Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorney:
Hire Providence RI's Top Rated Criminal Law Lawyers!
Facing criminal charges in Rhode Island can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, it's important to have an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer on your side. Upstanding citizens who have never been in trouble before can find themselves on the wrong side of the criminal justice system with seemingly with nowhere to turn. At the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, a premier criminal defense law firm, we focus our skills on providing legal representation for a wide range of criminal charges, including DUI, drug offenses, assault, and more. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of Rhode Island's criminal justice system, we are committed to fighting for your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free, confidential criminal defense strategy session at 401-228-8271 and let our legal team put our legal experience to work for you.
For More Information on Specific Criminal Defense Services Follow the Links Below:
DUI Charges - Drug Charges - Domestic Violence Charges - Expungement
All Charges We Handle
Any criminal charge is a serious matter that requires a serious response. Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorneys Matthew Marin, Kensley Barrett, and Stefanie Murphy focus their practice on the defense of individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses throughout the State. The criminal defense lawyer job description encompasses a range of critical responsibilities. We are dedicated to defending your rights, navigating complex legal systems, and ensuring fair treatment in court. As experienced Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyers they routinely appears in the 2nd District Court (Newport County), 3rd District Court (Kent County), 4th District Court (Washington County), and the 6th District Court (Providence and Bristol Counties). In addition to appearing in Rhode Island District Court's, our RI Criminal Defense Lawyers also appear in all four county Superior Courts (Newport, Washington, Kent and Providence).
Rhode Island DUI Lawyer: A Primary Focus on R.I. DUI Defense
We focus our criminal defense services on a few specific criminal offenses one of which includes Rhode Island DUI Charges. We have dedicated our career to the study and defense of criminal drunk driving charges and the corresponding charges of refusal to submit to a chemical test and reckless driving. This study includes our intimate knowledge of the standardized field sobriety tests used in RI DUI arrests and being fluent in the administration of the chemical breath test and blood draws in RI DUI cases. As a highly experienced Rhode Island DUI Attorneys, we have nearly a decade of handling drunk driving trials in Rhode Island at the District Court, Superior Court, and the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal. For more information on specific Rhode Island DUI charges, R.I. DUI penalties, and R.I. chemical test refusal offenses please follow the links below:
RI DUI Lawyer - Drunk Driving Penalties and Chemical Test Refusal Information:
- First Offense DUI Charges
- Second Offense DUI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Chemical Test Refusal Charges
- First Offense Chemical Test Refusal Penalties
- Conditional Hardship License After a DUI in RI
- Rhode Island DUI Lawyer
Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer - What We Do
When you hire a RI Criminal Defense Lawyer to handle your criminal case, you want to be assured that you have an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney in your corner. Our team's criminal defense lawyer qualifications include extensive courtroom experience, deep knowledge of Rhode Island laws, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest legal developments to ensure the most effective defense for our clients. As local, aggressive, and experienced Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyers the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm will begin the process of investigating your case and building possible defenses to the charges against you. You will be informed every step of the way and be provided all relevant documentation obtained on your behalf. With our experienced Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyers assisting your defense, you remain in control of your case and make all the critical and important decisions with the advice and guidance of an experienced defense lawyer. Our investigation process typically includes:
• Obtaining All Police Reports, Witness Statements, and Surveillance Videos
• Interviewing Potential Witnesses
• Reviewing the Facts and Circumstances of the Case with the Client
• Speaking with the Prosecutor and Police Officers Involved in the Case
• Obtaining Criminal Records of any potential Witness
• Providing Aggressive in Court Rhode Island Criminal Defense Representation
• Prepare your criminal case for trial or negotiate a favorable plea deal
If you need to hire a criminal defense attorney in RI, look no further. Our law firm offers the expertise and support needed to navigate your criminal charges effectively.
RI Criminal Defense Attorneys Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Can Begin Building Your BEST Defense, Contact Us Immediately To Protect Your Rights
Call Us 24/7: 401-228-8271
Email: [email protected]
Rhode Island Criminal Defense: Typical Criminal Case Process
• The Process of Setting and Release on Bail
• The Arraignment Process and the Pre-Arraignment Conference (Providence Felonies only)
• The Investigation Process
• The Pre-Trial Bargaining and Negotiation Process
• The Rhode Island Criminal Trial Process (Rhode Island DUI Trials and Chemical Test Refusal Trials)
• The Sentencing Process
To check on the status of your own Rhode Island case, visit the Rhode Island Judiciary Website.
