Criminal Defense
Warwick & Cranston Criminal Defense Attorney
A Strong Defense Against All Charges: DUI, Drug Crimes, Theft, Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest
The police pulled you over for a DUI – came to your home and arrested you for shoplifting –stopped you in the street and arrested you for drug possession. Did you try explain to them why they were mistaken? Did you try to pull away or shake them off, only to find yourself facing even more criminal charges, maybe for the first time in your life?
IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST OFFENSE: it's vital that you know that the police are NOT on your side. Do not talk to them. They won't listen to your facts. Their only job is to gather evidence to support your arrest and to bring you in. Plain and simple. Don't make their job easier by making statements that could hurt you later!
The only person you need to talk to right now is a lawyer.
I'm Cranston criminal defense attorney Adam Northup. I represent people in Cranston, Warwick, Providence and nearby Rhode Island communities who are facing criminal charges for:
- DUI/DW or refusing to submit to a chemical test, breathalyzer, and other driving violations, such as speeding and reckless driving
- Drug crimes, like possession, possession with intent to sell, and drug sales of marijuana, cocaine, and prescription drugs like oxycodone
- Domestic violence between family members, dating partners, and those who have a child in common. This includes husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends.
- Shoplifting, petty theft, car theft, bad checks
- Assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest – these three are sometimes charged together. If the police can't prove one of the charges, they may be able to convince a judge of a lesser charge that can still ruin your life.
- Probation violations
Call a Criminal Defense Attorney While the Evidence is Fresh
One of the most important things a lawyer will do for you is gather evidence in your case – evidence that the police may have missed: skid marks on the road, broken glass, the names and statements of witnesses, video recorder evidence from nearby businesses.
All of this evidence in your criminal case could easily disappear if you wait a week or two. Even video evidence can disappear as it's typical for businesses to record over it after a week or two. And witnesses? They may not remember what they saw or be willing to speak on your behalf. A spouse who didn't want the police to come may change his or her mind a week later, seeing an opportunity to create trouble for you.
A Guilty Plea Can Have Unintended Consequences – Don't Do It
Even if you were guilty of something, do not plead guilty until you've talked to a lawyer. Prosecutors often over-charge people, hoping something will stick. And once you have a criminal record, it can affect many different areas of your life.
- You could have difficulty renting an apartment
- You might not be able to get a professional license
- You may find it hard to be bonded and insured
- You may be disqualified from school financial aid
- Even something as simple as chaperoning your child's school field trip could be a problem
Good People Can Make Mistakes
When I became a lawyer, I wanted to have an impact on people's lives. There is no place where that is more important than in a Rhode Island criminal court or traffic court. Every day I meet innocent people who have been wrongly accused and good people who made some bad decisions or dumb mistakes. I listen carefully to my clients so I understand their situation and then I dig to find what the police didn't.
I work hard to prepare the strongest case I can to get the best results in your case, whether that is a not-guilty verdict or a reduction of charges or an alternative sentence. I also help people seal and expunge criminal charges so they no longer have a record of an arrest. It wipes the slate clean.
Call a Warwick Defense Lawyer
Call 401-463-5106 or contact my office online. I return all calls promptly.
