The criminal laws in Providence are a vast thicket, best negotiated with an experienced Providence criminal law attorney at your side.  If you are arrested, charged with a crime, or expecting an indictment, one of the knowledgeable Providence criminal law attorneys at George J. West & Associates can help you avoid making serious mistakes that might make matters significantly worse.  Our attorneys are aware of the ever-changing aspects of Providence criminal laws, and we can put our knowledge and advocacy to work for you immediately.

Arrest in Providence

In order to be arrested, there must be what's called "probable cause." This means that there must be a reasonable belief that a crime was committed and you committed the crime. An arrest warrant is not necessary.

After you're placed under arrest, you are protected by constitutional rights and are not required to say anything else to police or investigators, until you have an attorney present.  Contact George J. West & Associates, criminal law attorneys in Providence if you are arrested.

Other aspects of criminal law in Providence

Miranda Rule

Under the Miranda Rule, if you are in police custody you must be informed of specific constitutional rights before interrogation begins. Those rights are as follows:

• The right to remain silent
• The right to have an attorney present during questioning
• The right to have an attorney appointed if you are unable to afford one

Arraignment

Once criminal charges are filed, you'll make a court appearance that is known as an "arraignment." If you're incarcerated, this will usually occur within 72 hours of your arrest.  During your arraignment, you'll be asked to enter a "plea" to the crime you've been charged with.

One of our criminal law attorneys in Providence can help

Whatever the charge, George J. West & Associates can help you through the complex maze of the criminal judicial process. We are available to appear for you at all courts, whether local, state, or Federal. 

Contact the law offices of George J. West & Associates to speak to a skilled criminal law attorney in Providence. You can reach us by calling 401-536-9843 or using our convenient web form.