The difference between stalking and harassment in Rhode Island is the pattern of conduct and the fear element. Stalking under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-59-2 requires willful, malicious, repeated following or harassing that causes the victim reasonable fear of bodily injury. Harassment is a broader category covering unwanted contact without Read More
Yes. Rhode Island stalking charges can be defended through several angles. The "willful and malicious" element requires intent — contact that was unintentional, brief, or lacked malicious intent may not be stalking. The "repeated" element requires multiple incidents — a single incident generally is not stalking. The "reasonable fear" element Read More
Stalking penalties in Rhode Island scale by aggravating factors. First-offense misdemeanor stalking carries up to 1 year jail and fines. Aggravated stalking (felony) carries up to 5 years prison and is charged when there is a prior stalking conviction, the conduct violates a protective order, or threats with weapons are Read More
Stalking in Rhode Island is the willful, malicious, and repeated following or harassing of another person under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-59-2. The conduct must place the victim in reasonable fear of bodily injury. First-offense stalking is typically a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail. Aggravated stalking (with prior Read More
Yes. Resisting arrest in Rhode Island carries potential jail time, a permanent criminal record that signals confrontational history to future police and employers, and stacking exposure with the primary case. A defense lawyer can challenge the lawfulness of the underlying arrest, contest the intent element, raise excessive force defenses, negotiate Read More
Yes. Rhode Island resisting arrest charges are often reduced through plea negotiation when the underlying arrest's lawfulness is questionable, when the defendant has no significant prior record, or when the resistance was minor (passive non-cooperation rather than active physical resistance). Common reductions include resisting arrest to disorderly conduct (less serious Read More
Excessive force by police can be a defense to resisting arrest charges in Rhode Island. If officers used force beyond what was reasonably necessary for the situation, your defensive response may not constitute criminal resistance. Body camera footage, witness testimony, and the documented injuries are critical evidence in excessive force Read More
It depends. Running from police in Rhode Island can support a resisting arrest charge when the officer was attempting a lawful arrest and the running was specifically intended to prevent that arrest. However, fleeing from a police stop that has not escalated to arrest may be charged differently (eluding a Read More
The difference between resisting arrest and obstruction in Rhode Island is the specific activity being interfered with. Resisting arrest specifically targets interference with a lawful arrest — the moment when police are physically taking someone into custody. Obstruction is the broader charge covering any interference with police executing their official Read More
Yes. Rhode Island resisting arrest charges can be defended through several angles. The lawfulness of the underlying arrest is critical — if the arrest was unlawful (no probable cause, improper basis), resisting it may not be criminal. Other defense angles include challenging the intent element (passive non-compliance is not always Read More
Resisting arrest penalties in Rhode Island include up to 1 year jail and fines up to $500 for first-offense misdemeanor under R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-7-10. The charge can be elevated when officers are injured during the resistance, when weapons are used, or when the resistance causes significant disruption. Stacking Read More
Resisting arrest in Rhode Island is intentionally preventing or obstructing a police officer from making a lawful arrest under R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-7-10. The charge is typically a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail and fines up to $500. Common scenarios include physically struggling during an arrest, pulling Read More
Yes. Obstruction of justice charges in Rhode Island carry potential jail time, a permanent criminal record, and stacking exposure that compounds primary case penalties. Witness tampering and evidence tampering are felonies with multi-year prison exposure. A defense lawyer can challenge the lawfulness of the underlying police conduct, contest the intent Read More
Yes — and it commonly is. Obstruction of justice in Rhode Island is one of the most frequent stacking charges, added to primary cases when the defendant interfered with the investigation, arrest, or court process in any way. The stacking increases overall exposure and gives prosecutors leverage in plea negotiations. Read More
Sometimes. Lying to police can support an obstruction charge in Rhode Island when the false statements actually interfere with the investigation or are provided in a sworn context. Giving a fake name during arrest, providing false alibis to support another person's innocence, and obstructing identification can all support obstruction charges. Read More
Witness tampering in Rhode Island is the use of threats, force, bribery, or other unlawful means to influence a witness's testimony or prevent them from testifying. It is a felony charge under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-32-5 with penalties up to 5 years in prison. The charge frequently arises in Read More
Yes. Rhode Island obstruction charges can be defended through several angles. The lawfulness of the underlying police conduct is critical — if the officer was not acting lawfully (illegal stop, unlawful order), obstruction of that conduct may not be criminal. Defense angles include challenging the lawfulness of the officer's action, Read More
Obstruction of justice penalties in Rhode Island scale dramatically by the specific charge. Simple obstruction of a police officer (misdemeanor) carries up to 1 year jail and fines. Witness tampering is a felony with up to 5 years prison. Evidence tampering is a felony with multi-year prison exposure. Bribery of Read More
