Homicide cases are the slowest-moving criminal matters in Rhode Island. From arrest to trial, most murder cases take 18 to 30 months, and complex cases can take [...]
Rhode Island does not have the death penalty. First-degree murder under RIGL § 11-23-1 is punishable by life imprisonment. In certain aggravated cases - such as killings [...]
Malice aforethought is a legal term of art. It does not mean hatred, and it does not require long-term planning. Under Rhode Island law, malice can be [...]
Bail in Rhode Island murder cases is not automatic, but it is also not impossible. The Rhode Island Constitution permits the court to deny bail in capital [...]
Yes. Under Rhode Island's felony murder rule, every participant in certain enumerated felonies - including robbery, burglary, arson, rape, and kidnapping - can be charged with first-degree [...]
The legal line between murder and manslaughter in Rhode Island is malice aforethought. Murder requires malice - an intent to kill, an intent to cause grievous bodily [...]
