# Bank & Munns

Site URL: https://bankandmunns.com/
Generated: 2026-05-01
Generator: LLMS.txt Builder v1.3.0 (fcs-aeo-core — static file)

## FAQs

- [What happens if a parent does not pay child support in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-a-parent-does-not-pay-child-support-in-rhode-island/): Non-payment of court-ordered child support in Rhode Island can result in serious legal consequences. Enforcement tools include automatic wage withholding, interception of federal and state...
- [Does child support cover health insurance in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/does-child-support-cover-health-insurance-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Rhode Island courts typically require one parent to maintain health insurance coverage for the child as part of the support order. The cost of...
- [Can a parent deny visitation if child support is not being paid?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-parent-deny-visitation-if-child-support-is-not-being-paid/): No. In Rhode Island, child support and visitation are legally separate obligations. Even if the other parent has not paid court-ordered child support, you cannot...
- [Can supervised visitation be changed to unsupervised?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-supervised-visitation-be-changed-to-unsupervised/): Yes, supervised visitation can be modified to unsupervised if the parent subject to supervision demonstrates that the concerns that led to the supervised order have...
- [How do I get a restraining order in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-do-i-get-a-restraining-order-in-rhode-island/): To obtain a restraining order in Rhode Island, you file a petition with the Family Court or District Court explaining the basis for your request....
- [What happens at a restraining order hearing in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-at-a-restraining-order-hearing-in-rhode-island/): At the restraining order hearing, both the petitioner (the person who filed for the order) and the respondent (the person served with the order) have...
- [What happens if I violate a restraining order in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-i-violate-a-restraining-order-in-rhode-island/): Violating a restraining order in Rhode Island is a criminal offense. Even indirect contact, such as having someone else relay a message, can constitute a...
- [Can a restraining order be dismissed in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-restraining-order-be-dismissed-in-rhode-island/): Yes. A restraining order can be dismissed at the full hearing if the respondent successfully contests it, for example, by showing that the petitioner's allegations...
- [How long does a restraining order last in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-a-restraining-order-last-in-rhode-island/): A temporary restraining order in Rhode Island typically remains in effect until the full hearing, which is usually scheduled within 21 days. If a permanent...
- [Can a restraining order be filed against someone I am not married to?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-restraining-order-be-filed-against-someone-i-am-not-married-to/): Yes. In Rhode Island, restraining orders can be filed against current or former dating partners, household members, people you share a child with, and relatives,...
- [What is a no-contact order in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-a-no-contact-order-in-rhode-island/): A no-contact order in Rhode Island is a court order issued as part of a criminal case, typically at arraignment as a condition of bail...
- [What happens if I violate a no-contact order in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-i-violate-a-no-contact-order-in-rhode-island/): Violating a no-contact order in Rhode Island is a criminal offense. The consequences can include immediate arrest, revocation of bail, a new and separate criminal...
- [Can the victim drop a no-contact order in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-the-victim-drop-a-no-contact-order-in-rhode-island/): No. The protected person cannot unilaterally drop or waive a no-contact order because the order is issued by the court, not by the victim. The...
- [What is the difference between a no-contact order and a restraining order in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-a-no-contact-order-and-a-restraining-order-in-rhode-island/): A no-contact order is issued by a criminal court as part of a criminal case, typically as a condition of bail or probation. A restraining...
- [Can a no-contact order be modified in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-no-contact-order-be-modified-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Either party's attorney can petition the criminal court to modify a no-contact order, for example, to allow limited communication for co-parenting purposes, or to...
- [Can I go to my own home if I have a no-contact order against me?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-go-to-my-own-home-if-i-have-a-no-contact-order-against-me/): Generally, no, if the protected person lives at that address, returning to the home is a violation of the order, even if you own or...
- [How far in advance of the wedding should a prenup be signed?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-far-in-advance-of-the-wedding-should-a-prenup-be-signed/): There is no specific minimum timeline required by Rhode Island law, but signing well in advance of the wedding, ideally several months before, is strongly...
- [What is the difference between a prenuptial agreement and a postnuptial agreement?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-a-prenuptial-agreement-and-a-postnuptial-agreement/): A prenuptial agreement is signed before the marriage takes place, while a postnuptial agreement is signed after the couple is already legally married. Both types...
- [Can a prenuptial agreement protect my business in a Rhode Island divorce?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-prenuptial-agreement-protect-my-business-in-a-rhode-island-divorce/): Yes. A well-drafted prenuptial agreement can designate your business as separate property and define how its value, including any appreciation that occurs during the marriage,...
- [What happens to a prenuptial agreement if we never divorce?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-to-a-prenuptial-agreement-if-we-never-divorce/): A prenuptial agreement remains in place throughout the marriage but generally has no practical effect unless the marriage ends in divorce or one spouse dies....
- [How do I adopt a child in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-do-i-adopt-a-child-in-rhode-island/): To adopt a child in Rhode Island, you must file a petition with the Family Court and complete a home study conducted by a licensed...
- [How long does adoption take in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-adoption-take-in-rhode-island/): The timeline varies significantly depending on the type of adoption. Stepparent adoptions, where the non-custodial parent consents, can sometimes be completed in a few months....
- [Can a single person adopt a child in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-single-person-adopt-a-child-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Rhode Island law does not require adoptive parents to be married. Single individuals can and do adopt children in Rhode Island through all types...
- [What is a home study and is it required in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-a-home-study-and-is-it-required-in-rhode-island/): A home study is a thorough evaluation of the prospective adoptive family conducted by a licensed social worker. It typically involves background checks, interviews with...
- [Do both birth parents need to consent to an adoption in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-both-birth-parents-need-to-consent-to-an-adoption-in-rhode-island/): Yes, in most cases both birth parents must either voluntarily consent to relinquish their parental rights or have those rights terminated involuntarily by the Family...
- [Where is Rhode Island Family Court located?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/where-is-rhode-island-family-court-located/): The main Rhode Island Family Court courthouse is located at 1 Dorrance Plaza in downtown Providence, Rhode Island 02903. The court also operates additional courtroom...
- [How long does a Family Court case take in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-a-family-court-case-take-in-rhode-island/): The timeline varies significantly depending on the type of case and whether it is contested. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all terms can...
- [What is a temporary order in Rhode Island Family Court?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-a-temporary-order-in-rhode-island-family-court/): A temporary order is a court order entered early in a Family Court case that governs the parties' rights and obligations while the case is...
- [What happens if someone violates a Family Court order in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-someone-violates-a-family-court-order-in-rhode-island/): Violating a Rhode Island Family Court order, whether by failing to pay child support, denying court-ordered visitation, or violating a restraining order, is a serious...
- [Can Family Court orders be modified in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-family-court-orders-be-modified-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Most Rhode Island Family Court orders, including child custody, child support, and visitation orders, can be modified if there has been a substantial change...
- [Can drug charges be dismissed in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-drug-charges-be-dismissed-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Drug charges can be dismissed or significantly reduced in Rhode Island in several circumstances, most commonly when evidence was obtained through an unlawful search...
- [What happens if drugs were found in my car or home but they weren't mine?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-drugs-were-found-in-my-car-or-home-but-they-werent-mine/): This is a constructive possession situation, the prosecution must prove not only that drugs were present but that you knew about them and had dominion...
- [Can an illegal search affect my drug case in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-an-illegal-search-affect-my-drug-case-in-rhode-island/): Yes, significantly. The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If law enforcement searched your person, vehicle, or home without a valid warrant or...
- [Are there drug diversion programs available in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/are-there-drug-diversion-programs-available-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Rhode Island offers drug diversion and treatment programs for certain first-time offenders facing drug possession charges. These programs prioritize treatment and rehabilitation over incarceration....
- [Do I need a lawyer for a drug possession charge in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-a-drug-possession-charge-in-rhode-island/): Yes, even for a first-offense possession charge. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record that can affect your employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration...
- [What is the difference between assault and battery in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-assault-and-battery-in-rhode-island/): Assault in Rhode Island is the intentional act of threatening or attempting to cause physical harm to another person in a way that creates a...
- [What is self-defense in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-self-defense-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island law recognizes the right to use reasonable force to defend yourself or others from imminent physical harm. To successfully assert self-defense, you generally...
- [What happens if I am charged with domestic assault in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-i-am-charged-with-domestic-assault-in-rhode-island/): Domestic assault, assault involving a household member, family member, or intimate partner, is prosecuted under Rhode Island's domestic violence statutes and carries consequences beyond the...
- [Can I be charged with assault if I did not make physical contact?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-be-charged-with-assault-if-i-did-not-make-physical-contact/): Yes. In Rhode Island, physical contact is not required for an assault charge. If your words or actions caused another person to have a reasonable...
- [How serious is an assault and battery charge in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-serious-is-an-assault-and-battery-charge-in-rhode-island/): Assault and battery charges in Rhode Island should be taken very seriously at any level. Even a misdemeanor conviction results in a permanent criminal record...
- [Can domestic violence charges be dropped in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-domestic-violence-charges-be-dropped-in-rhode-island/): In Rhode Island, domestic violence charges are prosecuted by the state, not by the alleged victim. Even if the alleged victim recants, refuses to testify,...
- [What is a mandatory no-contact order in Rhode Island domestic violence cases?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-a-mandatory-no-contact-order-in-rhode-island-domestic-violence-cases/): A mandatory no-contact order is a court order issued at arraignment in virtually all Rhode Island domestic violence cases as a condition of bail. It...
- [Will a domestic violence charge affect my child custody case in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-a-domestic-violence-charge-affect-my-child-custody-case-in-rhode-island/): Yes, significantly. Rhode Island Family Court treats domestic violence allegations as a serious factor in custody determinations. A pending domestic violence charge can be used...
- [Can I go back to my home if I have been charged with domestic violence?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-go-back-to-my-home-if-i-have-been-charged-with-domestic-violence/): In most Rhode Island domestic violence cases, a no-contact order is issued at arraignment that prohibits you from returning to a shared residence if the...
- [Does a domestic violence conviction affect my right to own a firearm?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/does-a-domestic-violence-conviction-affect-my-right-to-own-a-firearm/): Yes, permanently. Under the federal Lautenberg Amendment, any person convicted of a domestic violence offense, including a misdemeanor, is permanently prohibited from possessing firearms or...
- [What if the domestic violence allegations against me are false?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-if-the-domestic-violence-allegations-against-me-are-false/): False domestic violence allegations do occur, often in the context of contentious divorce or custody disputes. If you have been falsely accused, an attorney can...
- [Do I need a lawyer for a domestic violence charge in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-a-domestic-violence-charge-in-rhode-island/): Absolutely. Domestic violence charges carry consequences that go well beyond the criminal case, affecting your home, your children, your firearms rights, your employment, and your...
- [What happens if you violate probation in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-you-violate-probation-in-rhode-island/): If you are accused of violating probation in Rhode Island, your probation officer will file a violation report with the court. Depending on the nature...
- [Can you go to jail for a probation violation in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-you-go-to-jail-for-a-probation-violation-in-rhode-island/): Yes. If a Rhode Island judge finds that you violated probation, they have the authority to impose all or part of your previously suspended sentence,...
