Kent County Domestic Assault Attorney

Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges in Kent, Providence, Washington, Newport, & Bristol Counties

Domestic arguments can often escalate into situations in which a criminal arrest can occur.  When called to a domestic disturbance, law enforcement is often obligated to charge whomever they believe to be the main aggressor with a domestic violence offense.

Like other states, Rhode Island believes acts of domestic violence to be very serious, which is why penalties can be severe. The state will seek to protect the alleged victim and any children through a restraining order. In many instances, the prosecution will proceed even should the accuser wish to drop any charges. Only the prosecutor can make the decision to drop a case.

What To Do When Charged With Domestic Assault and Violence? 

When charged with domestic assault, you must seek the help of an attorney experienced in defending these charges. At Biafore Law, our Kent County domestic assault attorney has been defending clients of criminal charges such as domestic violence crimes for over two decades. That experience can prove invaluable when seeking to achieve a favorable result. That is why we urge you to take advantage of our experience, service record, and commitment to fighting for your rights. Our mission is to help you obtain the best possible outcome. 

Have you been accused of domestic assault? Call Biafore Law today at (401) 244-7433 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced domestic assault lawyer in Kent County.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a label for many offenses that occur at the family, household, or domestic level. 

Domestic violence offenses include crimes involving the following persons:

• Current and former spouses
• Those related by marriage or blood
• Persons living together or who have lived together within the past three years
• Unmarried parents who share a child
• Current and former dating partners

These are crimes that 

• 1) result in bodily injury no matter how slight, or are 
• 2) physical actions intended to put the other person in fear of imminent bodily injury, or 
• 3) violations of restraining orders. 

Types Of Domestic Violence

These crimes can include:

• Simple assault or felony assault
• Sexual assault
• Stalking
• Strangulation
• Homicide
• Trespassing
• Vandalism
• Kidnapping
• Child snatching
• Arson
• Disorderly conduct
• Burglary
• Cyberstalking
• Damage, obstruction, or failure to relinquish a phone

Penalties for Domestic Violence in Rhode Island 

Penalties for domestic violence crimes can include:

• Potential jail time
• Probation
• Fines
• Mandatory batterers’ intervention program
• No-contact restraining order

Second and third convictions will lead to more severe criminal penalties, such as a one-year minimum prison sentence. A conviction can also lead to a risk of deportation for non-citizens as well as other immigration consequences. 

Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dropped?

Domestic violence charges are not as easily dropped as some may assume. Once an accusation of domestic violence is made and law enforcement is involved, the decision to press charges falls largely on the prosecutor, not the alleged victim. Even if the victim recants their statement or expresses a desire to drop the charges, the prosecutor can still proceed with the case. This approach is meant to protect victims who may feel pressured or threatened to withdraw their claims.

Prosecutors often rely on the available evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and physical injuries, to build their case. In some situations, they may even proceed without the victim's cooperation, particularly if there is strong evidence of abuse. The state views domestic violence as a serious offense that affects not only the victim but also public safety.

However, there are legal avenues that a Kent County domestic assault defense attorney can explore to help mitigate the situation. If the charges are based on false accusations, lack of evidence, or misinterpretations of the events, the defense can present these facts to the prosecutor. In some cases, negotiations may lead to reduced charges or a dismissal, especially if the alleged victim no longer wishes to participate.

Contact Our Domestic Assault Lawyer Today

If you are facing a domestic assault or other domestic offense, we highly recommend that you get in touch with Biafore Law as soon as possible so that we can begin protecting your rights and working toward an optimum resolution. Our skilled Kent County domestic violence lawyers can help you protect yourself and your rights. Contact us to schedule a consultation today. 

Contact Biafore Law by calling (401) 244-7433 today to get started on your defense with a skilled Kent County domestic assault attorney.