RHODE ISLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Domestic violence defense
Experienced representation when a criminal charge can affect your freedom, your family, your home, and your future.
EARLY INTERVENTION MATTERS.
An arrest does not tell the entire story.
Domestic violence cases are often complicated and highly personal. They can arise from arguments between partners, family disputes, conflicting accounts, or allegations requiring careful investigation.
CK Law provides individualized defense focused on the evidence, the law, and protecting what matters beyond the courtroom
UNDERSTANDING THE CHARGE
Common Domestic Violence Charges
SIMPLE ASSAULT & BATTERY
FELONY ASSAULT WITH A DANGEROUS WEAPON
FELONY ASSAULT RESULTING IS SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
VANDALISM
TRESPASS
STALKING
DISORDERLY CONDUCT
VIOLATION OF NO CONTACT ORDER
VIOLATION OF A FAMILY COURT PROTECTION ORDER
CYBERSTALKING / CYBERHARRASSMENT
BREAKING AND ENTERING
KIDNAPPING
SEXUAL ASSAULT
REFUSAL TO RELINQUISH, DAMAGING OR OBSTRUCTING A TELEPHONE DURING EMERGENCY
ELECTRONIC TRACKING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
RI Domestic Violence MISDEMEANOR Penalties
A first domestic violence offense does not automatically require jail. However, the way the case is resolved can have lasting consequences.
A disposition involving probation or a conviction may become especially significant if you are charged with another domestic violence offense in the future.
Protecting the outcome of a first case matters.
FIRST OFFENSE
NO MANDATORY JAIL
SECOND OFFENSE
MANDATORY JAIL
A second qualifying misdemeanor domestic violence conviction carries a:
10-Day Mandatory Minimum Jail Sentence
The potential sentence ranges from 10 days to one year in jail, and the mandatory jail sentence cannot be suspended.
THIRD OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE
ENHANCED TO FELONY & MANDATORY JAIL
A third or subsequent qualifying misdemeanor domestic violence offense is treated as a felony under Rhode Island law.
1-Year Mandatory Minimum
The potential sentence ranges from 1 to 10 year(s) imprisonment, and the mandatory sentence cannot be suspended.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
NO CONTACT ORDER
Restrictions may begin immediately after arrest.
RETURNING HOME
A court order may affect where you can stay.
BAIL CONDITIONS
Understanding and following every condition is critical.
IMMEDIATE CONCERNS AFTER AN ARREST
A COMMON QUESTION:
Yes. In some cases, the Court may modify or terminate a No Contact Order while the criminal case is pending.
The wishes of the complaining witness may be considered, but only the Court can change or remove the order. Until that happens, the order must be followed — even if the other person initiates contact.
Whether removal is appropriate depends on the circumstances of the case, including the allegations, criminal history, safety concerns, and the position of the complaining witness.
If a No Contact Order is affecting your home, family, or ability to communicate with a loved one, CK Law can evaluate your options and advocate for modification or removal. Contact CK Law to schedule a confidential consultation.
can a no contact order be removed?
COMMON CONSEQUENCES OF A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SENTENCE
A domestic violence sentence in Rhode Island may carry additional requirements beyond the sentence for the underlying criminal charge. Under the Rhode Island Domestic Violence Prevention Act, these consequences may include:
Batterer’s Intervention Program — Required for individuals convicted of or placed on probation for a domestic violence offense, as well as certain cases resolved by a filing after a nolo contendere plea.
$125 Domestic Violence Assessment — Imposed in addition to other applicable court costs and assessments.
Probation & Court-Ordered Conditions — Failure to complete required intervention programming may result in a violation of probation or the terms of a filing. This process may require future court dates and possible exposure to jail time.
Firearm Restrictions — Certain domestic violence convictions or pleas may result in the loss of the right to purchase, possess, carry, or transport firearms.
Enhanced Penalties for Future DV Offenses — A prior qualifying domestic violence conviction can significantly increase the penalties for a subsequent offense, including mandatory incarceration and potential felony prosecution.
Lasting Criminal Record Consequences — A probationary sentence or conviction can affect your criminal record and may limit future expungement options.
protect your rights. protect your future.
Experienced, personalized criminal defense representation for domestic violence charges throughout Rhode Island.