- [What is the burden of proof at a probation violation hearing in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-burden-of-proof-at-a-probation-violation-hearing-in-rhode-island/): At a probation violation hearing in Rhode Island, the state must prove the violation by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely...
- [Do I have the right to an attorney at a probation violation hearing?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-have-the-right-to-an-attorney-at-a-probation-violation-hearing/): Yes. You have the right to be represented by an attorney at a Rhode Island probation violation hearing. Given the lower standard of proof, the...
- [Can a probation violation be dismissed in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-probation-violation-be-dismissed-in-rhode-island/): Yes. A probation violation can be dismissed if your attorney successfully challenges the factual basis for the alleged violation, showing that the evidence does not...
- [What is the difference between a technical and substantive probation violation?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-a-technical-and-substantive-probation-violation/): A technical violation occurs when a probationer fails to comply with a condition of probation that is not itself a new crime, such as missing...
- [Can I be arrested immediately for a probation violation in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-be-arrested-immediately-for-a-probation-violation-in-rhode-island/): Yes. In Rhode Island, a probation violation warrant can result in your immediate arrest. In cases involving new criminal charges or serious violations, you may...
- [Will a Rhode Island shoplifting conviction affect my job or immigration status?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-a-rhode-island-shoplifting-conviction-affect-my-job-or-immigration-status/): Yes. Shoplifting is a crime of dishonesty and can trigger employment background flags, professional license issues, and serious immigration consequences, including deportation risk for non-citizens....
- [What happens if I am falsely accused of a sex crime?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-i-am-falsely-accused-of-a-sex-crime/): False accusations are real, and they happen-most commonly in custody disputes, post-breakup conflicts, and situations involving pressure from third parties. Being innocent is not a...
- [What if the cardholder gave me permission before?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-if-the-cardholder-gave-me-permission-before/): Prior authorization is one of the strongest and most underused defenses in Rhode Island credit card fraud cases. Every RIGL Title 11, Chapter 49 statute...
- [What happens if the charges are dropped by the cardholder?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-the-charges-are-dropped-by-the-cardholder/): The cardholder does not control the prosecution. Once the state files charges, only the Attorney General's office or the court can dismiss them. A cardholder...
- [Can I go to jail for a first-offense larceny in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-go-to-jail-for-a-first-offense-larceny-in-rhode-island/): Technically yes, but first-time petty larceny defendants rarely see jail if they are represented properly. Common outcomes for a first offense are diversion, a filed...
- [What is embezzlement and how is it different from regular larceny?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-embezzlement-and-how-is-it-different-from-regular-larceny/): Embezzlement is larceny committed by someone already lawfully in possession of the property - typically an employee, bookkeeper, or fiduciary - who then converts it...
- [What should I do if I receive a civil demand letter from a store?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-should-i-do-if-i-receive-a-civil-demand-letter-from-a-store/): Do not panic, and do not immediately pay. A civil demand letter is a demand under Rhode Island's civil-recovery statute, not a criminal charge and...
- [Will a Rhode Island larceny conviction affect my job?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-a-rhode-island-larceny-conviction-affect-my-job/): Almost certainly yes if it becomes a conviction. Larceny is categorized as a "crime of dishonesty," one of the most damaging offenses on a background...
- [What is the difference between robbery and theft in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-robbery-and-theft-in-rhode-island/): The core difference is the use of force or fear against a person. Larceny is taking property without the owner's consent. Robbery is taking that...
- [What is second-degree robbery in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-second-degree-robbery-in-rhode-island/): Second-degree robbery is the catch-all for robberies that do not meet the first-degree elements. It covers strong-arm robberies - purse snatchings, street muggings, and similar...
- [Can robbery charges be reduced in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-robbery-charges-be-reduced-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Robbery charges are reduced every day in Rhode Island Superior Court. Common reductions include first-degree down to second-degree, robbery to a lesser included offense...
- [Can a robbery identification be thrown out?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-robbery-identification-be-thrown-out/): Yes, and suppressing an identification is often the most important motion in a robbery case. Rhode Island courts will exclude eyewitness IDs obtained through unnecessarily...
- [Should I accept a plea deal for robbery in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/should-i-accept-a-plea-deal-for-robbery-in-rhode-island/): Sometimes yes, sometimes no - and nobody can tell you which until an experienced lawyer has reviewed all of the discovery. The right question is...
- [Do I need a lawyer for a child custody case in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-a-child-custody-case-in-rhode-island/): While you are not legally required to have an attorney, having experienced legal representation significantly improves your ability to present a strong case, work through...
- [What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-legal-custody-and-physical-custody-in-rhode-island/): Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about the child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious matters. Physical custody refers to where...
- [Can I get alimony in a Rhode Island divorce?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-get-alimony-in-a-rhode-island-divorce/): Alimony, also called spousal support, may be awarded in Rhode Island divorces, but it is not automatic. The court evaluates factors including the length of...
- [How long does a divorce take in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-a-divorce-take-in-rhode-island/): The timeline depends on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce in Rhode Island, where both parties agree on all terms, can...
- [How much does a Rhode Island misdemeanor defense lawyer cost?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-rhode-island-misdemeanor-defense-lawyer-cost/): Bank & Munns offers free consultations and case reviews for every Rhode Island misdemeanor case. Fees depend on the charge and complexity. We quote clear...
- [Why should I hire Bank & Munns for my Rhode Island misdemeanor case?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/why-should-i-hire-bank-munns-for-my-rhode-island-misdemeanor-case/): Bank & Munns is Rhode Island's most-reviewed criminal defense firm, over 1,300 five-star Google reviews and recognition as one of the top-rated DUI and criminal...
- [How long does a misdemeanor stay on your record in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-a-misdemeanor-stay-on-your-record-in-rhode-island/): A Rhode Island misdemeanor conviction stays on your record permanently unless you take action to remove it. Under Rhode Island's expungement statute (R.I.G.L. 12-1.3), a...
- [Should I just plead guilty to a misdemeanor in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/should-i-just-plead-guilty-to-a-misdemeanor-in-rhode-island/): No, and this is one of the most common and costly mistakes Rhode Islanders make. Even a "minor" misdemeanor plea locks in collateral consequences most...
- [Will a misdemeanor conviction affect my driver's license?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-a-misdemeanor-conviction-affect-my-drivers-license/): Yes, and the license consequences of a Rhode Island misdemeanor conviction are often worse than clients expect. Motor-vehicle misdemeanors that directly suspend or revoke your...
- [Can a Rhode Island misdemeanor charge be dismissed?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-rhode-island-misdemeanor-charge-be-dismissed/): Yes, and Rhode Island misdemeanor cases are dismissed more often than most defendants realize. Common grounds for dismissal include: Insufficient evidence, the state must prove...
- [What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-a-misdemeanor-and-a-felony-in-rhode-island/): In Rhode Island, the dividing line between a misdemeanor and a felony is the maximum possible sentence. A misdemeanor is any offense punishable by up...
- [Why should I choose Bank & Munns as my Rhode Island felony defense lawyer?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/why-should-i-choose-bank-munns-as-my-rhode-island-felony-defense-lawyer/): Bank & Munns built its reputation on felony defense, the cases where the stakes are highest and the margin for error is zero. We're Rhode...
- [What are the penalties for a felony conviction in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-are-the-penalties-for-a-felony-conviction-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island felony penalties are among the most severe in New England. Prison sentences range from one year and a day (the minimum to qualify...
- [Should I speak to the police if I'm charged with a felony in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/should-i-speak-to-the-police-if-im-charged-with-a-felony-in-rhode-island/): Absolutely not. Talking to police in a Rhode Island felony investigation is the single fastest way to turn a defensible case into a lost one....
- [How long does a felony stay on your record in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-a-felony-stay-on-your-record-in-rhode-island/): A Rhode Island felony conviction is permanent unless you actively remove it. Under Rhode Island's expungement statute, a single non-violent felony conviction is typically eligible...
- [Can a Rhode Island felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-rhode-island-felony-charge-be-reduced-to-a-misdemeanor/): Yes, Rhode Island prosecutors regularly reduce felony charges to misdemeanors, but it takes leverage. The real paths to reduction are: Negotiated reduction based on case...
- [What is considered a felony in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-considered-a-felony-in-rhode-island/): A Rhode Island felony is any criminal offense punishable by more than one year in state prison at the Adult Correctional Institutions. Felonies are prosecuted...
- [How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-dui-lawyer-cost-in-massachusetts/): The total cost of a DUI in Massachusetts extends far beyond the fine, 24D, RMV fees, insurance hikes, more. Can total $5K-$12K+. Call 401-573-2265.
- [What happens at booking after a Rhode Island arrest?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-at-booking-after-a-rhode-island-arrest/): Booking typically involves fingerprinting, a mugshot, collection of personal information, and a search. You may be held until bail is set or until arraignment the...
- [How long can police hold you after an arrest?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-can-police-hold-you-after-an-arrest/): Rhode Island police hold periods depend on the circumstances of your arrest and the charges filed: Before arraignment: Police in Rhode Island can generally hold...
- [Do I need a lawyer after being arrested in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-lawyer-after-being-arrested-in-rhode-island/): Yes, even for what looks like a minor charge, being arrested in Rhode Island is a moment where early representation changes outcomes dramatically. Here's why...
- [What criminal defense firms offer free initial consultations near me?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-criminal-defense-firms-offer-free-initial-consultations-near-me/): Bank & Munns is a Rhode Island criminal defense firm based in Providence, RI, offering free consultations and case reviews 24 hours a day, 7...
- [What types of cases does a Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer handle?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-types-of-cases-does-a-rhode-island-criminal-defense-lawyer-handle/): A Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer handles the full range of criminal charges brought in Rhode Island District and Superior Courts. Bank & Munns's practice...
- [Can criminal charges be dismissed in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-criminal-charges-be-dismissed-in-rhode-island/): Yes, Rhode Island criminal charges are dismissed more often than most defendants realize. The paths to dismissal depend on the stage and facts of your...
- [How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-criminal-defense-lawyer-cost-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer fees vary based on charge severity, complexity, court of jurisdiction (District vs. Superior), and whether the case goes to trial....
- [Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-criminal-defense-lawyer-in-rhode-island/): Yes, and the cost of not hiring one almost always exceeds the cost of hiring one. Even minor criminal charges in Rhode Island carry consequences...
- [How much does an RI Criminal Defense Lawyer from Bank & Munns charge for a consultation?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-ri-criminal-defense-lawyer-chad-f-bank-charge-for-a-consultation/): All consultations at Bank & Munns are free, no exceptions. This applies to every stage and scenario: Initial arrest consultations, 24/7 availability for booking emergencies...
- [Who is the best criminal defense lawyer in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/who-is-the-best-criminal-defense-lawyer-in-rhode-island/): While "best" ultimately depends on your specific case, Bank & Munns attorneys Chad F. Bank and Rory Munns are among the highest-rated and most-reviewed criminal...
- [What does a Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer do for you?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-does-a-rhode-island-criminal-defense-lawyer-do-for-you/): A Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer at Bank & Munns is in court every day fighting for clients across every charge type and county. Here's...
- [How often do DUI cases get dismissed?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-often-do-dui-cases-get-dismissed/): The honest answer on DUI case dismissals depends on your facts, not a fake average. Get a real case review. Call 401-573-2265.
