Warwick Felony Lawyer

As noted earlier, a felony is the severest level of charge. Rhode Island General Laws § 11-1-2 defines a felony as an offense carrying more than one year of imprisonment and/or more than $1,000 in fines.

In contrast, a misdemeanor is punishable by no more than one year of incarceration and no more than $1,000. A grade below that is a petty misdemeanor, which can be penalized by no more than six months in jail and/or no more than $500 in fines.

Felony Cases We Handle

Many offenses codified in the Rhode Island General Laws fall under the felony definition. Because of the seriousness of these matters, you must seek representation from a lawyer who knows how to handle felonies. 

I am well-equipped to take on any felony case in Kent County, Providence County, and Washington County. I am a Special Assistant Attorney General who tried over 30 jury trials for various felonies, including murder, sexual assault, burglary, robbery, and drug crimes. 

Recognizing that those charged with crimes are people who have made mistakes or were falsely accused, I decided to use my skills to defend these individuals. My previous experience as a prosecutor allows me to comprehensively and effectively fight for my clients. I leverage my insider knowledge to anticipate the other side’s moves and identify weaknesses in arguments.

Now, as a Warwick felony defense attorney, I provide representation for an array of charges, including, but not limited to:

• Domestic violence: While some domestic violence offenses committed against a family or household member can be misdemeanors, others can be felonies. These include:
  • Felony assault (RI Gen. Laws § 11-5-2): Causing or attempting to assault another with a dangerous weapon or by causing serious bodily injury. If serious bodily injury resulted, the offense is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Otherwise, it’s punishable by not more than 6 years in prison.
  • Kidnapping (RI Gen. Laws § 11-26-1): Forcibly or secretly confining or transporting another person. A conviction can result in up to 20 years in prison.
  • First-degree sexual assault (RI Gen. Laws § 11-37-2): Engaging in sexual penetration with someone who cannot resist or by using force or surprise. Penalties include up to 10 years in prison.
• Felony theft (RI Gen. Laws § 11-41-1): Unlawfully taking money, goods, or other property from another person. The penalties depend on the value of the item involved:
  • More than $1,500 but less than $5,000: Up to 3 years in prison and/or up to $1,500 in fines.
  • More than $5,000 but less than $10,000: Up to 6 years in prison and/or up to $3,000 in fines.
  • More than $10,000: Up to 10 years in prison and/or up to $5,000 in fines.
• White collar crimes: Generally, these are non-violent and financially motivated offenses occurring in the business, banking, or government sectors. Examples of violations include:
  • Embezzlement (RI Gen. Laws § 11-41-3): A person with whom money or other assets were trusted for a specific purpose using the property for their own benefit. The crime is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or up to $50,000 in fines or 3 times the value of the item involved.
  • Embezzlement by a bank officer or employee (RI Gen. Laws § 11-41-11): A bank employee, with intent to defraud, converting the assets under the control of the institution for their own use. The penalties include up to 20 years in prison and/or up to $20,000 in fines.
  • Obtaining property by false pretenses (RI Gen. Laws § 11-41-4): With intent to defraud, making fraudulent statements or falsely representing oneself to obtain money, goods, or other property from another person. The penalties applied are the same as those for theft.
  • Identity fraud (RI Gen. Laws § 11-49.1-3): With intent to defraud, knowingly and without authority, producing, using, or transferring the identification document of another or a false identification document. A conviction can result in not more than 3 years in prison and not more than $5,000 in fines.

Don’t let the complexities of your case discourage you from getting the legal help you need. I am prepared to take on challenging matters and am motivated to find innovative solutions for my clients.

How Long Does a Felony Stay on Your Record in Rhode Island?

A felony charge will remain on your criminal record for life. However, you can take steps to seek to have it removed through expungement. An expungement can clear your felony conviction and release you “from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the crime of which” you were convicted (RI Gen. Laws § 12-1.3-4).

To have your felony expunged in RI, you must meet certain criteria, such as: 

• Being a first-time offender;
• Not having been convicted of a violent crime;
• Not having any pending criminal actions against you;
• Having paid all fines, court costs, and other fees; and
• Waiting 10 years after completing your sentence before petitioning for relief.

In addition to being a skilled felony lawyer in Warwick, I am also experienced at pursuing expungements for clients. Consult with me to learn about your options for seeking a second chance.

Contact our Felony Lawyer Today 

When you turn to me for representation, I will thoroughly examine your case and analyze the facts, identifying defenses that can be raised on your behalf. I am prepared to pursue an optimal result in or out of court.

Contact the Law Offices of Thomas H. O’Brien today to schedule a FREE consultation with our felony attorney in Warwick!