Yes. Motor vehicle theft in Rhode Island is typically charged as a felony with up to 10 years prison, lifetime felony record, firearm prohibition, license suspension, severe insurance impact, and significant employment consequences. The most important defense work focuses on reducing felony charges to misdemeanor joyriding, which eliminates the prison exposure and the lifetime felony record. A motor vehicle theft defense lawyer reviews evidence for intent challenges, contests witness identification, files suppression motions, negotiates with prosecutors familiar with the case patterns, and tries the case when necessary. Public defenders carry too many cases to give these specialized defenses the focus they require. Call Attorney Chad F Bank at 401-573-2265.
