Can I as a Rhode Island resident offer to spend time in jail rather than pay my approximate $3,000 in criminal court fees

We don't really have debtor's prisons any longer, although it may seem that way. If you do not have the ability to pay, then the court should...

You have to inquire. I understand that you don't want to break the bank. But domestic charges have serious repercussions. I'm not just talking...

"Dating" is not a crime. It is not illegal. When dating includes sexual contact, that's where the problem starts. In Rhode Island, a person who...

What can happen if he flees before sentencing?

As my learned colleagues from New York suggest, he will make things worse. The plea offer will be withdrawn, and when (not if) he is caught, there...

How do I find counsel I can afford and get results

As my colleague from Valparaiso has stated, you boyfriend has a right to an attorney. If he can't afford a lawyer, the court will appoint one. ...

I know someone who is on unsupervised probation and she has been smoking Marijuana.

Perhaps it might be best to speak to this person an suggest that she get some help. I don't know the situation, but I'm uneasy with the casual...

Is it often for a first offender with no criminal history to be Indicted by the feds, and sentenced to life?

When you use the term "trigger man" that usually means that someone died by gun violence. When gun violence is involved, "first offense" does not...

Is there a difference between assault and domestic violence?

I strongly suspect it will be listed as a domestic assault. Both an assault and a "domestic violence" charge can potentially preclude you from...

Can the public defenders office assign a new lawyer in lew of the lawyer representing a 16 year old boy for 10 months.

The RI Public Defender is usually very good about dealing with conflicts. Please bring this information to the attention of the office...

Can you be released on bench warrant filed in error?

Yes, you can be released if the warrant was filed in error. I don't know what happened, but you should ask the attorney to explain why the warrant...