Obstructing a police officer in Rhode Island is interfering with an officer's lawful execution of duty under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-32-1. The charge is typically a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail and fines. Common scenarios include physically interfering with an arrest, providing false information to officers, running Read More
Obstruction of justice in Rhode Island covers a range of conduct interfering with law enforcement, court proceedings, or witnesses. Common obstruction charges include obstructing a police officer in the execution of duty, witness tampering, evidence tampering, bribery of public officials, and perjury. The charge is often added to a primary Read More
Absolutely. Probation violation hearings in Rhode Island carry the risk of imposing the entire originally suspended sentence — potentially years in prison depending on the underlying offense. The reduced burden of proof (preponderance for technical, probable cause for substantive) means violations stick more easily than convictions. Self-representation typically results in Read More
Yes. You have the right to a lawyer at a Rhode Island probation violation hearing. If you cannot afford private counsel, the court will appoint a public defender if you qualify financially. Going to a violation hearing without a lawyer is a serious mistake because your liberty is on the Read More
Yes. When your probation officer files a violation report and the judge finds probable cause, the court issues a probation violation warrant authorizing law enforcement to arrest you at home, at work, or during a routine probation check-in. Probation violation warrants do not expire and can sit unexecuted for years Read More
At a Rhode Island probation violation hearing, the judge reviews evidence that you violated your probation conditions. The hearing is more informal than a criminal trial with relaxed evidence rules. The prosecution presents the probation officer's violation report and any supporting evidence (drug test results, attendance records, police reports for Read More
Yes. Probation violations in Rhode Island can be dismissed or resolved without revocation when the defense identifies weaknesses in the violation report, when the technical violation was minor or unintentional, when the defendant has taken proactive steps to address the underlying issue (entering substance abuse treatment, completing missed counseling, paying Read More
The burden of proof at a Rhode Island probation violation hearing is significantly lower than at a criminal trial. For a technical violation (breaking a probation rule without a new offense), the prosecution must prove the violation by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not). For a substantive Read More
Possibly. A probation violation finding in Rhode Island can result in revocation of your probation, which means the judge orders you to serve part or all of the original suspended jail sentence. The amount of jail time depends on the original sentence, the seriousness of the violation, your history on Read More
A probation violation in Rhode Island happens when a person on probation fails to follow the conditions of their probation order. Common violations include failed drug or alcohol screens, missed appointments with the probation officer, skipped court-ordered counseling, new criminal arrests, traveling without permission, and failure to pay required fines Read More
Yes — and you need one with specific computer crime experience. Computer crime cases involve technical evidence (forensic analysis, IP addressing, digital chain of custody) that general criminal defense lawyers cannot effectively challenge. The penalties (federal mandatory minimums for child sexual abuse material, multi-year prison for CFAA violations, lifetime sex Read More
Generally no, with some exceptions. Rhode Island and federal law treat computer searches under the same Fourth Amendment framework that protects against unreasonable searches of physical property. Police need either a warrant, your consent, or a recognized warrantless-search exception to search your computer or phone. Border crossings are a major Read More
Cyberstalking in Rhode Island is the use of electronic communications (email, text, social media, online platforms) to repeatedly harass, threaten, or alarm another person under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-52-4.2. The charge is a misdemeanor for first offenses with up to 1 year jail and fines, but can escalate to Read More
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) is the federal law criminalizing unauthorized access to computer systems, including hacking, exceeding authorized access, and computer-related fraud. CFAA charges can apply to a wide range of conduct including accessing accounts without authorization, exceeding employer-granted access privileges, distributing malware, denial-of-service attacks, and stealing Read More
Yes. Rhode Island computer crime cases are often more defensible than the prosecution claims because of the technical complexity of the evidence. Defense angles include challenging the forensic analysis methodology, contesting IP address attribution (your IP does not prove you were the user), authorization disputes (you had legitimate access), insufficient Read More
Computer crime penalties in Rhode Island scale dramatically by charge type and jurisdiction. State-level unauthorized access cases range from misdemeanor (under $500 in damage) to felony (over $500). Federal computer fraud convictions under the CFAA can carry up to 10 years prison for serious offenses, plus mandatory restitution and asset Read More
Computer crimes in Rhode Island can be charged at both state and federal levels, often simultaneously. Rhode Island state computer crime statutes cover unauthorized access, identity theft, and related offenses prosecuted in Rhode Island District or Superior Court. Federal computer fraud charges under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act apply Read More