RI Criminal Defense Lawyers - Areas We Serve
As a local Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer, we are very familiar with our local towns, counties, and courthouses. In fact, we appear on a daily basis in multiple courthouses each and every day. Searching for a 'criminal defense attorney near me' in Rhode Island? Our law firm serves various local communities, providing accessible and reliable legal support. We represent, and have represented, individuals facing criminal misdemeanor and felony charges, domestic violence crimes including domestic assault, and drunk driving charges and other motor vehicle crimes from the following jurisdictions:
Neighborhoods We Serve:
Providence County District Court:
- Barrington
- Bristol
- Burrillville
- Central Falls
- Cumberland
- East Providence
- Pawtucket
- Providence
- State Police - Lincoln Barracks
- Warren
- Woonsocket
Kent County District Court:
- Coventry
- Cranston
- East Greenwich
- Exeter
- Foster
- Glocester
- Johnston
- Lincoln
- North Kingstown
- North Providence
- North Smithfield
- Scituate
- Smithfield
- State Police - Hope Valley Barracks
- Warwick
- West Greenwich
- West Warwick
Newport County District Court:
- Jamestown
- Little Compton
- Middletown
- Newport
- Portsmouth
- State Police - Wickford Barracks
- Tiverton
Washington County District Court:
- Charlestown
- Hopkinton
- Narragansett
- New Shoreham
- South Kingstown
- State Police - Hope Valley Barracks
- Richmond
- Westerly
Providence Criminal Defense Lawyer
Frequently Asked Question: We are often asked by our Clients what are some of the benefits of hiring a Providence Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer and RI DUI Attorney to handle their case. There are many benefits, but some of the most important include:
- Centralized Location Close to the Providence District Court and the Providence Superior Court
- Conveniently Located to a Number of Surrounding Communities including East Providence, Cranston, North Providence, and even Woonsocket, Burrillville, and Smithfield
- As a local criminal defense attorney in Rhode Island, we have formed outstanding relationships with the Prosecutors, Judges, Court Personnel and can use those relationship to assist you in your defense as your case moves through the system
- Convenient Office Hours and Meeting Times Available - we know you work, and the last thing you want to do is to lose time or get in trouble at work because your lawyer has an inconvenient schedule or is never available to meet with you
These are just a few of the reasons why it is to your benefit to hire a local and experienced Rhode Island Criminal Lawyer to handle your criminal case or a Providence DUI Lawyer to defend you against drunk driving or other alcohol related offenses. We are available 24/7 to help at 401-228-8271.
Drug Charges in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's drug laws are especially severe and can quickly lead to long jail sentences. Frequently, many seemingly innocent drug possession charges can be prosecuted as a felony drug charge such as possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. In Rhode Island, possession with intent to deliver charges can result in the individual charged being held without bail in jail even though they are still presumed innocent of the charges. Moreover, possession with intent charges carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for small quantities of drugs and up to a $100,000 fine. In addition to severe penalties, many illegal drug charges are prosecuted in federal court and result in a significant federal prison sentence or jail time.
In 2022, simple possession of 10 grams or less of certain controlled substances is now a misdemeanor criminal charge and is punishable by up to 2 years in jail, a $500 fine and drug counseling. If you are found in possession of more than 10 grams of certain controlled substances you will face a felony drug crime. You will need the help of an experienced and local Rhode Island drug lawyer to provide you with legal advice and represent you through the court process. Only a local criminal defense law firm and skilled RI drug lawyer who has extensive experience will be knowledgable on the local Rhode Island court system and be able to guide you through the legal process from your arraignment hearing through the end of your case and provide clear guidance on what to expect and how to best handle your drug charge. Moreover, a skilled drug lawyer will be able to help you protect your criminal record.
Frequently Asked RI Criminal Lawyer Questions:
With 25 years of combined Rhode Island criminal defense experience, we have a good perspective to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about hiring a defense attorney after you have been charged with a criminal offense. Many of these questions are asked during an initial consultation and some of them are questions that prospective clients may be afraid to ask. We are happy to discuss the questions and answers with you in great detail in person or over the phone, so if you have questions please do not hesitate to contact our office and set up your own no obligation criminal defense strategy session today. We are available 24/7 at 401-228-8271.
Should I Hire A Criminal Lawyer?
