Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.
Schedule a Free ConsultationIf you or a loved one has recently been hit with Rhode Island simple assault charges, there’s a lot at stake. With 25+ years of successful experience defending clients facing these offenses, I’m an RI simple assault lawyer who truly understands what it takes to fight this type of charge.
Plus, as a former RI state prosecutor, I’m able to build the most effective defense possible for clients—no matter what the details of your case may be.
You have to understand that there’s nothing simple about the potential consequences of a Rhode Island simple assault conviction. Having a violent charge such as this on your criminal record can alter the course of your life, from losing job opportunities to serving mandatory jail time.
You need a skilled Rhode Island simple assault lawyer to advocate aggressively on your behalf, which is exactly what I’ve spent the past 25+ years doing. My goal in every single case is to have your charges dismissed and expunged.
The legal definition of simple assault in Rhode Island is to “make an assault or battery or both” on another individual. Rhode Island defines these terms as follows:
Said another way, simple assault in Rhode Island occurs if you threaten to use either verbal or physical force against someone else. If you take it beyond a threat and actually do so, this also qualifies as simple assault.
You may be surprised to hear you can be charged with simple assault even if you don’t make contact with the other person. But it’s true—the mere intent to cause harm means you can be charged.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-5-3, the potential penalties for simple assault in Rhode Island include:
But you could face much more severe consequences if your charges are related to domestic violence:
Per R.I. Gen Laws Chapter 11-5, many other factors can upgrade simple assault charges to the felony level such as:
If any of these circumstances apply, you won’t be facing Rhode Island simple assault charges—you’ll instead be at the felony level, which carries up to a 20-year prison sentence.
As an experienced, knowledgeable Rhode Island simple assault attorney, I know there are only 3 valid legal defenses that RI courts may accept:
If you’d like to learn more about which of these defenses may be suitable for your case, call (401) 861-1155 to request your free case evaluation with RI simple assault lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. today.
Being convicted for simple assault in Rhode Island is anything but simple. Even if there aren’t any factors at play that can enhance the charges, you still face up to an entire year in prison.
Plus, potential employers, landlords, and loan officers may look at you differently upon seeing a violent conviction on your criminal record. As a former RI prosecutor, I know just how hard the state will work to see you convicted of these charges.
You need a knowledgeable, dependable, and aggressive Rhode Island simple assault lawyer who’s dedicated to getting your case dismissed and expunged. This is exactly my goal in every case. I’ll be right by your side through the process, from researching your case to representing you anytime we appear in court.
Rhode Island simple assault charges can easily wreak havoc on your life and your future. The sooner you call me, the sooner we can begin building the best possible defense.
Call (401) 861-1155 now to request your free case consultation.
Rhode Island doesn’t distinguish between simple and aggravated assault—the distinction is instead between simple and felony assault.
What you’ll be charged with depends on the nature of the assault and how much, if any, harm was caused to the victim. Felony assault is classified as any of the following:
For example, let’s say you throw a punch at someone and miss. Because you had the intent to do harm, you can be charged with simple assault.
But if you throw a punch and cause severe bodily harm, you may be charged with felony assault. The distinction depends on details such as this.
Rhode Island law dictates that simple assault against public officials or law enforcement is a felony charge, and carries far steeper penalties such as:
Keep in mind, you’ll also have a violent felony on your record if you’re convicted. This can limit your job opportunities, housing options, child custody arrangements, college admissions, and ability to procure professional licenses.
Yes, a simple assault charge in Rhode Island can be dismissed or reduced, but you have to remember it takes work to make this happen.
Especially because this is a violent offense, achieving a reduction or dismissal requires expertise and a deep knowledge of how Rhode Island law works. You have to demonstrate, for example, that there isn’t sufficient evidence to proceed with charging you.
The best route for getting your charges dismissed or reduced is to work with an aggressive, experienced Rhode Island assault defense lawyer like myself who can prove the evidence is lacking or inadmissible. With a successful track record spanning over 25 years, I know what it takes to achieve these results—no matter the specific details of your case.
If you or a loved one are facing Rhode Island simple assault charges, call (401) 861-1155 now for your free case evaluation.