Kent County Criminal Defense Attorney

Serving the Accused Across Rhode Island & Massachusetts

At Biafore Law, we put experience, compassion, and honesty into serving those who have been accused of criminal offenses. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor, DUI, drug charge, domestic violence charge, reckless driving, or a serious Superior Court felony, we are here to ensure that your rights are protected, that you receive fair treatment, and that you get the rigorous defense you deserve throughout the criminal justice process. 

Being accused of a crime can be a life-changing event, especially if you have never been in trouble with the law before. You may have little understanding of the statutes, the procedures, or your rights. You can easily and inadvertently hurt your own case and prospects when dealing with law enforcement and the court. Having a professional by your side can ensure that you are not taken advantage of and that you have the legal protections you need. 

Accused of a crime in Kent County or the counties of Providence, Washington, Newport, or Bristol? Get an initial consultation with our Kent County criminal defense lawyer by contacting us online or at (401) 244-7433. Available 24/7. Hablamos español.

Being Represented by a Criminal Defense Attorney Is Important

Handling a criminal matter alone is never a good course of action. The justice process involves many procedures someone without a background in criminal law might not be familiar with. Failing to do what is required or not recognizing the avenues one can explore to fight a charge can negatively impact the case's outcome.

A criminal defense lawyer can help navigate the intricacies of your case. They know your rights and how to protect them. For example, if law enforcement officials conducted an illegal search and seizure, your attorney may file a motion to suppress evidence. They also understand the law and how to apply it to your case. Additionally, a criminal lawyer with experience defending the accused is familiar with court processes and can adeptly negotiate with the opposing counsel, analyze evidence, and present arguments in court.

With the various options out there, choosing the right attorney for you can be difficult. 

Still, considering a few key factors can help in deciding:

• Responsiveness: Working with an attorney who responds quickly to inquiries is essential. After all, this is the individual you'll be turning to with questions throughout your case. 
• Experience: The attorney you hire should have a background in criminal law. It's a plus if they have handled cases like yours.
• Reviews: Check out what past clients have had to say about your potential lawyer. You can get a feel for their level of service by reading about others' experiences.
• Level of comfort: Schedule a consultation with the attorney and ask questions about their approach. The conversation can help you get a sense of what it would be like to work with the lawyer.

At Biafore Law, our Kent County criminal defense attorney has over 20 years of experience standing up for those charged with crimes. Throughout our time in practice, we have handled an array of cases, including DUI, domestic assault, drug possession, and reckless driving. We are passionate about serving others and delivering an unmatched client experience. Past clients have had positive things to say about our legal representation. We invite you to read our client testimonials and contact us to schedule a consultation. 

What Happens After an Arrest in Kent County?

If you have been arrested, you will go through several steps in the criminal justice system. Below is a brief overview of the system. Because every case is different, the stages may vary.

The criminal justice process in Rhode Island:

• Booking: The arresting officer will take you to the local law enforcement agency. There, you will be asked for your demographic information, fingerprinted, and photographed. Your details are input into the agency's system.
• Arraignment: If the prosecution decides to pursue formal charges, you will be scheduled for an arraignment. During the proceeding, a judge will inform you of what you have been charged with and may ask you to enter a plea.
• Pre-trial conference: Your defense lawyer will receive the opposing side's evidence against you. They analyze this information and may conduct their own investigation to determine how to move forward.
• Trial: If your defense lawyer cannot settle your case with a plea deal, the matter will proceed to trial. Here, the prosecution and your attorney present their arguments before a judge or jury.
• Sentencing: If you are found guilty of the alleged offense, the judge will impose punishments such as incarceration, probation, fines, victim restitution, community service, and/or driver's license revocation.
• Appeal: You may challenge an unfavorable judgment against you by demonstrating how a legal error impacted the outcome of your case. A higher court will review the decision and determine whether it should be upheld or overturned.

Our criminal defense lawyer in Kent County can stand by you through each stage of your case. We will let you know what to expect, answer your questions, and address your concerns.

Penalties for Criminal Charges in Rhode Island

Rhode Island imposes a range of penalties for criminal charges, emphasizing both punitive measures and rehabilitation efforts. The severity of penalties depends on the nature of the offense, any prior criminal history, and specific circumstances surrounding the case.

For misdemeanors, penalties may include fines, probation, community service, or short-term incarceration. These offenses are generally less severe and often carry lighter consequences.

The penalties associated with felony charges are more severe. A felon may be sentenced to life in prison or substantial fines if convicted of a felony. The severity of punishment varies greatly depending on the nature of the offense, such as violent crimes or drug-related charges.

Rhode Island also emphasizes rehabilitation, and individuals convicted of certain offenses may be required to participate in counseling, drug or alcohol treatment programs, or community service as part of their sentence.

In addition to legal penalties, a criminal conviction can have lasting consequences on an individual's personal and professional life, affecting employment opportunities and social standing. Recognizing the potential gravity of criminal charges, individuals facing such allegations in Rhode Island are strongly advised to seek competent legal representation. 

Call us at (401) 244-7433 or contact us online to discuss your case.

Criminal Law in Rhode Island

Your first step after being arrested should be to bring in a skilled criminal lawyer. At Biafore Law, you can work with an attorney backed by more than two decades of experience in resolving criminal charges in Rhode Island. 

Our attorney will give you an honest assessment of your case, thoroughly investigate the charges brought against you, create a strategic defense, negotiate with the prosecutor where needed, or fight for you in the court before a judge and jury. 

You could be facing jail or prison time, heavy fines, a long probation, and other court-ordered sanctions. A conviction can affect your reputation, your job or career, your family, your future opportunities, and your freedom. Putting yourself at risk for these penalties should never be done without professional legal help. At Biafore Law, we have a long history of successful results and we will apply our best effort to helping you obtain a favorable outcome, whether that is a case dismissal, reduced charges, reduced sentencing, or some other alternative. 

Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help today.