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Rhode Island Legal Blog

Domestic Assault vs Domestic Battery in Rhode Island: Legal Definitions Explained

The terms are used interchangeably in casual conversation, but domestic assault vs domestic battery Rhode Island analysis reveals two legally distinct concepts. Assault involves the threat of imminent harm. Battery requires actual physical contact. Both can be charged together, or either can stand alone. Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns pulls the distinction apart in every […]

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First-Time Domestic Assault Rhode Island: Diversion, Penalties, and Options

A first time domestic assault Rhode Island diversion resolution is one of the best possible outcomes for a first-offense defendant who qualifies. The reality is that diversion is available in some cases and not others, the framework varies by court and prosecutor, and there is no single statewide statutory diversion track for domestic assault. Criminal […]

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Rhode Island Assault and Battery Penalties 2026: The Full Penalty Matrix

The Rhode Island assault and battery penalties 2026 range from a misdemeanor with up to one year in jail to a twenty-year felony sentence depending on which subsection of R.I.G.L. Chapter 11-5 applies. Understanding the specific penalty tier tied to each charge is the first step in any defense strategy. Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns […]

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Rhode Island Domestic Assault Protective Order: 2026 Process and Enforcement

A Rhode Island domestic assault protective order is a civil order issued under the Domestic Abuse Prevention Act that restricts the defendant's contact and conduct toward the petitioner. The order operates on a track parallel to any criminal case. It can be issued when there has been physical or sexual abuse, threats of violence, stalking, […]

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Rhode Island Self-Defense Law Assault Cases: The Full Doctrine Walkthrough

Rhode Island self-defense law assault cases turn on a doctrine that is more restrictive than many defendants expect. Rhode Island is not a stand your ground state. The Rhode Island Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed the duty to retreat outside the home. The castle doctrine exists but is narrower than the popular understanding. Every self-defense […]

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How to Fight Domestic Assault Charges in Rhode Island: 2026 Defense Playbook

Learning how to fight domestic assault charges in Rhode Island starts with understanding what the state actually has to prove. Rhode Island does not have a standalone crime called domestic assault. It has a sentencing and procedural enhancement layer under R.I.G.L. section 12-29, the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, that attaches when the underlying offense is […]

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Assault vs Battery Rhode Island: The Legal Distinction Explained

The assault vs battery Rhode Island distinction confuses defendants, jurors, and even some newspaper reporters. The two words are often used interchangeably in ordinary speech, but Rhode Island law treats them as separate legal concepts with different elements and different evidentiary requirements. Attorney Rory Munns explains the actual legal distinction, how the state charges each […]

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Rhode Island Assault and Battery Defense Strategies: The Motion Playbook

The Rhode Island assault and battery defense strategies that produce dismissals, reductions, and acquittals are not general talking points. They are specific motions, specific cross-examination sequences, and specific evidentiary attacks tied to the elements of the charge. Attorney Rory Munns treats each assault case as a defense playbook, applying the correct tools at each stage […]

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Rhode Island Superior Court Arraignment: What Happens That Day

A Rhode Island Superior Court arraignment is one of the most confusing mornings a defendant will ever spend, and most of that confusion is unnecessary. The room is unfamiliar, the calendar is long, and the actual moment at the podium lasts under two minutes. Attorney Munns walks clients through the exact sequence of that day […]

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Rhode Island Superior Court Process 2026: The Year in Review

The Rhode Island Superior Court process 2026 looks different from prior years, and defendants moving through Providence County Superior Court right now are stepping into a court that has been reshuffled by administrative orders, executive orders, judicial appointments, retirements, and pending legislation. Attorney Rory Munns tracks these shifts in real time from her office at […]

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Rhode Island Marijuana DUI vs Alcohol DUI 2026: Key Differences

Driving under the influence laws in Rhode Island treat alcohol and marijuana differently, and the differences matter for anyone facing a charge. Alcohol has a clear blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08 percent. Marijuana operates under a zero-tolerance standard with no specific nanogram-per-milliliter cutoff. Penalties, legal defenses, and the way impairment is proven also […]

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Rhode Island Criminal Law Updates 2026: Key Changes for Defendants

The 2026 legislative session brought real movement on Rhode Island criminal law. Three changes matter most for anyone facing charges or trying to clear an old record. The Rhode Island criminal law updates 2026 cover expungement reform, a small but meaningful misdemeanor sentencing cut, and a shift to electronic filing for domestic violence and sexual […]

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How to Get Your License Back After a Rhode Island DUI Suspension in 2026

Losing your driver's license after a DUI makes everyday life much harder. Getting it back means following a specific process set by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. The steps depend on why your license was suspended, but the general path involves paying reinstatement fees, completing any required court actions, and meeting with DMV […]

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Rhode Island Traffic Violations in 2026: Points, Fines, and License Suspension

Drivers in Rhode Island face a multi-court traffic enforcement system, with proposed legislation that could raise fines significantly in 2026. Knowing which court has authority over your ticket, what penalties may apply, and how license suspension works can help you respond right when you get a citation. This article covers the key facts about Rhode […]

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Rhode Island Probation Violation Hearings: What to Expect in 2026

Probation in Rhode Island is a prison sentence that has been suspended on condition the participant follows the rules and commits no further crimes. It may be ordered either in place of incarceration or after a period of imprisonment. The Rhode Island Department of Corrections Adult Probation and Parole supervises adults on probation or parole […]

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Rhode Island DUI Defense 2026: What You Need to Know Now

A DUI arrest in Rhode Island starts a complex legal process with serious immediate penalties. Your license can be suspended before you even see a judge. Understanding the specific laws and defense options for 2026 is the first step to protecting yourself. This article explains the current landscape for Rhode Island DUI defense. We will […]

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Providence DWI Lawyer

Providence DWI Lawyer Rory Munns Being charged with DWI in Rhode Island can be one of the most traumatizing experiences in your entire life. You may be confused and stressed when you imagine the hefty fines or even a possible jail term. The feeling can be frightening and a significant drain on both your resources […]

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Have You Been Charged With Boating Under the Influence?

Boating Under The Influence in Rhode Island Like driving while drunk, boating under the influence in Rhode Island is a serious crime that can have fatal consequences. According to Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign devoted to raising awareness of BUI, alcohol use is the leading factor contributing to deadly boating accidents; it was involved […]

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Private Criminal Defense Lawyer: Why You Should Hire One

Why Hire a Private Criminal Defense Lawyer? Public Defender vs Private Attorney If you find yourself in the unfortunate position where you need legal representation in court, then you need to be sure you are in safe hands. You have the right to an attorney. It is advisable that you don't waive this privilege. Here […]

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