Being charged with a crime in Rhode Island follows a very set legal process, understood by RI criminal lawyer, John Grasso. This is an emotional time, filled with anxiety and fear, whether guilty or not. In some cases, defendants are angry that they are being unfairly arrested. Your emotions can work against you if you do not have good legal representation to back you up.

Blake Nolan, the Media Consultant for John Grasso, said “We have district and Superior Courts in Rhode Island. District courts handle the misdemeanor trials, such as disorderly conduct, DUI and assault, while the Superior Court handles felony cases, such as robbery, breaking and entry and drug possession. Rhode Island is home to four district courts and four superior courts.”

Trials are held in the country where the crime took place. After being arrested, the defendant as an arraignment in the district court. After arrest the defendant is given a date for a mandatory court appearance. This is where the defendant is informed of the charges against them. If charged with a misdemeanor, they will need to enter the plea of guilty or not guilty. After this bail may be granted.

Misdemeanor and felony charges involve a pre-trial hearing. This is around two weeks after the arraignment and this meating is when the prosecution provides evidence. The defendant and their RI crime lawyer also discloses relevant information at this time. Both sides are granted a discovery period, a chance to gather relevant information and formulate a strategy.

Blake Nolan, went on to say “This is then followed by pre-trial motions that is when the defense can file to dismiss or suppress evidence preventing it from being used in the trial. Some motions can result in the case being dismissed. It is not uncommon at this point for the state to offer a plea deal, avoiding the need for a trial, especially when the defendant admits guilt.”

Should the defendant not accept the plea deal, then the case will continue to a trial, where the defendants RI criminal lawyer presents evidence to the judge and the jury makes a decision based on the evidence presented to them. The jury's decision has to be unanimous if the defendant is found not guilty.

Sentencing is the next step, where the court takes the recommendations of both parties and makes a decision on the sentence. Your RI defense lawyer can submit an appeal to the sentence within ten days of the judgment.

About Us:

John R Grasso is an attorney admitted to practice in Rhode Island, Massachusetts. He is also admitted at the Federal District Courts. He is a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court and has an experienced support team working alongside him to help focus on securing a resolution in the shortest period of time. John Grasso represents criminal defendants on misdemeanors and felony charges throughout the area. He handles a wide range of cases on a daily basis from domestic violence cases to immigration disputes and DUI cases to robbery and so much more. To find out more, visit https://johngrassolaw.com/.