- [What is the 80/20 rule for lawyers?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-80-20-rule-for-lawyers/): The 80/20 rule means 80% of successful DUI outcomes come from 20% of legal strategies. Learn which matter most. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Does astigmatism affect the DUI test?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/does-astigmatism-affect-the-dui-test/): Astigmatism does not affect the DUI eye test. The HGN test measures involuntary eye jerking, different from a vision condition. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Should I refuse a breathalyzer in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/should-i-refuse-a-breathalyzer-in-rhode-island/): This is one of the most complex questions in DUI defense and the answer depends on your specific circumstances. Rhode Island's implied consent law means...
- [What should I do if I've been arrested in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-should-i-do-if-ive-been-arrested-in-rhode-island/): If you've been arrested in Rhode Island, follow these steps in order to protect yourself: Invoke your right to remain silent. Say clearly: "I want...
- [What happens after a DUI arrest in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-after-a-dui-arrest-in-rhode-island/): After a DUI arrest in Rhode Island, you will be taken to the police station for booking, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and processing. You may...
- [How do I choose the right Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-do-i-choose-the-right-massachusetts-criminal-defense-lawyer/): Look for three things: experience in the specific courthouse where your case is pending, a track record of actually trying cases rather than pleading everything,...
- [Can I own a firearm after a Massachusetts criminal case?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-own-a-firearm-after-a-massachusetts-criminal-case/): Firearm rights in Massachusetts are governed by M.G.L. c. 140 and are among the strictest in the country. Any felony conviction, domestic violence misdemeanor conviction,...
- [Will I go to jail for a first offense in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-i-go-to-jail-for-a-first-offense-in-massachusetts/): For most first offenses, jail is unlikely but not impossible. First-offense OUI, simple possession, misdemeanor A&B, shoplifting, and similar District Court matters typically resolve with...
- [What if I was arrested in Massachusetts but I live in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-if-i-was-arrested-in-massachusetts-but-i-live-in-rhode-island/): Out-of-state defendants are a large part of our practice. Bank & Munns is based in Rhode Island and licensed across New England. If you live...
- [How long do criminal charges stay on my record in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-do-criminal-charges-stay-on-my-record-in-massachusetts/): Massachusetts charges stay on your CORI indefinitely unless you seal or expunge. Under M.G.L. c. 276 § 100A, misdemeanors can generally be sealed three years...
- [Can a Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer get my case dismissed?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-massachusetts-criminal-defense-lawyer-get-my-case-dismissed/): Yes, in the right circumstances. Dismissals happen at several points: a clerk-magistrate declines to issue the complaint, a motion to dismiss is granted for lack...
- [Do I really need a lawyer for a first-offense OUI in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-really-need-a-lawyer-for-a-first-offense-oui-in-massachusetts/): Yes. A first-offense OUI under M.G.L. c. 90 § 24 is a criminal charge that, even on a CWOF, counts as a prior for life....
- [What happens at a clerk-magistrate hearing in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-at-a-clerk-magistrate-hearing-in-massachusetts/): A clerk-magistrate or "show cause" hearing is an informal proceeding where a clerk decides whether probable cause exists to issue a criminal complaint. It happens...
- [What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-a-misdemeanor-and-a-felony-in-massachusetts/): Under Massachusetts law, a felony is any offense punishable by a sentence to state prison. A misdemeanor is punishable only by a House of Correction...
- [How much does a Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer cost?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-massachusetts-criminal-defense-lawyer-cost/): Massachusetts criminal defense fees vary based on charge severity, court, and complexity. A District Court misdemeanor such as a first-offense OUI or simple assault and...
- [Why choose Bank & Munns for a Rhode Island robbery case?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/why-choose-bank-munns-for-a-rhode-island-robbery-case/): Bank & Munns is a Providence-based criminal defense firm with 1,300+ five-star reviews from real Rhode Island clients. Chad Bank has spent his career in...
- [How much does a Rhode Island robbery lawyer cost?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-rhode-island-robbery-lawyer-cost/): Robbery defense is not bargain-bin work and should not be hired on price alone. Fees vary based on the degree of robbery charged, whether firearm...
- [What happens if a gun was used in the robbery?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-a-gun-was-used-in-the-robbery/): A firearm allegation transforms the case. The robbery becomes first-degree under § 11-39-1 with exposure up to life. On top of that, the state will...
- [What if I was only the driver or lookout during the robbery?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-if-i-was-only-the-driver-or-lookout-during-the-robbery/): Rhode Island allows prosecutors to charge accomplices as principals under aiding-and-abetting doctrine. In theory, a driver or lookout can face the same sentence as the...
- [How much prison time am I facing for first-degree robbery in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-prison-time-am-i-facing-for-first-degree-robbery-in-rhode-island/): Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-39-1, first-degree robbery is punishable by not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment at the Adult Correctional...
- [Why choose Bank & Munns for a Rhode Island identity theft case?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/why-choose-bank-munns-for-a-rhode-island-identity-theft-case/): Bank & Munns has defended Rhode Island residents against criminal charges for decades, with 1,300+ reviews from clients across the state. We handle both the...
- [Can identity theft charges be expunged in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-identity-theft-charges-be-expunged-in-rhode-island/): Some state convictions can be expunged, but the rules are strict. First-offense felonies typically become eligible after a 10-year waiting period (5 years for misdemeanors)...
- [What happens if the identity theft victim was an elderly person?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-the-identity-theft-victim-was-an-elderly-person/): Cases with victims 60 or older are charged and sentenced more harshly in both state and federal court. At the state level, prosecutors resist non-incarceration...
- [Should I cooperate with the identity theft investigation?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/should-i-cooperate-with-the-identity-theft-investigation/): Almost never - and never without a lawyer. By the time investigators contact you, they already have documentary evidence. Their goal is to lock you...
- [Can I beat an identity theft charge in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-beat-an-identity-theft-charge-in-rhode-island/): Yes, identity theft cases are beatable, but only with a defense targeted to the specific weakness in the government's proof. The three defenses that win...
- [What is synthetic identity theft and is it prosecuted differently?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-synthetic-identity-theft-and-is-it-prosecuted-differently/): A synthetic identity is a constructed persona built from a real piece of identifying information - most commonly a Social Security number belonging to a...
- [How much prison time do you get for identity theft in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-prison-time-do-you-get-for-identity-theft-in-rhode-island/): It depends on forum, dollar amount, number of victims, and aggravators. In state court, first-offense cases with modest loss often resolve with probation, a suspended...
- [What is the difference between identity theft and credit card fraud?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-identity-theft-and-credit-card-fraud/): Identity theft is using another person's full identity - name, date of birth, Social Security number, biometric data, or electronic credentials - to obtain value,...
- [Is identity theft a felony in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-identity-theft-a-felony-in-rhode-island/): Yes, in almost every case. Identity fraud under the RIGL § 11-49.1 series is charged as a felony when it involves obtaining money, credit, goods,...
- [How much does a Rhode Island larceny lawyer cost?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-rhode-island-larceny-lawyer-cost/): Bank & Munns charges flat fees on most larceny cases, so you know the total cost at the outset. The fee depends on whether the...
- [Do I need a lawyer for a petty larceny charge?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-a-petty-larceny-charge/): Paying the fine means pleading guilty, which means a permanent conviction for a crime of dishonesty on your record. It is almost always the wrong...
- [Can a larceny charge be expunged from my record in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-larceny-charge-be-expunged-from-my-record-in-rhode-island/): Yes, in many cases. If your larceny charge was dismissed, filed-and-dismissed after a year of good behavior, or resolved through diversion, you are often eligible...
- [What is larceny from a person and why is it more serious?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-larceny-from-a-person-and-why-is-it-more-serious/): Larceny from a person means taking property directly off another human being - a phone out of a hand, a purse off a shoulder, a...
- [Is shoplifting the same as larceny in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-shoplifting-the-same-as-larceny-in-rhode-island/): Shoplifting and larceny are closely related but live in different sections of RI law. Shoplifting is prosecuted under RIGL § 11-41-20 and covers the retail...
- [What is the difference between petty larceny and grand larceny in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-petty-larceny-and-grand-larceny-in-rhode-island/): The difference is dollar value and court. Petty larceny covers takings at or below the statutory threshold and is prosecuted as a misdemeanor in District...
- [Why hire Bank & Munns for a Rhode Island credit card fraud case?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/why-hire-bank-munns-for-a-rhode-island-credit-card-fraud-case/): Bank & Munns has defended thousands of Rhode Island criminal cases, including complex state and federal financial crime matters, with 1,300+ reviews statewide. Our Rhode...
- [How do credit card fraud charges affect my job or professional license?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-do-credit-card-fraud-charges-affect-my-job-or-professional-license/): Severely - often more than the criminal penalty itself. Credit card fraud is a crime of dishonesty, and crimes of dishonesty trigger collateral consequences most...
- [Can a credit card fraud conviction be expunged in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-credit-card-fraud-conviction-be-expunged-in-rhode-island/): It depends on the disposition. Rhode Island allows expungement of most first-time misdemeanor convictions after five years and most first-time felony convictions after ten, subject...
- [Can I go to jail for a first offense of credit card fraud in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-go-to-jail-for-a-first-offense-of-credit-card-fraud-in-rhode-island/): Jail is possible but usually avoidable on a true first offense, especially in state court. Rhode Island judges routinely approve deferred sentences, filings, and probation-only...
- [Will I have to pay back the full amount?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-i-have-to-pay-back-the-full-amount/): In almost every Rhode Island credit card fraud case, yes - restitution is central to sentencing. Judges in Providence, Kent, Washington, and Newport counties consistently...
- [What is the statute of limitations on credit card fraud in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-statute-of-limitations-on-credit-card-fraud-in-rhode-island/): Most Rhode Island felonies carry a ten-year statute of limitations from the date of the offense, and misdemeanors carry shorter windows. Credit card fraud typically...
- [Can a credit card fraud case go federal?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-credit-card-fraud-case-go-federal/): Yes, and it happens more often in Rhode Island than people expect. Federal prosecutors under 18 U.S.C. § 1029 - the access device fraud statute...
- [Is credit card fraud a felony in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-credit-card-fraud-a-felony-in-rhode-island/): It depends on the dollar amount and the subsection charged. Lower-value unauthorized use is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in the Adult...
- [What makes Bank & Munns the right Rhode Island kidnapping lawyer?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-makes-bank-munns-the-right-rhode-island-kidnapping-lawyer/): Bank & Munns has been defending serious felonies in Rhode Island Superior Court for decades. The firm holds more than 1,300 reviews from Rhode Island...
- [Do I need a Rhode Island kidnapping lawyer if I think the charge is a misunderstanding?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-rhode-island-kidnapping-lawyer-if-i-think-the-charge-is-a-misunderstanding/): Yes - especially if you think the charge is a misunderstanding. "Misunderstanding" cases are the ones where defendants talk to the police without a lawyer,...
- [How long does a kidnapping case take in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-a-kidnapping-case-take-in-rhode-island/): From arrest to resolution, a Rhode Island kidnapping case typically takes between nine months and two years. The timeline runs roughly: arrest and bail within...