The question of whether to hire a private criminal defense counsel to represent you can be a difficult question with many factors including cost, which is discussed below. However, you should NEVER go to court facing a criminal charge without securing legal representation from an experienced local attorney. Not a divorce lawyer. Not a real estate lawyer. An attorney who focuses their time, energy, attention, and practice to the defense of those charged with criminal offenses in Rhode Island. Please review our law firm client testimonials to see some of the great things our former clients have to say after we have helped provide them top notch legal services with their legal matter.
Whether you choose to secure no cost legal representation through the public defenders office or you choose to hire our law office to provide you legal services, you should never go to Court in RI to face criminal allegations and a possible criminal conviction without a great criminal attorney by your side. An experienced local defense lawyer will be able to handle your criminal matter in a way that puts you in a substantially better position than you would find yourself on your own. Don't delay and don't second guess, ALWAYS secure legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney before you go to Court.
How Much Does A Criminal Defense Attorney Cost?
This is a question that is frequently asked by our criminal defense clients. Understanding criminal defense lawyer fees is crucial when facing legal challenges. At Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we offer transparent and competitive rates. Our fees reflect the depth of our expertise and dedication to your case.
Unfortunately like many things in the law, the answer is it depends. Oftentimes prospective new clients will call our office seeking legal representation and before telling us so much as their own name they want to know "how much do you charge to defend me?" At the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we charge fixed flat rate fees to represent individuals on criminal cases. Until we know about your case in substantial detail, it is impossible for us to accurately quote you a legal fee to take on your matter. Some cases are somewhat easier to whittle down, such as expungements or minor criminal misdemeanor offenses, while others can be very difficult, such as complex felony offenses and violent crimes with significant aggravating factors.
However, when it comes to hiring a criminal defense attorney to handle your case there are a few good rules of thumb when evaluating costs. In our consumer culture, it is engrained in our nature to be price sensitive and to seek out the "lowest cost" option. Let me caution you against this approach.
If you consider your criminal case serious enough to spend your time and energy and ultimately money obtaining legal representation, it means that you value the service that you are seeking and you want to make sure that the case is handled appropriately and that you achieve the best result.
On the other hand, if you main concern in the handling of your criminal case is the cost of the legal fee that is required you may end up receiving a lesser service for that lower cost. Attorneys are not commodities and each one is not exactly the same as the other just because they are lawyers. For example, if you are shopping for gasoline you might drive a minute down the road past the Shell Station to the Cumberland Farms to get your gas 25 cents cheaper. You expect that, although the gasoline is cheaper at the Cumberland Farms, it is the exact same product that the Shell Station is selling. Unfortunately many people make this same assumption when it comes to criminal defense lawyers when the assumption is not true.
Ultimately, cost should be a factor, even an important factor, in hiring a criminal defense attorney to handle your case. In our opinion, however, it should not be the number one factor but part of a mix of factors. At the end of the day, you want to hire a criminal defense attorney to ensure that your case is handled properly and that you are able to achieve the best result under the circumstances. Cutting corners on legal fees can sometimes lead to the opposite result.
How Do I Hire a Good Criminal Defense Attorney?
Rating systems and former client reviews a good starting point for identifying and hiring a great criminal defense attorney to handle your case. No one wants to hire a "bad" lawyer or an "okay" criminal defense attorney. Rhode Island has many excellent private practice criminal defense attorneys. Once you are able to identify your top choice, it is very important to speak with them and make sure that they are a good "fit" for you. A good fit requires a good attitude and an ability to communicate both back and forth. It also requires mutually shared goals and a realistic understanding of the risks and potential case outcomes. Here are some additional tips for choosing the best criminal defense lawyer for you:
- Choose a lawyer with a passion for the law - you don't want a lawyer that is just doing their job representing you
- All experience is not the same - years of experience working on corporate law is not the same a courtroom experience defending those with charges similar to yours
- Trust your feelings - if your lawyer makes you uncomfortable or pressures you into making a decision, choose someone else
- Look for confidence, not arrogance - there is always an element of unknown when it comes to the law, don't trust anyone who guarantees a specific outcome to your case
RI Criminal Defense Lawyers and RI DUI Attorneys Marin, Barrett, and Murphy
Need to find a criminal defense lawyer in Rhode Island? Contact Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm for a free, confidential strategy session at 401-228-8271. We're here to help. Our Rhode Island Criminal Lawyers and RI DUI Attorneys Can Begin Building Your BEST RI Defense
Contact Us Immediately To Protect Your Legal Rights
Call Us 24/7: 401-228-8271
Email: [email protected]
