Criminal Defense

If you believe that you are being investigated for a crime, it is crucial to retain a Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer. You should not answer questions without an attorney present. Often, what you say while being interrogated is used to build a case against you. If you choose Bilodeau Capalbo, LLC, we can start building a defense strategy and investigating the facts surrounding your charges. We defend people charged with white collar crimes, drug crimes, DWI, misdemeanors, violent crimes, sex crimes, traffic offenses, and serious felonies. We can also guide people in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts through family law matters, personal injury cases, and many other legal concerns.

Drug crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies in Rhode Island, depending on the type of controlled substance, the amount of it involved, and the activity involving the drug. While a conviction for possessing at least one ounce of marijuana can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail and a $500 fine, marijuana possession with intent to distribute more than a kilogram is a felony offense that can result in 10 years’ imprisonment and $500,000 in fines. On the other hand, possessing heroin in even small amounts is a felony, and you can face three years’ imprisonment, $5,000 in fines, and other punishments.

Rhode Island has strict laws and penalties related to drunk driving. DUI occurs when a driver has a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher. However, a driver who is under age 21 can be charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol content is between .02% and .08%. The penalties imposed for a conviction vary depending on how many prior offenses you have, your blood alcohol level, and whether an accident or injury occurred in connection with the drunk driving. A criminal defense attorney can explain to Rhode Island residents the specific penalties that they may be facing.

White collar crimes tend to involve deception and wrongdoing in connection with property, rather than violence or fear. They can include embezzlement, forgery, wrongful conversion, getting money under false pretenses, banking violations, criminal usury, false swearing, extortion, and mortgage and loan fraud.

Violent crimes include assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, robbery, manslaughter, and homicide or murder. They can also include domestic violence. Felony assault and battery can be charged when there is an assault or battery or both, using a dangerous weapon or another dangerous substance, or when the victim suffers a serious physical injury. When an assault causes a serious bodily injury, the defendant can be punished with up to 20 years of incarceration. A serious bodily injury is a physical injury that creates a substantial danger of death and causes the protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily part, organ, or member, or it causes serious permanent disfigurement or circumcises or infibulates genitalia. Other felony assaults that result in bodily injuries or no injuries can result in up to six years’ incarceration.

A Rhode Island criminal defense attorney can help you determine a strategic defense. In criminal cases, the prosecution must establish the elements of the crime "beyond a reasonable doubt." This is a high standard, and in some cases it is appropriate to defend against criminal charges by creating a reasonable doubt. For example, embezzlement occurs when somebody is entrusted with finances or property and then uses the property for their own use or benefit. When defending against charges of embezzlement, it may be appropriate to raise doubt about the prosecution's version of what happened in connection with utilizing the property. Perhaps there was no use, or perhaps there was a misunderstanding about what was to be done with the property. In other cases, there may be procedural or substantive defenses available. A procedural defense in a drug crime case, for example, might argue that the drugs were seized illegally in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

If you face criminal charges in Rhode Island, it is important to consult an aggressive and knowledgeable attorney. At Bilodeau Capalbo, LLC, we prioritize close relationships with our clients, and we have upheld a strong reputation for client satisfaction. Our firm represents criminal defendants throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. We have offices in West Warwick, Westerly, and Hartford. Call us at (401) 300-4055 or contact us through our online form. We also can assist you with bringing a personal injury claim or guiding you through an insurance dispute, a divorce, a real estate transaction, or another legal matter.