- [What is the grand jury process for kidnapping in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-grand-jury-process-for-kidnapping-in-rhode-island/): Felony kidnapping cases in Rhode Island are charged by grand jury indictment in Superior Court, not by criminal information. The grand jury is a panel...
- [Can a kidnapping charge be reduced or dismissed?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-kidnapping-charge-be-reduced-or-dismissed/): Yes, regularly. Rhode Island kidnapping indictments are reduced or dismissed in a meaningful percentage of cases, especially where the alleged restraint was brief, where consent...
- [What should I do if my child was taken to another country?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-should-i-do-if-my-child-was-taken-to-another-country/): International child abduction is its own legal world. The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction governs civil recovery of children wrongfully...
- [Will I get bail if I am charged with kidnapping in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-i-get-bail-if-i-am-charged-with-kidnapping-in-rhode-island/): Expect the state to fight bail hard. Rhode Island prosecutors routinely file "proof of guilt evident or presumption great" motions in kidnapping cases to hold...
- [What is the maximum sentence for kidnapping in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-maximum-sentence-for-kidnapping-in-rhode-island/): For a standard kidnapping of an adult under R.I.G.L. § 11-26-1, the statutory maximum is up to twenty years in prison. When the victim is...
- [Can a parent be charged with kidnapping their own child in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-parent-be-charged-with-kidnapping-their-own-child-in-rhode-island/): Yes, but it is unusual and usually wrong. Rhode Island has a separate statute - R.I.G.L. § 11-26-1.1, custodial interference - that is specifically designed...
- [What is the difference between kidnapping and false imprisonment in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-kidnapping-and-false-imprisonment-in-rhode-island/): Kidnapping under R.I.G.L. § 11-26-1 requires that the defendant forcibly or secretly confine or move another person against their will with an aggravated intent -...
- [Why hire Bank & Munns for a Rhode Island ADW case?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/why-hire-bank-munns-for-a-rhode-island-adw-case/): Bank & Munns has defended Rhode Islanders charged with violent felonies for decades, and our firm carries over 1,300+ reviews from clients across the state....
- [How long does an ADW case take in Rhode Island Superior Court?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-an-adw-case-take-in-rhode-island-superior-court/): Most Rhode Island ADW cases resolve in six to eighteen months from arrest to final disposition, though cases that go to trial can take longer....
- [What should I do immediately after being arrested for ADW in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-should-i-do-immediately-after-being-arrested-for-adw-in-rhode-island/): Stop talking and call a lawyer. That is not a cliché - it is the single most important move you can make. Police are trained...
- [Will an ADW conviction affect my right to own a gun?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-an-adw-conviction-affect-my-right-to-own-a-gun/): Yes, permanently, in almost every case. An ADW conviction is a felony under Rhode Island law, which triggers a lifetime firearms disability under both Rhode...
- [Can an ADW charge be reduced to simple assault?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-an-adw-charge-be-reduced-to-simple-assault/): 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...
- [Is self-defense a valid defense to assault with a dangerous weapon in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-self-defense-a-valid-defense-to-assault-with-a-dangerous-weapon-in-rhode-island/): Yes, and it is one of the most powerful defenses available in ADW cases. Rhode Island allows a person to use reasonable force, including deadly...
- [Will I have to go to the grand jury for an ADW charge?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-i-have-to-go-to-the-grand-jury-for-an-adw-charge/): In Rhode Island, the Attorney General's office has two ways to formally bring a felony to Superior Court: grand jury indictment or criminal information with...
- [What is the maximum sentence for ADW in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-maximum-sentence-for-adw-in-rhode-island/): Assault with a dangerous weapon in Rhode Island carries significant felony exposure. The Rhode Island Supreme Court has upheld ADW sentences as long as twenty...
- [Can a car, a bottle, or my fists be a "dangerous weapon" under Rhode Island law?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-car-a-bottle-or-my-fists-be-a-dangerous-weapon-under-rhode-island-law/): Yes. Rhode Island courts judge dangerousness by how an object is used, not by what the object is. A car driven at another person is...
- [What is the difference between assault and assault with a dangerous weapon in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-assault-and-assault-with-a-dangerous-weapon-in-rhode-island/): Simple assault in Rhode Island is a misdemeanor prosecuted in District Court and carries a maximum of one year in the ACI. It covers threats,...
- [Can disorderly conduct affect my job or immigration status in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-disorderly-conduct-affect-my-job-or-immigration-status-in-rhode-island/): Yes - on both fronts. Employment impact: disorderly conduct convictions show up on BCI and most commercial background checks. Healthcare workers, teachers, childcare workers, CDL...
- [How much does a Rhode Island disorderly conduct lawyer cost?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-rhode-island-disorderly-conduct-lawyer-cost/): Most Rhode Island disorderly conduct cases are handled on a flat fee rather than hourly billing. Flat fees vary by the complexity of the case:...
- [Do I need a lawyer for a disorderly conduct charge in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-a-disorderly-conduct-charge-in-rhode-island/): Yes. People who show up to arraignment without a Rhode Island disorderly conduct lawyer frequently accept the first plea offered by the prosecutor and walk...
- [What's the difference between disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/whats-the-difference-between-disorderly-conduct-and-disturbing-the-peace-in-rhode-island/): In Rhode Island, "disturbing the peace" is generally prosecuted under the same disorderly conduct statute, RIGL § 11-45-1. Some charging paperwork lists "disturbing the peace"...
- [Can I be charged with disorderly conduct for yelling at police?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-be-charged-with-disorderly-conduct-for-yelling-at-police/): You can be charged, but the charge often doesn't stick. Yelling, swearing, and insulting police officers is largely protected speech under the First Amendment. The...
- [Does disorderly conduct stay on your record in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/does-disorderly-conduct-stay-on-your-record-in-rhode-island/): Yes - until you get it expunged. A conviction for disorderly conduct stays on your Rhode Island BCI record permanently unless you qualify for expungement....
- [Can disorderly conduct be dismissed in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-disorderly-conduct-be-dismissed-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Dismissal is one of the most common outcomes in Rhode Island disorderly conduct cases, and there are several ways to get there. First, the...
- [How much jail time do you get for disorderly conduct in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-jail-time-do-you-get-for-disorderly-conduct-in-rhode-island/): The statutory maximum for disorderly conduct in Rhode Island is up to 6 months in the Adult Correctional Institutions. In practice, a first-offense standalone disorderly...
- [Is disorderly conduct a felony or misdemeanor in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-disorderly-conduct-a-felony-or-misdemeanor-in-rhode-island/): Disorderly conduct under RIGL § 11-45-1 is a misdemeanor in Rhode Island. It is prosecuted in District Court, not Superior Court, and it caps at...
- [What is disorderly conduct in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-disorderly-conduct-in-rhode-island/): Disorderly conduct in Rhode Island is a misdemeanor defined by RIGL § 11-45-1. The statute covers a wide range of behavior: fighting in public, making...
- [What happens if the victim of embezzlement is a government agency or public fund in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-the-victim-of-embezzlement-is-a-government-agency-or-public-fund-in-rhode-island/): Public-funds embezzlement is a different animal. When the victim is the State of Rhode Island, a city, a town, a school district, a public authority,...
- [Can embezzlement charges in Rhode Island be dropped or reduced?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-embezzlement-charges-in-rhode-island-be-dropped-or-reduced/): Yes, embezzlement charges in Rhode Island are reduced or dismissed more often than people assume, because the cases are document-heavy, intent is hard to prove,...
- [What is forensic accounting and why does it matter in my embezzlement case?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-forensic-accounting-and-why-does-it-matter-in-my-embezzlement-case/): Forensic accounting is the specialized practice of reconstructing financial records to prove or disprove fraud. In Rhode Island embezzlement cases, the prosecution relies almost entirely...
- [How long does the state have to charge me with embezzlement in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-the-state-have-to-charge-me-with-embezzlement-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island has a 10-year statute of limitations on felony embezzlement under R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-12-17. The clock generally starts running when the offense...
- [Will an embezzlement conviction cost me my professional license in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-an-embezzlement-conviction-cost-me-my-professional-license-in-rhode-island/): For most licensed professionals, yes, an embezzlement conviction triggers near-automatic revocation. CPAs, attorneys, financial advisors, real estate brokers, insurance agents, notaries, nurses, teachers, and healthcare...
- [What should I do if my employer accuses me of embezzlement but has not called the police yet?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-should-i-do-if-my-employer-accuses-me-of-embezzlement-but-has-not-called-the-police-yet/): This is the single most valuable window in any embezzlement case, and it closes fast. Before law enforcement gets involved, the matter is a civil...
- [Can I avoid jail time for embezzlement in Rhode Island if I pay restitution?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-avoid-jail-time-for-embezzlement-in-rhode-island-if-i-pay-restitution/): In most first-time Rhode Island embezzlement cases, yes, full restitution before sentencing dramatically increases the chance of a suspended sentence with probation instead of prison....
- [How much money makes embezzlement a felony in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-money-makes-embezzlement-a-felony-in-rhode-island/): In Rhode Island, embezzlement becomes a felony when the total amount involved exceeds $1,500. Under that threshold, the charge is a misdemeanor carrying up to...
- [What is the difference between embezzlement and larceny in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-embezzlement-and-larceny-in-rhode-island/): Embezzlement and larceny are both theft crimes in Rhode Island, but they turn on how the accused got the property in the first place. Larceny...
- [Why hire Bank & Munns for a computer crimes case?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/why-hire-bank-munns-for-a-computer-crimes-case/): Bank & Munns is a Rhode Island criminal defense firm with 1,300+ reviews from clients who needed a real defense, not a quick plea. Our...
- [How much does a Rhode Island computer crimes lawyer cost?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-rhode-island-computer-crimes-lawyer-cost/): Fees vary with the complexity of the case, the number of devices and accounts, whether the case is in state or federal court, and whether...
- [Will a computer crime conviction show up on a background check?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-a-computer-crime-conviction-show-up-on-a-background-check/): Yes. Computer crime convictions appear on Rhode Island BCI checks, multi-state background checks, and federal databases used by employers, landlords, licensing boards, and immigration officers....
- [What is forensic imaging and why does it matter?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-forensic-imaging-and-why-does-it-matter/): Forensic imaging is the process of creating an exact, bit-for-bit copy of a device's storage so investigators can analyze the data without altering the original....
- [Can police search my phone without a warrant in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-police-search-my-phone-without-a-warrant-in-rhode-island/): Almost never. Under Riley v. California, police generally need a warrant to search the contents of a cell phone, even during an arrest. Rhode Island...
- [What is the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-computer-fraud-and-abuse-act/): The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1030, is the main federal computer crime statute. It criminalizes unauthorized access to a computer, access...
- [Can the FBI charge me for a computer crime that happened in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-the-fbi-charge-me-for-a-computer-crime-that-happened-in-rhode-island/): Yes. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Secret Service all investigate computer offenses that touch Rhode Island. Any conduct that crosses state lines, reaches...
- [Is revenge porn illegal in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-revenge-porn-illegal-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Rhode Island criminalizes the nonconsensual dissemination of sexually explicit images, commonly known as revenge porn. The law focuses on images that were originally shared...
