--- title: "Domestic Violence Attorney" url: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/domestic-violence-attorney/ date: 2014-11-07 modified: 2026-06-05 author: "The Law Office of Chad F Bank" image: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Rhode-Island-Domestic-Violence-Attorney-scaled.jpg type: page lang: en --- # Domestic Violence Attorney ## Rhode Island Domestic Violence Attorney !(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Rhode-Island-Domestic-Violence-Attorney-300x200.jpg) Domestic violence is not limited to romantic relations. Domestic violence offenses include all forms of domestic familial and romantic relationships. There are also several extensions of these primary relationships included under the category of domestic violence such as engagements cohabitation roommates and domestic partnerships. If charged you should contact Domestic Violence Attorney Bank right away. Committing an assault battery against anyone is considered criminal activity but the seriousness of these allegations are heightened when the alleged victim falls into one of the categories noted above. Under Rhode Island law Domestic Violence offenders convicted or placed on probation for any crime relating to domestic violence are required to attend a batterer's intervention program, at their own expense, in addition to any sentencing ordered by the judge. This requirement cannot be waived by the court under any circumstances. The penalties for domestic violence offenses are weighted with seriousness and heavy ramifications. ## Rhode Island Penalties for Domestic Violence Offenses Every person convicted of an offense punishable as a misdemeanor involving domestic violence as defined in 12-29-2 shall face: First Offense: - Jail Time Up to One Year - Fines up to One Thousand Dollars - Batters Intervention Program - Court Costs Second Offense: - Ten Days to One Year in Jail - Fines up to One Thousand Dollars - Batters Intervention Program - Court Costs Third Offense: - Felony Charge - One to Ten Years in Jail - Fines up to One Thousand Dollars - Batters Intervention Program - Court Costs No jail sentence provided under this section can be suspended. RI Domestic Violence[ Prevention Act](http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/title12/12-29/12-29-5.HTM) ## How Will a Domestic Violence Conviction Effect You Being charged with a domestic violence offense can greatly impact important aspects of your life immediately. Domestic violence charges can unjustly blemish your character and reputation affecting your social, education, and professional endeavors in a derogatory way. At The Law Office of Chad Bank, we understand the impact these charges can cause for you and your family. Our firm has represented many domestic violence defense cases. We are privy to the tactical strategies used by prosecution in these legal matters and are well seasoned to defend against them. Our extensive criminal defense background has been a tremendous benefit for each of our clients individually. Our legal team can break down the factors of each case in great detail and analyze the best legal approach to take for your best interest. ### Domestic Violence Attorney If you or someone you know has been charged with a domestic violence offense contact Rhode Island Domestic Violence Attorney Chad Bank immediately. Call 401-573-2265 to schedule your free consultation. A (https://www.chadbanklaw.com/) from our office is always available. ## Frequently Asked Questions I think I am a victim of domestic violence in Rhode Island. What should I do?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:55:10-04:00 #### [ **** I think I am a victim of domestic violence in Rhode Island. What should I do? ](#collapse-1-8073) If you are in immediate danger, call 911 right now. The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence operates a 24-hour confidential helpline at 1-800-494-8100 with safety planning, shelter referrals, and victim advocacy support. You have the right to seek a civil protective order through Rhode Island Family Court (separate from any criminal case) to require the abuser to stay away from you and your home. You can also press criminal charges through the police; once charges are filed the prosecutor decides whether to proceed. A lawyer can help you understand your options and represent you in protective order hearings if needed. I have been accused of domestic violence in Rhode Island. What happens now?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:55:15-04:00 #### [ **** I have been accused of domestic violence in Rhode Island. What happens now? ](#collapse-1-8074) A Rhode Island domestic violence accusation typically results in mandatory arrest by the responding officer, an automatic no-contact order at arraignment requiring you to stay away from the alleged victim and often to leave the shared home, and prosecution under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act with its specialized procedures. Do not contact the alleged victim, even to apologize or explain. Do not make statements to the police without a lawyer. Retain experienced criminal defense counsel immediately. The first 24 hours determine bail, no-contact order scope, and your ability to access your home and belongings. Call counsel before doing anything else. What are protective orders in Rhode Island domestic violence cases?