Frequently, yes, and that is the single most important plea outcome in many ADW cases. A reduction from ADW to simple assault and battery takes the case out of felony territory, moves it from Superior Court to District Court, caps the maximum exposure at one year, and - most importantly - avoids a permanent felony record. Reductions are typically negotiated when the weapon classification is weak, the complainant has credibility problems, injuries are minor or nonexistent, self-defense is in play, or the defendant has no prior record. Prosecutors are more willing to reduce when the defense has filed real pretrial motions, developed a trial-ready theory, and shown they will actually try the case if pushed. This is exactly the kind of leverage a Rhode Island assault with a dangerous weapon lawyer at Bank & Munns is built to apply.