- [Is cyber harassment a felony in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-cyber-harassment-a-felony-in-rhode-island/): Cyber harassment is typically charged as a misdemeanor on a first offense in Rhode Island, but the exposure can rise quickly. A first conviction can...
- [What is considered a computer crime in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-considered-a-computer-crime-in-rhode-island/): A computer crime in Rhode Island is any offense prosecuted under RI General Laws Chapter 11-52 or under a related statute where a computer, phone,...
- [Why choose Bank & Munns as your Rhode Island homicide lawyer?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/why-choose-bank-munns-as-your-rhode-island-homicide-lawyer/): Bank & Munns has defended Rhode Island clients in the most serious criminal cases the state prosecutes - murder, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and major violent...
- [Do I need a Rhode Island homicide lawyer if I am only being "questioned"?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-rhode-island-homicide-lawyer-if-i-am-only-being-questioned/): Yes - and immediately. The single most dangerous moment in a homicide investigation is the voluntary "interview" where detectives assure a person they are "not...
- [What happens if the death was an accident?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-the-death-was-an-accident/): A true accident - one that occurred without criminal negligence and without an underlying unlawful act - is not a crime in Rhode Island. Many...
- [Can I claim self-defense in a Rhode Island homicide case?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-claim-self-defense-in-a-rhode-island-homicide-case/): Yes. Self-defense is a complete defense to homicide in Rhode Island when a defendant reasonably believed that deadly force was immediately necessary to prevent death...
- [How long does a Rhode Island homicide case take?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-a-rhode-island-homicide-case-take/): 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...
- [What are the penalties for first-degree murder in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-are-the-penalties-for-first-degree-murder-in-rhode-island/): 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...
- [What is malice aforethought, and how does the state prove it?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-malice-aforethought-and-how-does-the-state-prove-it/): 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...
- [Is bail available for murder charges in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-bail-available-for-murder-charges-in-rhode-island/): 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...
- [Can I be charged with murder if I did not kill anyone?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-be-charged-with-murder-if-i-did-not-kill-anyone/): Yes. Under Rhode Island's felony murder rule, every participant in certain enumerated felonies - including robbery, burglary, arson, rape, and kidnapping - can be charged...
- [What is the difference between murder and manslaughter in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-murder-and-manslaughter-in-rhode-island/): The legal line between murder and manslaughter in Rhode Island is malice aforethought. Murder requires malice - an intent to kill, an intent to cause...
- [Why choose Bank & Munns for a forgery defense in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/why-choose-bank-munns-for-a-forgery-defense-in-rhode-island/): Bank & Munns is a Providence-based criminal defense firm with deep Superior Court experience and 1,300+ reviews from clients across Rhode Island. We handle forgery,...
- [Can a handwriting expert's opinion be thrown out?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-handwriting-experts-opinion-be-thrown-out/): Yes, and it happens more often than most defendants expect. Handwriting identification is an opinion field, not an exact science, and courts now require experts...
- [Does Rhode Island offer diversion for first-time forgery offenders?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/does-rhode-island-offer-diversion-for-first-time-forgery-offenders/): Yes. Rhode Island has adult diversion programs and Superior Court deferred sentence options that can result in dismissal after successful completion. Eligibility depends on the...
- [Can I go to federal prison for counterfeiting currency?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-go-to-federal-prison-for-counterfeiting-currency/): Yes. Federal counterfeiting under 18 U.S.C. § 471 can result in federal prison time, substantial fines, a period of supervised release, and forfeiture of any...
- [What are the penalties for check forgery in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-are-the-penalties-for-check-forgery-in-rhode-island/): Check forgery in Rhode Island is typically charged as a felony, with potential state prison exposure and mandatory restitution to the bank or payee. Fines...
- [How much does it cost to hire a Rhode Island forgery lawyer?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-rhode-island-forgery-lawyer/): Fees vary with the complexity of the case. A single-count check forgery with clean facts will cost less than a multi-count felony that includes uttering,...
- [Can a Rhode Island forgery charge be dismissed?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-rhode-island-forgery-charge-be-dismissed/): Yes, forgery cases are dismissed every term in Providence Superior Court when the defense is built correctly. Common paths to dismissal include a successful motion...
- [Is counterfeiting money a state or federal crime in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-counterfeiting-money-a-state-or-federal-crime-in-rhode-island/): Counterfeiting U.S. currency is almost always prosecuted federally under 18 U.S.C. § 471 because the Secret Service has exclusive jurisdiction over currency offenses. Federal counterfeiting...
- [What is the difference between forgery and uttering in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-forgery-and-uttering-in-rhode-island/): Forgery is the act of creating or altering a document with intent to defraud. Uttering is the act of passing, offering, or using that document...
- [Is forgery a felony in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-forgery-a-felony-in-rhode-island/): Yes, most forgery offenses in Rhode Island are charged as felonies in Superior Court. That includes forging a check, altering a legal document, and uttering...
- [How much does a Rhode Island burglary lawyer cost?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-rhode-island-burglary-lawyer-cost/): Fees depend on the complexity of the case, the court where it is filed, whether it is resolved by plea or trial, and the forensic...
- [Should I talk to the detectives investigating my burglary case?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/should-i-talk-to-the-detectives-investigating-my-burglary-case/): No. Never. Rhode Island detectives are professional interviewers trained to elicit admissions, inconsistencies, and placement at the scene. Anything you say - even innocent explanations...
- [Can Bank & Munns get my Rhode Island burglary charge reduced to breaking and entering?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-bank-munns-get-my-rhode-island-burglary-charge-reduced-to-breaking-and-entering/): Often, yes - and it is one of our primary goals on any burglary case. The reduction from burglary to breaking and entering is the...
- [What about DNA evidence in a Rhode Island burglary case?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-about-dna-evidence-in-a-rhode-island-burglary-case/): DNA is powerful but not infallible. Modern "touch DNA" can transfer secondarily - through handshakes, shared tools, or even clothing contact with someone who visited...
- [The police found my fingerprints at the scene. Am I guilty?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/the-police-found-my-fingerprints-at-the-scene-am-i-guilty/): No. Fingerprints at a scene prove only that you touched a surface at some point. They do not prove when, why, or whether a crime...
- [What if I had permission to enter the home?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-if-i-had-permission-to-enter-the-home/): Consent destroys the "breaking" element. If any person with authority over the property - a resident, a co-tenant, a spouse, a roommate - gave you...
- [Does Rhode Island still require the "nighttime" element for burglary?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/does-rhode-island-still-require-the-nighttime-element-for-burglary/): Yes. Rhode Island is one of the few remaining states that preserves the common-law nighttime requirement for full burglary. If the alleged entry happened in...
- [Can I really get life in prison for a Rhode Island burglary?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-really-get-life-in-prison-for-a-rhode-island-burglary/): Yes, technically. Rhode Island General Laws § 11-8-1 sets the maximum at life imprisonment. That does not mean every burglary defendant ends up with life...
- [What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-burglary-and-breaking-and-entering-in-rhode-island/): Burglary in Rhode Island is a common-law offense: breaking and entering the dwelling of another in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony inside....
- [How much does it cost to hire a Rhode Island sex crimes lawyer?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-rhode-island-sex-crimes-lawyer/): Fees vary with the charge, the procedural stage, and the projected scope of the defense. Felony sex offenses in Rhode Island Superior Court require substantially...
- [Can sex offense charges be dropped or reduced in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-sex-offense-charges-be-dropped-or-reduced-in-rhode-island/): Yes, it happens-sometimes outright, sometimes through reduction to a non-registerable offense, and sometimes through diversion or deferred disposition in the narrow cases where the statute...
- [Does a Rhode Island sex crime conviction affect my immigration status?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/does-a-rhode-island-sex-crime-conviction-affect-my-immigration-status/): Yes, severely. Most sex offenses are classified as aggravated felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude under federal immigration law, and a conviction typically means mandatory...
- [Will I go to prison if I am convicted of a Rhode Island sex crime?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-i-go-to-prison-if-i-am-convicted-of-a-rhode-island-sex-crime/): For first-degree offenses and child molestation charges, prison is the presumed outcome and the exposure is measured in decades, not years. For second- and third-degree...
- [What is the statute of limitations on sex crimes in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-statute-of-limitations-on-sex-crimes-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island has extended the statute of limitations for many sex offenses, particularly those involving minors, and certain categories have no time limit at all....
- [Can I be charged with a sex crime based only on someone's word, with no physical evidence?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-be-charged-with-a-sex-crime-based-only-on-someones-word-with-no-physical-evidence/): Yes. Rhode Island law does not require corroboration for a sex offense conviction. The testimony of one complainant, standing alone, is legally sufficient to sustain...
- [How long do I have to register as a sex offender in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-do-i-have-to-register-as-a-sex-offender-in-rhode-island/): It depends on your tier. Rhode Island uses a three-tier system administered by the Sex Offender Board of Review. Tier I offenders typically register for...
- [What is the difference between first, second, and third-degree sexual assault in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-first-second-and-third-degree-sexual-assault-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island grades sexual assault under RIGL § 11-37 by the type of conduct alleged and the circumstances surrounding it. First-degree sexual assault involves alleged...
- [Should I talk to the police if they say they just want my side of the story?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/should-i-talk-to-the-police-if-they-say-they-just-want-my-side-of-the-story/): No. Under no circumstances should you give a statement to Rhode Island police, State Police, or a sex crimes detective without a Rhode Island sex...
- [How much does a Rhode Island prostitution lawyer cost?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-rhode-island-prostitution-lawyer-cost/): Fees depend on the complexity of the case: whether it is a single misdemeanor or part of a larger indictment, whether there are potential federal...
- [Can the charge be expunged from my record in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-the-charge-be-expunged-from-my-record-in-rhode-island/): Often, yes. First-offense misdemeanors in Rhode Island are generally eligible for expungement five years after completion of the sentence, assuming no intervening convictions. Cases that...
- [What is the difference between prostitution, pandering, and human trafficking in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-prostitution-pandering-and-human-trafficking-in-rhode-island/): Prostitution and solicitation are misdemeanors that cover the two parties to the transaction - the provider and the buyer. Pandering is a felony and covers...
- [What are the immigration consequences of a prostitution charge in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-are-the-immigration-consequences-of-a-prostitution-charge-in-rhode-island/): Serious. Prostitution-related offenses are classified by federal immigration authorities as crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs) and, in some configurations, as aggravated felonies. Consequences can include...
- [Can I lose my job or professional license over a prostitution charge?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-lose-my-job-or-professional-license-over-a-prostitution-charge/): Yes, and this is the consequence most first-time defendants underestimate. A prostitution or solicitation record - even an arrest without conviction - can disqualify you...
- [Are sting operations legal, and is entrapment a defense in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/are-sting-operations-legal-and-is-entrapment-a-defense-in-rhode-island/): Yes, sting operations are legal. Police can pose as clients, post decoy ads, and arrest people who respond. Entrapment is a defense, but it is...
- [What happens if the alleged prostitute was a minor?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-the-alleged-prostitute-was-a-minor/): It is not a prostitution case anymore - it is a human trafficking or commercial sexual abuse of a minor case, and those are felonies...
