Yes. You have the right to a lawyer at a probation violation hearing in Rhode Island. If you cannot afford private counsel, the court will appoint a public defender if you qualify financially. Going to a violation hearing without a lawyer is a serious mistake because your liberty is on the line and the judge has broad discretion to revoke probation and impose jail time. A lawyer reviews the violation report for weaknesses, presents mitigating evidence, cross-examines the probation officer, negotiates with the prosecutor for outcomes short of revocation, and advocates at sentencing if a violation is found.