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:55:19-04:00 #### [ **** What are protective orders in Rhode Island domestic violence cases? ](#collapse-1-8075) Rhode Island has two types of protective orders in domestic violence situations. Criminal no-contact orders are issued automatically when a domestic assault charge is filed, prohibiting the defendant from contact with the alleged victim during the criminal case. Civil protective orders are issued by Rhode Island Family Court (separate from criminal court) on petition by the alleged victim, ordering the respondent to stay away from the victim's home, workplace, and children. Civil protective orders can be issued even without criminal charges. Violation of either type is itself a criminal offense that can result in immediate arrest. What happens at a domestic violence arraignment in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:55:23-04:00 #### [ **** What happens at a domestic violence arraignment in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8076) At a Rhode Island domestic violence arraignment, the judge reads the charges, advises you of your rights, accepts your plea (typically not guilty), sets bail or release conditions, and almost always issues a no-contact order prohibiting contact with the alleged victim. The arraignment typically happens within 24 to 48 hours of arrest in Rhode Island District Court. The no-contact order often requires you to leave the shared home immediately, which can create urgent housing and child custody issues. Having a lawyer at arraignment is critical for arguing favorable bail conditions and limiting the scope of the no-contact order where possible. How does domestic violence affect child custody in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:55:29-04:00 #### [ **** How does domestic violence affect child custody in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8077) Domestic violence allegations and convictions significantly affect Rhode Island Family Court child custody decisions. Even without a criminal conviction, the Family Court can consider domestic violence evidence when determining custody and visitation. A conviction creates a strong presumption against awarding custody to the convicted parent. Supervised visitation or no visitation may be ordered. The Family Court can also order the abusing parent to attend counseling, anger management, or parenting classes as conditions of any visitation. These determinations affect children for years and should be handled by counsel who works both criminal defense and family law issues. Will a Rhode Island domestic violence conviction affect my immigration status?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:55:34-04:00 #### [ **** Will a Rhode Island domestic violence conviction affect my immigration status? ](#collapse-1-8078) Yes, significantly. Domestic violence convictions are categorical bars to many forms of immigration relief and can trigger removal proceedings for non-citizens including lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Even misdemeanor domestic violence convictions can have severe immigration consequences. Federal law treats domestic violence as a deportable crime under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The interplay between criminal defense and immigration consequences is complex and demands counsel who understands both areas. Non-citizens facing domestic violence charges should retain a lawyer with immigration expertise immediately, before any plea is entered. Are there safety resources for Rhode Island domestic violence victims?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:55:40-04:00 #### [ **** Are there safety resources for Rhode Island domestic violence victims? ](#collapse-1-8079) Yes. The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence operates a 24-hour confidential helpline at 1-800-494-8100 offering safety planning, shelter referrals, and victim advocacy. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 also serves Rhode Island residents. Rhode Island has multiple shelters and victim advocacy organizations including Crossroads Rhode Island, Sojourner House, and the Women's Center of Rhode Island. Family Court advocates can help with civil protective order petitions. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you need legal counsel for either victim representation or defense against criminal charges, schedule a consultation. Do I need a lawyer for a Rhode Island domestic violence case?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:55:45-04:00 #### [ **** Do I need a lawyer for a Rhode Island domestic violence case? ](#collapse-1-8080) Yes. Rhode Island domestic violence cases involve criminal charges with mandatory minimums, automatic no-contact orders, federal firearm restrictions, immigration consequences, and significant impact on child custody and divorce. Both victims seeking protective orders and defendants facing charges benefit from experienced legal counsel. For defendants, a lawyer reviews discovery, challenges no-contact order scope, negotiates with the specialized DV prosecutor, and tries the case when necessary. For victims, a lawyer can help with civil protective order petitions, victim impact statements, and coordination with criminal prosecutors. Free consultations are typically available; the Rhode Island Bar Association can refer you to qualified counsel. ## Domestic Violence Defense Office Location ### Rhode Island Domestic Violence Attorney The Law Office of Chad F Bank $ https://www.chadbanklaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cropped-the-law-office-of-chad-f-bank-logo-square.jpg 127 Dorrance St Providence , RI 02903 Phone: 401-573-2265