- [Does a prostitution charge put me on the sex offender registry in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/does-a-prostitution-charge-put-me-on-the-sex-offender-registry-in-rhode-island/): For a basic, adult-to-adult prostitution or solicitation charge: no. Rhode Island's sex offender registration statute does not reach routine prostitution offenses. Registration is reserved for...
- [Will I go to jail for a first-offense solicitation charge in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-i-go-to-jail-for-a-first-offense-solicitation-charge-in-rhode-island/): Almost certainly not. First-offense prostitution or solicitation is a misdemeanor with a statutory maximum of 6 months, but in practice, first-time offenders in Rhode Island...
- [Is prostitution legal in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-prostitution-legal-in-rhode-island/): No. Rhode Island criminalized indoor prostitution in November 2009, closing a loophole that had existed for decades in the statutory language. Today, both selling sexual...
- [What should I do in the first 48 hours after an OUI arrest in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-should-i-do-in-the-first-48-hours-after-an-oui-arrest-in-massachusetts/): First, write down everything you remember about the stop - time, location, what the officer said, what tests you were asked to perform, and whether...
- [How much does a Massachusetts DUI lawyer cost?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-massachusetts-dui-lawyer-cost/): Fees vary widely based on the complexity of the case, the county, and whether the case goes to trial. A first-offense OUI with a straightforward...
- [What happens if I am an out-of-state driver with a Massachusetts OUI?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-i-am-an-out-of-state-driver-with-a-massachusetts-oui/): Massachusetts will suspend your right to drive in the Commonwealth and report the conviction to your home state through the Driver License Compact, which includes...
- [Do I need a lawyer for a first-offense OUI in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-a-first-offense-oui-in-massachusetts/): Yes, even though 24D resolution sounds simple. A first-offense OUI is a criminal charge with lifetime consequences. You will have a permanent criminal record entry,...
- [Can I get an OUI off my record in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-get-an-oui-off-my-record-in-massachusetts/): Expungement of an OUI conviction is extraordinarily rare in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth allows expungement only for convictions before age 21 under narrow conditions, or when...
- [What is Melanie's Law in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-melanies-law-in-massachusetts/): Melanie's Law is a 2005 statute named after Melanie Powell, a 13-year-old killed by a repeat drunk driver in Marshfield. The law dramatically escalated penalties...
- [Will I lose my license after an OUI arrest in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-i-lose-my-license-after-an-oui-arrest-in-massachusetts/): Almost certainly, at least temporarily. If you refused the breath test, the RMV imposes an immediate 180-day suspension on a first offense. If you failed...
- [Should I refuse the breath test in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/should-i-refuse-the-breath-test-in-massachusetts/): This is the most asked question in OUI defense, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Refusing triggers an automatic 180-day license suspension on a first...
- [What is the legal BAC limit in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-legal-bac-limit-in-massachusetts/): The legal BAC limit for adults 21 and over is .08 percent. For drivers under 21, the limit drops to .02 percent under the Junior...
- [Is OUI the same as DUI in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-oui-the-same-as-dui-in-massachusetts/): Yes. Massachusetts uses "OUI" (Operating Under the Influence) as the statutory term under M.G.L. c. 90, § 24, while most of the country uses "DUI"...
- [How long does a Rhode Island shoplifting case take to resolve?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-a-rhode-island-shoplifting-case-take-to-resolve/): Most Rhode Island misdemeanor shoplifting cases resolve within two to six months from arraignment, though diversion and filing periods can extend the official closure out...
- [Can I get a Rhode Island shoplifting charge expunged?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-get-a-rhode-island-shoplifting-charge-expunged/): Rhode Island allows expungement of eligible shoplifting cases, with the timing depending on how the case resolved. Dismissed charges, diversion completions, and "no information" or...
- [What is diversion and how do I know if I qualify?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-diversion-and-how-do-i-know-if-i-qualify/): Rhode Island's adult diversion program, run through the Attorney General's office, lets eligible first-time offenders avoid a conviction by completing a set of conditions -...
- [Can a shoplifting conviction affect my immigration status?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-shoplifting-conviction-affect-my-immigration-status/): Yes - and this is one of the most under-appreciated risks in Rhode Island shoplifting cases. Federal immigration law treats theft offenses, including shoplifting, as...
- [Will a shoplifting charge show up on a background check?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-a-shoplifting-charge-show-up-on-a-background-check/): A Rhode Island shoplifting arrest and any resulting charge will appear on most standard criminal background checks unless and until the case is dismissed, sealed,...
- [Do I have to pay the civil demand letter from the store?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-have-to-pay-the-civil-demand-letter-from-the-store/): You are not legally required to pay a civil demand letter before a civil lawsuit is actually filed against you, and in many cases these...
- [What is the value threshold for felony shoplifting in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-value-threshold-for-felony-shoplifting-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island uses merchandise value and prior record together to decide whether shoplifting is a misdemeanor or a felony. Low-value first offenses are almost always...
- [Can I go to jail for a first-time shoplifting charge in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-go-to-jail-for-a-first-time-shoplifting-charge-in-rhode-island/): Technically, yes - misdemeanor shoplifting in Rhode Island carries up to one year in jail. Realistically, first-time offenders with clean records and low-dollar merchandise rarely...
- [Is shoplifting a misdemeanor or a felony in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-shoplifting-a-misdemeanor-or-a-felony-in-rhode-island-2/): Shoplifting in Rhode Island can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the merchandise and the defendant's prior record. For...
- [How much does a Rhode Island arson lawyer cost?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-rhode-island-arson-lawyer-cost/): Arson defense is not a flat-fee traffic ticket. The cost depends on the degree charged, the complexity of the cause-and-origin challenge, whether federal charges are...
- [Will I lose my homeowner's insurance claim if I am charged with arson?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-i-lose-my-homeowners-insurance-claim-if-i-am-charged-with-arson/): Likely yes - at least temporarily. Homeowner's policies have a standard "intentional acts" exclusion, and insurers routinely deny fire claims once the state fire marshal...
- [What should I do if the fire marshal asks me to come in for an interview?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-should-i-do-if-the-fire-marshal-asks-me-to-come-in-for-an-interview/): Politely decline until you speak with a Rhode Island arson lawyer. The fire marshal's office is law enforcement. Any interview they schedule - whether called...
- [How do I fight a cause-and-origin report I disagree with?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-do-i-fight-a-cause-and-origin-report-i-disagree-with/): Cause-and-origin (C&O) reports are opinions, not facts. They can be challenged, and they often are. A modern defense to an arson C&O starts by testing...
- [Can federal prosecutors charge me with arson in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-federal-prosecutors-charge-me-with-arson-in-rhode-island/): Yes, in certain situations. The federal arson statute, 18 U.S.C. § 844, criminalizes fires involving property used in interstate or foreign commerce or used in...
- [What is insurance arson and how is it prosecuted?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-insurance-arson-and-how-is-it-prosecuted/): "Insurance arson" is the informal term for a fire allegedly set by the owner of insured property to collect on a policy. In Rhode Island...
- [Can I be charged with arson if the fire was an accident?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-be-charged-with-arson-if-the-fire-was-an-accident/): No. Rhode Island arson requires the state to prove that you willfully and maliciously caused the fire. Willfulness is the legal heart of every arson...
- [What is the difference between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree arson in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-1st-2nd-and-3rd-degree-arson-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island grades arson by what was burned and who was inside. First degree arson covers fires set to occupied dwellings, occupied buildings, places of...
- [How much prison time can I get for arson in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-prison-time-can-i-get-for-arson-in-rhode-island/): Prison exposure depends on the degree of arson charged, whether anyone was hurt, whether insurance fraud is alleged, and whether you have a prior record....
- [Is arson a felony in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-arson-a-felony-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Every degree of arson in Rhode Island is a felony, and every arson case is prosecuted in Rhode Island Superior Court. There is no...
- [Does Bank & Munns handle DUI cases in Massachusetts?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/does-bank-munns-handle-dui-cases-in-massachusetts/): Yes. Attorney Rory Munns and Attorney Jackie Martin are both licensed in Massachusetts and handle OUI (operating under the influence) cases in Bristol County and...
- [What types of felony cases does Bank & Munns handle?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-types-of-felony-cases-do-bank-munns-handle/): Bank & Munns handles the full spectrum of Rhode Island felony charges in Superior Court across all four counties (Providence, Kent, Washington, Newport). Our felony...
- [How does bail work in Rhode Island after an arrest?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-does-bail-work-in-rhode-island-after-an-arrest/): Bail in Rhode Island is set either by a bail commissioner at the police station or by a judge at arraignment. Options include personal recognizance,...
- [What defenses work against a Rhode Island shoplifting charge?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-defenses-work-against-a-rhode-island-shoplifting-charge/): Common defenses include lack of intent to steal, mistaken identity, challenging store surveillance or witness reliability, unlawful detention by loss prevention, and disputing the valuation...
- [Can a shoplifting conviction be expunged in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-shoplifting-conviction-be-expunged-in-rhode-island/): In many cases, yes. Rhode Island allows expungement of most shoplifting misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period with no subsequent convictions. Felony shoplifting expungement is...
- [What are the penalties for shoplifting in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-are-the-penalties-for-shoplifting-in-rhode-island/): Penalties vary by merchandise value and prior record. Misdemeanor shoplifting can carry up to one year in jail and fines. Felony-level shoplifting exposes defendants to...
- [Is diversion available for Rhode Island shoplifting charges?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-diversion-available-for-rhode-island-shoplifting-charges/): Yes, in many cases. Rhode Island offers diversion and deferred-sentence options for qualifying shoplifting defendants, especially first-time offenders. Completing diversion typically results in dismissal and...
- [Can a first-time shoplifting charge be dismissed in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-first-time-shoplifting-charge-be-dismissed-in-rhode-island/): Often, yes. First-time offenders with no prior record are frequently eligible for diversion, pre-trial dismissal, or reduction to a non-criminal disposition. Bank & Munns works...
- [What is the dollar threshold for felony shoplifting in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-dollar-threshold-for-felony-shoplifting-in-rhode-island/): Under Rhode Island law, shoplifting of merchandise valued at more than $100 can be charged as a felony. Amounts at or below that threshold are...
- [Can I get bail on a felony charge in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-get-bail-on-a-felony-charge-in-rhode-island/): In most cases, yes. Bail is set by a judge and depends on the severity of the charge, your record, and flight risk. Certain serious...
- [Can I get a Rhode Island misdemeanor expunged?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-get-a-rhode-island-misdemeanor-expunged/): In many cases, yes. Rhode Island allows expungement of most misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period if you have no subsequent convictions. A lawyer at...
- [Is shoplifting a misdemeanor or a felony in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-shoplifting-a-misdemeanor-or-a-felony-in-rhode-island/): Shoplifting in Rhode Island can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the merchandise and the defendant's prior record. For...
- [How long can probation last in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-can-probation-last-in-rhode-island/): The length of probation in Rhode Island varies depending on the nature of the underlying offense and the sentence imposed by the judge. Probation periods...
- [What is Rhode Island's mandatory arrest policy for domestic violence?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-rhode-islands-mandatory-arrest-policy-for-domestic-violence/): Rhode Island has a mandatory arrest policy for domestic violence, which means that if a police officer responds to a domestic violence call and has...
