Areas Of Practice
Assault Attorney
If you’re facing an assault charge in Rhode Island, don’t panic — we can help. Contact the Law Offices of Thomas G. Briody today for dedicated legal assistance from an experienced assault attorney.
We Help Get Your Life Back To Normal
Assault Attorney in Rhode Island With Three Decades of Experience
Facing an assault or battery charge in Rhode Island can be overwhelming and stressful. You may think back on the incident and wonder how your actions could qualify as assault. You may feel misunderstood and hurt by the person who accused you, and you may wonder how you will ever get out of this legal nightmare. You need guidance from an experienced and compassionate assault attorney who will aggressively defend you.
Remember that when it comes to assault charges, you are innocent until proven guilty. Working with a qualified assault attorney can give you a fighting chance to maintain your innocence. There may also be early steps we can take to minimize the negative impact of assault allegations. The first step is to conduct a clear assessment of your situation so we can devise a strategy.
At the Law Offices of Thomas G. Briody, we can help you navigate your assault charges while drawing upon over thirty years of experience helping people in similar situations in Rhode Island. By working with me, you gain a creative and resourceful advocate who is deeply familiar with the system and can identify opportunities to improve your situation. We can help you put your life back together — call me today to discuss your case.
Degrees of Assault and Battery in Rhode Island
Rhode Island law divides assault and battery charges into two main classifications:
- Misdemeanor assault (simple assault): Assault on another person or battery that does not result in serious bodily injury
- Felony assault: Assault with a dangerous weapon, fire, or other dangerous substance, or assault on a person in a protected class, such as a police officer, someone over 60, an individual with significant impairments, a healthcare provider, or a teacher.
Felony assault convictions come with more severe consequences. Depending on the nature of the harm, assault can be punished by up to 20 years in prison.
Contact the Law Offices of Thomas G. Briody to speak with a criminal assault lawyer for assistance in understanding your charges and to plan your next steps.
Common Assault Scenarios That May Lead to Criminal Charges
Assault and battery situations happen quickly, and often, the circumstances are confusing or unclear. One person may interpret an incident as assault when in reality, the accused meant no harm.
One of the most common assault scenarios that may lead to criminal charges is self-defense. If you believed another person was about to hurt you, you might have lashed out prematurely to protect yourself. The line between assault and self-defense is often thin, and distinguishing one from the other can be tricky.
The other person may have started the fight, and you fought back, yet you are the only one facing an assault charge. Misunderstandings regarding perceived consenting behavior or threatening intentions can also shift with changing circumstances, such as those involving an injury or a sense of fear in the other party. Perceived threats or perceived intended harm may lead to assault or battery charges.
You could also be facing assault charges after defending another person. If someone threatened your family member or friend, you might have taken measures to defend them, creating unclear circumstances that the police interpreted as assault.
Common Defenses in Rhode Island
Assault charges often come about from misunderstandings, and your assault attorney can use this to your advantage during your defense.
One of the most common defense strategies is stating that you were defending yourself or another person — not intending to cause bodily harm. If you felt threatened or were attacked in any way, you had a right to defend yourself. Your assault and battery lawyer can collect evidence to show that you were using self-defense or defending someone else.
You could also claim that the other person consented to the act, whether you had agreed to play fight or they consented to a sexual act. Your attorney would need to show that the act fell into the level of consent the person provided.
When you work with my assault law firm, we will evaluate the unique details of your case and create a strong defense.
Distinguishing an Assault Crime from a Personal Injury Claim — Implications for Fines or Paying Medical Bills
Assault is entirely different from personal injury. Assault is a crime, while personal injury cases are civil cases.
If another person became injured on your property or due to your negligence (not intention), the incident would likely classify as a personal injury case.
If someone sues you for a personal injury, you may need to pay for their medical bills out of pocket, and you would need a personal injury attorney to defend you. Meanwhile, if you are facing assault charges, you will face a criminal trial instead of civil lawsuits.
In some cases, the victim of assault will eventually file a civil lawsuit against the defendant to seek damages. You should speak with an experienced assault criminal lawyer to determine whether you may face civil personal injury charges as well.
It Is Important To Promptly Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney for Assault in Rhode Island As Soon As You Suspect You May Be Facing a Legal Issue — Preferably Before You Are Charged
If you’re concerned that another person may bring criminal assault charges against you, you need to contact an assault and battery lawyer immediately. At the Law Offices of Thomas G. Briody, we have the requisite experience and dedication to represent you well, defending your future and your good name. The first step is to assess your situation, and it starts with a phone call.
You have questions. Contact my firm today at (401) 751-5151 to discuss your case with an experienced Rhode Island assault attorney. I welcome your call, and I am here now to help you plan your next steps.
Law Offices of Thomas G. Briody — Aggressive, Compassionate Defense
Why Choose the Law Offices of Thomas G. Briody?
You need help right now to improve your legal situation and put your life back together. Time is of the essence. We are here to guide you and advocate on your behalf. Move past the paralyzing anxiety and begin protecting your future. The sooner you reach out, the better we may be able to help you, so call the Law Offices of Thomas G. Briody in Providence, Rhode Island, today.
- Aggressive, compassionate defense from an advocate who is deeply familiar with the intricacies of the legal system in Rhode Island
- Strong and effective representation for both state and federal criminal allegations
- Experience building on three decades of Rhode Island criminal defense cases
- Personal, individualized direct handling of your case from a seasoned Rhode Island attorney
- A strong record representing individuals accused of crimes, ranging from teenagers to high-ranking government officials
- Creative tactics to preserve opportunities for your future and to clear your name
- Peace of mind under pressure