Criminal defense attorney Allison C. (Belknap) Abilheira serves clients with dedication and skill in Warren, Providence, and the surrounding areas in Rhode Island. Attorney Abilheira provides all of her clients with personalized attention and maintains active communication with each client she represents. She strives to protect the rights of the accused and aims to achieve the fairest possible outcome in every case.
The Rhode Island criminal justice system is not defendant friendly. Pleading guilty, without an experienced criminal defense attorney, who has negotiated a resolution on your behalf, is a grave mistake. Our aggressive criminal defense attorneys can protect you from pleading guilty to a case lacking in evidence and prevent you from taking an offer that is too high for the circumstances. Don’t just plead guilty- let our attorneys review your case today!
In order to get the best possible outcome in court, you’re going to need the assistance of an seasoned attorney with intimate knowledge of just how the RI criminal justice system actually works. At Abilheira Law, our passionate attorneys can be your bridge to justice: guiding and navigating you through the complex Rhode Island court system.
Criminal justice statistics point consistently to an undeniable reality: criminal defendants who are represented by lawyers right from the start are typically treated far better than those who are not. The numbers indicate that, if you are represented by a defense attorney:
If you have been arrested by Rhode Island or federal authorities, or if you are simply under investigation, we can provide you with critical assistance in the following ways:
Do not fight criminal charges alone. Police and prosecutors are experienced and aggressive. Get yourself an experienced and aggressive Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer now to fight these charges on your behalf.
Your arraignment is your first appearance in court where you will be formally notified of the charges being brought against you. You will then be asked to enter a plea. If you enter a not guilty plea, the judge will set bail, which will vary based on the seriousness of your criminal charge. You will then be given a pre-trial court date. If you enter a guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) plea at arraignment, you will be sentenced and the case will be over. Doing this will rob you of your opportunity to fight the charges against you. It is not in your best interest to enter a plea of guilty or nolo at such an early stage in your case.
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The pre-trial phase is arguably the most important part of the criminal process. During pre-trial, your Providence criminal defense lawyer will file for and receive “discovery.” The discovery packet will include the evidence that the prosecution will use against you, like photographs, videos, witness statements, test results, and more. After receiving this critical information, you will have the opportunity to review it with your attorney and discuss a defense strategy. While reviewing discovery, your lawyer may decide to do an independent investigation into the crime you have allegedly committed. Once you and your lawyerAs a criminal defendant, you always have the right to go to trial. In District Court, a trial is held in front of a judge only. In Superior Court, your case is presented before a jury of your peers. You may also decide to waive your right to a jury trial and have you felony case presented only to a judge. During the trial, the prosecution has the burden of proof, which means that they must convince the judge or jury that you are guilty of the alleged crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Your Providence criminal defense attorney will have the opportunity to make an opening statement, cross-examine witnesses, present witnesses in your defense
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As a criminal defendant, you always have the right to go to trial. In District Court, a trial is held in front of a judge only. In Superior Court, your case is presented before a jury of your peers. You may also decide to waive your right to a jury trial and have you felony case presented only to a judge. During the trial, the prosecution has the burden of proof, which means that they must convince the judge or jury that you are guilty of the alleged crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Your Providence criminal defense attorney will have the opportunity to make an opening statement, cross-examine witnesses, present witnesses in your defense As a criminal defendant, you always have the right to go to trial. In District Court, a trial is held in front of a judge only. In Superior Court, your case is presented before a jury of your peers. You may also decide to waive your right to a jury trial and have you felony case presented only to a judge. During the trial, the prosecution has the burden of proof, which means that they must convince the judge or jury that you are guilty of the alleged crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Your Providence criminal defense attorney will have the opportunity to make an opening statement, cross-examine witnesses, present witnesses in your defense
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If you are found guilty, a sentence will be imposed. This may include a combination of fines, restitution, community service, and counseling. Your sentence may also include a probation sentence, a deferred sentence, a suspended sentence, or a jail sentence. It is essential to hire a highly experienced criminal defense law firm in Providence to represent you, whether you are dealing with a DUI defense case, traffic violations, domestic violence, drug crimes, theft, gun crimes, or any other criminal offense.
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After conviction, you may appeal your case if there are grounds to do so. At the end of a district court trial, there is an automatic appeal to the Superior Court, where you will have the opportunity to go to trial before a jury. After a Superior Court jury trial, you may appeal your case to the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
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One phone call to Allison was all it took. I had called around and was feeling rather confused and discouraged. No one could help me or give me a satisfactory answer.
All it took was one call to Allison and she answered all my questions and left me feeling totally confident that my problem would be taken care of. Sure enough, problem solved beyond my expectations. I would highly recommend Allison. Very knowledgeable, she knew exactly what to do, where to go and how to take care of my situation.
Ian Gilley
One phone call to Allison was all it took. I had called around and was feeling rather confused and discouraged. No one could help me or give me a satisfactory answer.
All it took was one call to Allison and she answered all my questions and left me feeling totally confident that my problem would be taken care of. Sure enough, problem solved beyond my expectations. I would highly recommend Allison. Very knowledgeable, she knew exactly what to do, where to go and how to take care of my situation.
Ian Gilley
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