- [How much does a DUI cost in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-dui-cost-in-rhode-island/): The total cost of a DUI in Rhode Island goes well beyond the court-imposed fine. When you factor in fines, court costs, attorney fees, DMV...
- [Will I lose my license after a DUI in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/will-i-lose-my-license-after-a-dui/): License suspension is a standard consequence of a DUI conviction in Rhode Island. For a first offense, suspension typically ranges from 30 to 180 days....
- [Should I hire a DUI lawyer?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/should-i-hire-a-dui-lawyer/): Yes. Legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. An experienced RI DUI Lawyer like Chad F Bank, Rory Munns, and Jackie Martin...
- [Who is the best DUI Lawyer in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/who-is-the-best-dui-lawyer-in-rhode-island/): Attorneys Chad F Bank and Rory Munns at Bank & Munns are among the highest rated and most reviewed DUI lawyers in Rhode Island. With...
- [Can a DUI be dismissed in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-dui-be-dismissed-in-rhode-island/): Yes. DUI charges can be dismissed or reduced in Rhode Island depending on the facts of your case. Common grounds for dismissal or reduction include...
- [How much does Bank & Munns charge for a DUI consultation?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-attorney-bank-charge-for-a-dui-consultation/): All DUI consultations at Bank & Munns are completely free. We understand that facing a DUI charge is stressful and financially uncertain, and we want...
- [Do I need a lawyer for an assault charge in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-an-assault-charge-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Even for misdemeanor assault charges, having an experienced Rhode Island criminal defense attorney significantly improves your chances of a favorable outcome. An attorney can...
- [Can assault charges be dropped in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-assault-charges-be-dropped-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Assault charges can be reduced or dismissed in Rhode Island depending on the evidence, the credibility of witnesses, procedural errors by law enforcement, or...
- [Is assault a felony or misdemeanor in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-assault-a-felony-or-misdemeanor-in-rhode-island/): Assault and battery can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony in Rhode Island depending on the circumstances. Simple assault and battery without...
- [Is marijuana still illegal in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-marijuana-still-illegal-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over in 2022. Adults may possess up to one ounce of marijuana in public and up...
- [What is possession with intent to deliver in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-possession-with-intent-to-deliver-in-rhode-island/): Possession with intent to deliver is a felony charge that alleges you possessed drugs not for personal use but with the intent to sell or...
- [What are the penalties for drug possession in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-are-the-penalties-for-drug-possession-in-rhode-island/): Penalties for drug possession in Rhode Island depend on the type and quantity of the substance. A first offense for possession of most controlled substances...
- [Is mediation required in Rhode Island Family Court?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-mediation-required-in-rhode-island-family-court/): Rhode Island Family Court encourages and in many cases requires parties to attempt mediation before proceeding to a contested hearing. Mediation is a process in...
- [Do I need a lawyer for Family Court in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-family-court-in-rhode-island/): You are not legally required to have an attorney in Rhode Island Family Court, but having one is strongly advisable in most situations. Family Court...
- [What types of cases does Rhode Island Family Court handle?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-types-of-cases-does-rhode-island-family-court-handle/): Rhode Island Family Court handles all legal matters involving family relationships and domestic issues, including divorce, legal separation, child custody and support, visitation, adoption, termination...
- [Do I need a lawyer to adopt a child in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-lawyer-to-adopt-a-child-in-rhode-island/): While you are not legally required to have an attorney, adoption is one of the most document-intensive and procedurally complex areas of family law. Errors...
- [What happens to the birth certificate after an adoption is finalized?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-to-the-birth-certificate-after-an-adoption-is-finalized/): Once the Rhode Island Family Court issues a final adoption decree, a new birth certificate is issued for the child listing the adoptive parents as...
- [What is a stepparent adoption in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-a-stepparent-adoption-in-rhode-island/): A stepparent adoption is when a stepparent legally adopts their spouse's biological child from a prior relationship. It is one of the most common types...
- [Does my partner need their own lawyer to sign a prenup in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/does-my-partner-need-their-own-lawyer-to-sign-a-prenup-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island law does not strictly require both parties to have independent legal counsel, but it is strongly recommended. If your partner signs a prenup...
- [Can a prenuptial agreement cover child support or custody in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-prenuptial-agreement-cover-child-support-or-custody-in-rhode-island/): No. Child custody and child support cannot be determined in a prenuptial agreement in Rhode Island. These matters are always decided by the Family Court...
- [Can a prenuptial agreement be challenged in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-prenuptial-agreement-be-challenged-in-rhode-island/): Yes. A prenuptial agreement can be challenged in Rhode Island Family Court on several grounds, including that it was signed under duress or coercion, that...
- [Are prenuptial agreements enforceable in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/are-prenuptial-agreements-enforceable-in-rhode-island/): Yes, prenuptial agreements are legally enforceable in Rhode Island when they meet the requirements of the Rhode Island Uniform Premarital Agreement Act. The agreement must...
- [How long does a no-contact order last in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-a-no-contact-order-last-in-rhode-island/): A no-contact order in Rhode Island typically remains in effect for as long as the underlying criminal case is active. It terminates when the case...
- [Can I contact my children if I have a no-contact order against me?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-contact-my-children-if-i-have-a-no-contact-order-against-me/): It depends on the specific terms of the order. If the no-contact order is directed at your co-parent and your children are not specifically named,...
- [Do I need a lawyer for a restraining order hearing in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-a-restraining-order-hearing-in-rhode-island/): You are not legally required to have an attorney, but having one is strongly advisable for both parties. If you are seeking a restraining order,...
- [Can a restraining order affect child custody in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-restraining-order-affect-child-custody-in-rhode-island/): Yes. A restraining order can directly impact child custody and visitation arrangements. If a restraining order is entered against a parent, it may restrict or...
- [Can I move out of state with my child if I have a visitation order in place?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-move-out-of-state-with-my-child-if-i-have-a-visitation-order-in-place/): If there is a custody or visitation order in place, relocating out of Rhode Island with your child generally requires either the written consent of...
- [What is the difference between visitation and parenting time in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-visitation-and-parenting-time-in-rhode-island/): The terms visitation and parenting time are often used interchangeably in Rhode Island Family Court proceedings. Both refer to the scheduled time a non-custodial parent...
- [Do grandparents have visitation rights in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-grandparents-have-visitation-rights-in-rhode-island/): Under certain circumstances, Rhode Island law permits grandparents to petition the Family Court for visitation rights. The court applies the best interests of the child...
- [What happens if a parent violates a visitation order in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-a-parent-violates-a-visitation-order-in-rhode-island/): Violating a court-ordered visitation schedule is a serious matter in Rhode Island. The non-violating parent can file a motion for contempt with the Family Court....
- [Can a visitation order be changed in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-visitation-order-be-changed-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Either parent can petition the Rhode Island Family Court to modify a visitation order when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Common...
- [What is a standard visitation schedule in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-a-standard-visitation-schedule-in-rhode-island/): A standard visitation schedule in Rhode Island typically includes alternating weekends with the non-custodial parent, a mid-week evening visit, and shared time during school vacations...
- [What income is included when calculating child support in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-income-is-included-when-calculating-child-support-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island courts consider all sources of gross income when calculating child support, including wages and salaries, self-employment income, overtime and bonuses, rental income, investment...
- [Can parents agree on child support without going to court in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-parents-agree-on-child-support-without-going-to-court-in-rhode-island/): Parents can negotiate and agree on a child support amount outside of court, but the agreement must be submitted to and approved by the Rhode...
- [Does joint custody eliminate child support in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/does-joint-custody-eliminate-child-support-in-rhode-island/): Not necessarily. Even in joint custody situations, Rhode Island courts may still order child support depending on the difference in each parent's income and the...
- [Can child support be modified in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-child-support-be-modified-in-rhode-island/): Yes. Either parent can petition the Rhode Island Family Court to modify a child support order when there has been a substantial change in circumstances...
- [How long does child support last in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-child-support-last-in-rhode-island/): In Rhode Island, child support obligations generally continue until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. If the child has...
- [How is child support calculated in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-is-child-support-calculated-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island calculates child support using the shared income model. The court determines each parent's adjusted gross weekly income, combines those figures, and uses state...
- [How long does a child custody case take in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-long-does-a-child-custody-case-take-in-rhode-island/): The timeline depends on whether the custody matter is contested or uncontested. If both parents reach an agreement on a parenting plan, the process can...
- [Can I move out of Rhode Island with my child if I have custody?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-i-move-out-of-rhode-island-with-my-child-if-i-have-custody/): If you have a custody order in place, you generally cannot relocate out of state with your child without either the written consent of the...
- [What happens if one parent violates a custody order in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-if-one-parent-violates-a-custody-order-in-rhode-island/): Violating a custody order in Rhode Island is a serious matter. The non-violating parent can file a motion for contempt with the Family Court. If...
- [Can a custody order be changed after it is entered?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-custody-order-be-changed-after-it-is-entered/): Yes. Either parent can petition the Rhode Island Family Court to modify a custody order when there has been a substantial change in circumstances since...
- [Can a child choose which parent to live with in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/can-a-child-choose-which-parent-to-live-with-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island courts may consider a child's preference when the child is deemed old enough and mature enough to express a reasoned opinion, but the...
- [How does a judge decide child custody in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-does-a-judge-decide-child-custody-in-rhode-island/): Rhode Island Family Court judges determine custody based on the best interests of the child. The court evaluates factors including each parent's relationship with the...
- [What is the residency requirement for divorce in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-residency-requirement-for-divorce-in-rhode-island/): At least one spouse must have been a resident of Rhode Island for a minimum of one year immediately before filing for divorce. If neither...
- [How much does a divorce cost in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-divorce-cost-in-rhode-island/): The cost of a Rhode Island divorce depends on whether it is contested or uncontested and the complexity of the issues involved. Uncontested divorces with...
- [What happens to child custody in a Rhode Island divorce?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-happens-to-child-custody-in-a-rhode-island-divorce/): Child custody in Rhode Island is determined based on the best interests of the child. The court considers factors including each parent's relationship with the...
- [How is property divided in a Rhode Island divorce?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/how-is-property-divided-in-a-rhode-island-divorce/): Rhode Island follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors including the length...
- [What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-a-contested-and-uncontested-divorce-in-rhode-island/): In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all issues including property division, child custody, child support, and alimony. In a contested divorce, one or...
- [Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Rhode Island?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-lawyer-to-get-divorced-in-rhode-island/): You are not legally required to have an attorney, but it is strongly advisable. Divorce involves complex legal filings, court deadlines, and binding agreements that...
- [What does a Rhode Island DUI Lawyer do for you?](https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-does-a-rhode-island-dui-lawyer-do-for-you/): A Rhode Island DUI Lawyer from Bank & Munns is in court every day fighting for their clients. Upon being retained our attorneys get the...

## FAQ Categories

- [Adoption](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/adoption/)
- [Arrested](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/arrested/)
- [Arson](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/arson/): Rhode Island arson defense — 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree arson, insurance arson, and federal arson (18 U.S.C. § 844).
- [Assault and Battery](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/assault-and-battery/)
- [Assault with Dangerous Weapon](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/assault-dangerous-weapon/): Rhode Island assault with a dangerous weapon (ADW) defense.
