If you are arrested and charged with a crime in Rhode Island, you might be wondering, “what evidence does the prosecutor have against me?” The answer to this question comes from a process called “Discovery.” What is Discovery? Discovery is the exchanging of information and evidence by the prosecutor and defense attorney. Discovery allows a defense attorney to analyze,...
Continue ReadingRecently, the attorneys at Abilheira Law, LLC learned that they had been victimized by internet scammers from outside of the United States. These fraudsters took our website, used the name of our firm, the names of our lawyers, our photos and other online content, to perpetuate an internet scam. After reporting the misuse of our information to several agencies,...
Continue ReadingWhat Is Reasonable Suspicion And What Does It Allow the Police To Do? Reasonable suspicion is a lesser standard than probable cause. A police officer has “reasonable suspicion” to stop someone if s/he obtains a reasonable belief that crime is afoot. What this means is that police must be able to articulate specific facts that caused the officer to...
Continue ReadingLast month, the Rhode Island Superior Court launched a new diversion court program. This first of its kind program allows individuals charged with certain felony offenses to have their case completely dismissed and expunged upon completion of the program. Who is eligible for diversion? Previously, the diversion was limited to individuals with no previous criminal history. People have turned...
Continue ReadingThe Admissibility of Digital Evidence in Criminal Cases in Light of Our Modern World There’s no doubt that technology has revolutionized the modern world as we know it. Nowadays almost everyone carries a smartphone on them at all times. However, while technology (i.e. smartphones) presents us with great advantages, such as convenience, it may also present great disadvantages for...
Continue ReadingOn June 21, 2019, the Supreme Court of the United States (“SCOTUS”) decided the case of Rehaif v. United States. In this case, Rehaif entered the United States on a nonimmigrant student visa to attend college. However, three semesters later, he was dismissed for bad grades, and his immigration status was terminated. Nevertheless, Rehaif remained in the United States...
Continue ReadingRobert Kraft was formerly known for one thing—winning six Super Bowl rings as owner of the New England Patriots; but he is now known for his involvement in a multi-million-dollar sex-trafficking operation. In February 2019, Robert Kraft was charged with soliciting prostitution, a misdemeanor, in Jupiter, Florida. Allegedly, he engaged in sexual encounters on numerous occasions with masseuses at...
Continue ReadingThe Castle Doctrine and its Application in Rhode Island What is The Castle Doctrine? The Castle Doctrine allows a person who is attacked within their home to respond with reasonable means of self-defense. Reasonable means of self-defense may include use of lethal force in circumstances where there is reasonable belief of threat of serious and imminent bodily injury or...
Continue ReadingIn recent years, Rhode Island lawmakers have begun to crack down on so-called animal abusers. This blog explains what is included in the animal cruelty statutes, what the penalties are for committing an animal abuse crime, and details some new legislation that would create an “animal abuse registry.” What is Animal Cruelty? Animal cruelty is best defined as the...
Continue ReadingOn March 11, 2017, the 61st Annual Newport St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held in Newport, Rhode Island. Every year, thousands of people flock to the streets to celebrate the Irish holiday and each year hundreds are arrested for various crimes. Last year, over eighty (80) individuals were arrested in Newport alone, along with dozens of others in...
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