault with a deadly weapon (ADW).  A felony assault charge can also be brought when the victim sustains "serious bodily injury."  Serious bodily injury is defined by Rhode Island law to include (1) injury that creates a substantial risk of death, (2) injury that causes the protracted loss or function of any bodily part, member, or organ, or (3) causes serious permanent disfigurement.

 

 

Felony assault convictions carry additional penalties in addition to the possible prison sentence.  In many cases, the defendant can be ordered to pay thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills as restitution and the defendant, if he is not sentenced to jail, can be placed on probation for up to 20 years.

 

 

Attorney Matthew Marin represents individuals charged with assault throughout Rhode Island.  We handle both felony assault and misdemeanor assault charges, as well as felony domestic assault and misdemeanor domestic assaults.  We know the strategies and tactics to put your best defense forward and we can put our experience and skill to work for you defending your Rhode Island assault case.  The first step in defending yourself is to give us a call to set up a no fee, confidential consultation.  Attorney Marin is available 24/7 to take your call and schedule a prompt and convenient appointment.  Call us today at 401-228-8271 or email us at [email protected].