- [Burglary](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/burglary/): Rhode Island burglary and breaking-and-entering defense.
- [Child Custody](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/child-custody/)
- [Child Support](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/child-support/)
- [Computer Crimes](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/computer-crimes/): Rhode Island computer crimes and cybercrime defense.
- [Credit Card Fraud](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/credit-card-fraud/): Rhode Island credit card fraud and access device fraud defense (incl. 18 U.S.C. § 1029).
- [Criminal Defense](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/criminal-defense/)
- [Disorderly Conduct](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/disorderly-conduct/): Rhode Island disorderly conduct defense.
- [Divorce](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/divorce/)
- [Domestic Violence](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/domestic-violence/)
- [Drug Crimes](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/drug-crimes/)
- [DUI](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/dui/)
- [Embezzlement](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/embezzlement/): Rhode Island embezzlement defense — workplace theft, fiduciary-breach financial crimes.
- [Family Court](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/family-court/)
- [Felonies](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/felonies/)
- [Forgery](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/forgery/): Rhode Island forgery and counterfeiting defense.
- [Homicide](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/homicide/): Rhode Island homicide defense — murder, manslaughter, voluntary/involuntary, felony murder.
- [Identity Theft](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/identity-theft/): Rhode Island identity theft defense — state and federal.
- [Kidnapping](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/kidnapping/): Rhode Island kidnapping and unlawful restraint defense.
- [Larceny](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/larceny/): Rhode Island larceny and theft defense.
- [Mass Criminal Defense](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/mass-criminal-defense/): Massachusetts-specific criminal defense FAQs (clerk-magistrate hearings, Massachusetts misdemeanor/felony distinction, OUI procedure, firearm eligibility under Mass law).
- [Mass DUI](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/mass-dui/)
- [Misdemeanors](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/misdemeanors/)
- [No-Contact Orders](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/no-contact-orders/)
- [Prenuptial Agreements](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/prenuptial-agreements/)
- [Probation Violation](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/probation-violation/)
- [Prostitution](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/prostitution/): Rhode Island prostitution and solicitation defense.
- [Restraining Orders](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/restraining-orders/)
- [Robbery](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/robbery/): Rhode Island robbery defense — 1st/2nd degree, armed robbery, federal Hobbs Act.
- [Sex Crimes](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/sex-crimes/): Rhode Island sex crimes defense — sexual assault, CSC, indecent exposure, SORNA registration.
- [Shoplifting](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/shoplifting/): Rhode Island shoplifting and retail theft defense — misdemeanor and felony exposure, diversion, expungement.
- [Visitation](https://bankandmunns.com/faq_category/visitation/)

## Pages

- [About Bank & Munns](https://bankandmunns.com/about-us/): About Bank & Munns - Partners Chad F Bank, Esq. and Rory Munns, Esq. and Associate Attorney Jaclyn Martin, Esq.
- [Assault with a Dangerous Weapon](https://bankandmunns.com/assault-with-a-dangerous-weapon/): A Rhode Island assault with a dangerous weapon lawyer at Bank & Munns defends felony ADW cases in Superior Court. 1,300+ reviews.
- [Bank & Munns - Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/): Bank & Munns - RI Criminal Lawyers - RI Family Law Lawyers - Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer - RI Family Law Attorneys
- [Contact Us](https://bankandmunns.com/contact-us/): Contact Bank & Munns - Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorneys - Rhode Island Family Law Attorneys - Rhode Island DUI Attorneys
- [Criminal Defense FAQ's](https://bankandmunns.com/criminal-defense-faqs/): Criminal Defense FAQ's - Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive from people facing charges
- [Divorce and Family Law FAQs](https://bankandmunns.com/divorce-family-law-faq/): Divorce and Family Law FAQs - Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive from potential family law clients
- [Legal Blog](https://bankandmunns.com/legal-blog/)
- [Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/massachusetts-criminal-defense-lawyer/): Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer at Bank & Munns defends OUI, drug, assault, and felony cases statewide. 1,300+ five-star reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Massachusetts DUI Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/massachusetts-dui-lawyer/): Massachusetts DUI lawyer at Bank & Munns defends first, second, and third offense OUI cases statewide. 1,300+ five-star reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Privacy Policy](https://bankandmunns.com/privacy-policy/): Privacy Policy - Bank & Munns - Rhode Island Criminal Defense - Providence, RI - we do not sell your information or give it to anyone.
- [Rhode Island Adoption Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-divorce-lawyer/adoption-lawyer/): A Rhode Island Adoption Lawyer from Bank & Munns guides families through every step of the adoption process. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Arson Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-arson-lawyer/): A Rhode Island arson lawyer at Bank & Munns fights 1st, 2nd & 3rd degree arson cases statewide. Free consult: 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Assault and Battery Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-assault-and-battery-lawyer/): If you have been charged with assault you need an experienced Rhode Island Assault and Battery Lawyer. Call us at 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Burglary Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-burglary-lawyer/): Bank & Munns - a Rhode Island burglary lawyer team with 1,300+ reviews - defends residential burglary, B&E, and commercial burglary.
- [Rhode Island Child Custody Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-divorce-lawyer/rhode-island-child-custody-lawyer/): A Rhode Island Child Custody Lawyer at Bank & Munns will fight to protect your parental rights. Call 401-573-2265 for a free consultation.
- [Rhode Island Child Support Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-divorce-lawyer/rhode-island-child-support-lawyer/): A Rhode Island Child Support Lawyer at Bank & Munns handles child support orders, modifications, and enforcement. Call 401-573-2265
- [Rhode Island Computer Crimes Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-computer-crimes-lawyer/): Rhode Island computer crimes lawyer at Bank & Munns defends hacking, cyber harassment, revenge porn, and CFAA cases statewide. 1,300+ reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Credit Card Fraud Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-credit-card-fraud-lawyer/): Rhode Island credit card fraud lawyer at Bank & Munns defends skimming, unauthorized use, and access device fraud cases statewide. 1,300+ reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Disorderly Conduct Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-disorderly-conduct-lawyer/): Rhode Island disorderly conduct lawyer at Bank & Munns defends disturbing-the-peace and public-conduct charges statewide. 1,300+ reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-divorce-lawyer/): If you are considering filing for divorce contact a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer from Bank & Munns for a free consultation. Call 401-573-2265
- [Rhode Island Domestic Violence Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-domestic-violence-lawyer/): A Rhode Island Domestic Violence Lawyer from Bank & Munns provides aggressive domestic violence defense. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Drug Crime Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-drug-crime-lawyer/): Rhode Island Drug Crime Lawyer - From simple possession to trafficking, Bank & Munns provides experienced drug crime defense across RI
- [Rhode Island DUI Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-dui-attorney/): If you have been charged with a DUI call a Rhode Island DUI Lawyer at Bank & Munns today to discuss your case at 401-573-2265
- [Rhode Island Embezzlement Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-embezzlement-lawyer/): Rhode Island embezzlement lawyer at Bank & Munns defends workplace theft and fiduciary fraud charges statewide. 1,300+ five-star reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Family Court Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-divorce-lawyer/family-court/): A Rhode Island Family Court Lawyer at Bank & Munns represent sclients in all Family Court matters. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Felony Defense Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-felony-defense-lawyer/): Facing felony charges in RI? Call an experienced Rhode Island felony defense lawyer from Bank & Munns - over 1,300 five-star reviews.
- [Rhode Island Forgery Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-forgery-lawyer/): Rhode Island forgery lawyer at Bank & Munns defends forgery, counterfeiting, and document-fraud charges statewide. 1,300+ reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Homicide Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-homicide-lawyer/): Rhode Island homicide lawyer at Bank & Munns defends murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide charges statewide. 1,300+ reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Identity Theft Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-identity-theft-lawyer/): Rhode Island identity theft lawyer at Bank & Munns defends state and federal identity theft and personal-data fraud cases. 1,300+ reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Kidnapping Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-kidnapping-lawyer/): Rhode Island kidnapping lawyer at Bank & Munns defends kidnapping, false imprisonment, and unlawful restraint cases statewide. 1,300+ reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Larceny Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-larceny-lawyer/): Rhode Island larceny lawyer at Bank & Munns defends petty, grand, and larceny-from-person charges statewide. 1,300+ reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-misdemeanor-defense-lawyer/): Facing misdemeanor charges in RI? Call an experienced experienced Rhode Island misdemeanor defense lawyer from Bank & Munns.
- [Rhode Island No-Contact Order Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-divorce-lawyer/no-contact-order/): A Rhode Island No Contact Order Lawyer from Bank & Munns represents clients on both sides of a no-contact order. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-divorce-lawyer/prenuptial-agreements/): A Rhode Island Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer at Bank & Munns can draft and review prenups for couples across Rhode Island. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Probation Violation Attorney](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-probation-violation-attorney/): A Rhode Island Probation Violation Attorney from Bank & Munns will provide aggressive probation violation defense. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Prostitution Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-prostitution-lawyer/): Rhode Island prostitution lawyer at Bank & Munns defends prostitution, solicitation, and related charges statewide. 1,300+ reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Restraining Order Attorney](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-divorce-lawyer/restraining-order-attorney/): A Rhode Island Restraining Order Attorney at Bank & Munns can help if you have been served with or need to file a restraining order
- [Rhode Island Robbery Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-robbery-lawyer/): Rhode Island robbery lawyer at Bank & Munns defends armed, unarmed, and strong-arm robbery charges statewide. 1,300+ five-star reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Sex Crimes Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-sex-crimes-lawyer/): Rhode Island sex crimes lawyer at Bank & Munns defends sexual assault, child molestation, and registry cases statewide. 1,300+ reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Shoplifting Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-shoplifting-lawyer/): Rhode Island shoplifting lawyer at Bank & Munns defends retail theft, civil demand, and store-fraud cases statewide. 1,300+ reviews. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island Visitation Attorney](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-divorce-lawyer/rhode-island-visitation-attorney/): A Rhode Island Visitation Attorney at Bank & Munns can help parents establish, enforce, and modify visitation orders. Call 401-573-2265.
- [Rhode Island White Collar Crime Lawyer](https://bankandmunns.com/rhode-island-white-collar-crime-lawyer/): A Rhode Island white collar crime lawyer at Bank & Munns defends embezzlement, fraud, forgery, identity theft, and federal financial crimes

## Posts

- [Assault and Battery Charges in Rhode Island, Penalties and Defense](https://bankandmunns.com/assault-and-battery-charge-in-ri-your-defense-in-court/): Assault and battery charges in Rhode Island under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 11-5, simple assault, felony assault, and assault with a dangerous weapon. Defense strategies and penalties.
- [Rhode Island Drug Laws, Charges, Penalties, and Defense](https://bankandmunns.com/complexities-of-rhode-islands-drug-laws/): Rhode Island drug laws explained, controlled substance schedules, possession vs. distribution, federal jurisdiction triggers, and defense strategies under RIGL Chapter 21-28.
- [The Rhode Island DUI Arrest Process, From Stop to Arraignment](https://bankandmunns.com/the-rhode-island-dui-arrest-process-explained/): The Rhode Island DUI arrest process explained step by step, traffic stop, field sobriety tests, chemical test, booking, and arraignment. What to expect and how to protect your rights.

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