Prior to 2017, motorists convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or a Chemical Test Refusal would face lengthy license suspensions. Then, in 2017, Rhode Island allowed motorists to drive after a DUI with a hardship license and/or with the installation of an ignition interlock device. However, these instances were limited to those motorists who were found to be...
Continue ReadingThis year the Rhode Island General Assembly made significant changes to the Uniform Controlled Substance Act. Specifically, legislation was introduced that amended RI Gen Laws §21-28-4.01, making possession of small amounts of certain drugs a misdemeanor, rather than a felony. If you have been charged with possession of a controlled substance in RI, don’t wait to contact the attorneys...
Continue ReadingAbilheira Law is proud to announce that this August, attorney Allison Abilheira graduated from the prestigious National Criminal Defense College (NCDC) Trial Practice Institute. This two-week program occurred just miles from Abilheira Law’s Warren office at the Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol, Rhode Island (which also happens to attorney Abilheira’s alma mater). Attorney Abilheira was one...
Continue ReadingIn March 2021, several state legislators introduced a bill regarding Rhode Island’s expungement laws and now after passing the Senate, it is off to the House for a vote. Read today’s blog to find out what changes are proposed and what it would mean for Rhode Island citizens with a criminal record! What does the proposed law change? Currently,...
Continue ReadingAfter nearly a decade of successfully defending clients charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Rhode Island, the criminal charges defense lawyers at Abilheira Law, LLC have been asked many of the same questions by their clients. As a result, we have put together a three-part DUI series, answering some of the most common RI DUI questions. Over...
Continue ReadingAfter years of defending clients charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Rhode Island, our attorneys have heard similar questions time and time again. As a result, we have put together a three-part DUI series, answering some of the most common RI DUI questions. In this second blog of the series, we will discuss first offense DUI’s in...
Continue ReadingPart 1 of 3 in the 2021 Blog Series As experienced driving under the influence (DUI) lawyers in Rhode Island (RI), our attorneys tend to hear the same questions time and time again. As a result, we have put together a three-part DUI series, answering some of the most common questions. In this first blog, we will discuss DUI...
Continue ReadingAlthough Rhode Island decriminalized minor marijuana possession offenses in 2013, many people are still denied jobs and other opportunities based on their marijuana-related record as it currently stands. Senator Harold Metts previously stated, “[i]f an act has been decriminalized since a person was charged and paid their price for it, that person shouldn’t have to keep paying the price...
Continue ReadingAllison Abilheira Nominated for Superlawyers for the Fourth Consecutive Year! Abilheira Law is proud to announce that attorney Allison C. Abilheira has been selected as one of the 2020 Superlawyers Rising Stars for Rhode Island in the practice area of Criminal Defense. This is the fourth consecutive year that Attorney Abilheira has been chosen for this prestigious award! Rising...
Continue ReadingCOVID-19 is affecting all of our lives in many ways that are changing quickly; these are unprecedented times. You might be wondering how it will affect your court case in Rhode Island. Please be advised that the Rhode Island courts are up and running on a limited basis and they may look and feel a little different. Court Proceedings...
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