Rhode Island Gets $3.4 Million in Federal Crime Prevention Funding

Posted by on September 12, 2011

Rhode Island is receiving roughly $3.4 million dollars from the federal government to bolster law enforcement and strengthen the juvenile justice system. Nine communities, including Middletown, North Kingstown, Providence and Woonsocket, are receiving over $1.1 million to combat drug crimes. This... Read more

Breathalyzer Refusal in Rhode Island: Pros and Cons

Posted by Law Office of John R. Grasso on September 9, 2011

In Rhode Island, it is a civil violation for first offense to refuse to submit to a Breathalyzer test if pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence. While you should carefully consider whether or not to submit to a Breathalyzer depending on the certain case-by-case scenario you may ... Read more

R.I. Internet Crimes Bill: Conflict and Controversy

Posted by on September 8, 2011

Before closing the 2011 session, Rhode Island state lawmakers passed a bill allowing law enforcement officials to obtain customer information from Internet providers without obtaining a warrant. This piece of legislation is based on the 2001 Patriot Act, and has received both support and criticism... Read more

Convicted: DUI Penalties in Rhode Island

Posted by on September 7, 2011

In Rhode Island, an arrest and conviction for DUI may result in devastating civil and criminal penalties. The following chart will break down the consequences of a DUI conviction: 1st DRUNK DRIVING CONVICTION - MISDEMEANOR BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.08% to < 0.10% or Unknow... Read more

Fourth Amendment Violation

Posted by on September 6, 2011

Police violated lawyer's Fourth Amendment rights when they arrested him without probable cause for filming the police arrest another person. First Circuit holds that the attorney was exercising clearly established First Amendment rights when he used his cell phone camera to video... Read more

Driving Under the Influence: How to Avoid a DUI Conviction in Rhode Island

Posted by on September 5, 2011

We all know how it goes: you go out with some friends for dinner, have a couple glasses of wine, hop in your car and make the drive home. 9 times out 10 you will make it home with no incident. However, if you are pulled over by a police officer who thinks you are driving under the influence, you ... Read more

How To: Avoiding a Marijuana Possession Conviction

Posted by Law Office of John R. Grasso on September 5, 2011

What To Do If You’re Arrested for Marijuana Possession in Rhode Island If you’ve been arrested for possession of marijuana, the consequences may be severe depending on the circumstances. Heavy fines, jail time, and loss of your driver’s license are all a possibility for a marijuana convic... Read more

Following Pre-Trial Investigation, No Conviction!

Posted by on August 30, 2011

Massachusetts client charged by police with intimidating a witness and disorderly conduct. After extensive pretrial investigation, no conviction! ... Read more

RI Supreme Court Strikes Down Superior Court Conviction

Posted by on August 29, 2011

"Rhode Island Supreme Court strikes down Superior Court conviction because the defendant was not permitted to make his own decision as to whether to waive his right to a jury trial. The Court reaffirmed that the decision to waive a right to be tried before a jury belongs to the a... Read more

Nondisclosure Not Material to Warrant Reversal in Murder Trial.

Posted by on August 24, 2011

Nondisclosure of Uncharged Criminal Conduct Not Material to Warrant Reversal in Murder Trial "Even though the government failed to provide a defendant on trial for murder with evidence of a key government witness's uncharged crimes so that his attorney could cross-examine the w... Read more