Computer crimes in Rhode Island include unauthorized access to computer systems (hacking), identity theft via electronic means, possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material, cyberstalking, online fraud, electronic harassment, and unauthorized use of computer credentials. Many computer crimes are charged under both Rhode Island law and federal computer fraud Read More
Yes. Even a low-dollar shoplifting case in Rhode Island creates background check exposure that can damage employment and housing prospects for years. A defense lawyer can negotiate diversion programs that avoid conviction entirely (especially for first offenders), coordinate the criminal case with civil recovery demands from the retailer, contest evidence Read More
Yes. Rhode Island retailers regularly impose lifetime store bans on shoplifting defendants, both as part of resolution of the criminal case and as standalone civil action. The store ban is separate from the criminal penalty and applies to all locations of the retailer chain. Violating the ban can result in Read More
Probably yes. Rhode Island retailers frequently send civil recovery demand letters to shoplifting defendants separately from the criminal case. These letters typically demand several hundred dollars beyond the actual merchandise value, citing state statutes that allow retailers to recover their loss prevention costs. The civil demand is technically separate from Read More
Yes. Rhode Island shoplifting charges can be defended through several angles. Intent is critical — the prosecution must prove you intended to deprive the store of the merchandise, not that you forgot to pay, were distracted, or planned to return to pay. Defense angles include lack of intent (forgetfulness, distraction), Read More
Often, yes. Rhode Island prosecutors regularly offer diversion programs and non-conviction outcomes for first-offense shoplifting defendants. Common outcomes include pre-trial diversion (no conviction if you complete program requirements like community service and pay restitution), deferred sentencing (no conviction if you stay out of trouble for a period), and dismissal after Read More
Shoplifting penalties in Rhode Island scale by merchandise value. Civil shoplifting violations (typically under $100 at retailer discretion) carry fines without jail or criminal record. Misdemeanor shoplifting ($100 to $1,500) carries up to 1 year jail and fines up to $500. Felony shoplifting (over $1,500) carries up to 10 years Read More
It depends on the case outcome. A shoplifting conviction in Rhode Island creates a permanent criminal record visible on background checks. However, many first-offense shoplifting cases resolve through diversion programs or non-conviction outcomes that avoid creating a record. Pre-trial diversion, deferred sentencing, and conditional discharge are commonly offered to first Read More
Shoplifting in Rhode Island is the willful concealment or taking of merchandise from a retail store with intent to deprive the store of the merchandise without payment. The charge is typically prosecuted as larceny under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-41-1 with penalties scaling by value of the merchandise. Under $100 Read More
Absolutely. Burglary in Rhode Island is one of the most serious felony charges with potential sentences ranging up to life imprisonment for first-degree cases. The conviction cannot be expunged, the felony record is permanent, the firearm prohibition is lifetime, and the employment consequences are severe. The procedural complexity of Superior Read More
Burglary cases in Rhode Island begin at District Court for arraignment and bail, then move to Rhode Island Superior Court for the substantive proceedings including jury trial because of the felony classification. The Attorney General has up to 6 months after arraignment to file the indictment moving the case to Read More
Burglary convictions in Rhode Island are generally NOT eligible for expungement. Burglary is classified as a crime of violence under Rhode Island law (because of the inherent threat to occupants of buildings entered unlawfully), and crimes of violence are categorically excluded from the expungement framework. The Attorney General would object Read More
First-degree burglary in Rhode Island is the most serious burglary charge, applied when the unlawful entry occurs in a dwelling at night OR when the actor is armed with a dangerous weapon during the entry. The charge carries up to life imprisonment, large fines, and mandatory restitution. The "dwelling" requirement Read More
Yes. Rhode Island burglary charges can be defended through several angles. The intent element is the most-contested — the prosecution must prove you entered with intent to commit a crime inside, not that you entered for some other purpose and the crime intent formed later. Defense angles include lack of Read More
Burglary penalties in Rhode Island scale by degree. First-degree burglary (unlawful entry into a dwelling at night, or entry while armed with a dangerous weapon) carries up to life imprisonment. Second-degree burglary (other unlawful entries with criminal intent) carries up to 10 years prison. Both are felonies with mandatory restitution, Read More
The difference between burglary and breaking and entering (B&E) in Rhode Island is the intent element. Burglary requires both unlawful entry AND intent to commit a crime inside the building. B&E requires only the unlawful entry; no inside-crime intent is needed. Burglary is the more serious felony, often charged with Read More
Burglary in Rhode Island is the unlawful entry into a building or dwelling with intent to commit a crime inside, typically theft or assault. The charge is a felony under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-8-1 with penalties up to life imprisonment for first-degree burglary (entry into a dwelling at night, Read More
Yes. Even misdemeanor vandalism in Rhode Island carries a permanent criminal record that damages employment and college admission prospects, particularly for young adults whose entire future is ahead of them. A defense lawyer can negotiate diversion programs that avoid conviction entirely (especially for first offenders), challenge the prosecution evidence, contest Read More
Yes. Graffiti is prosecuted as vandalism in Rhode Island under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-44-1 when applied to property without the owner's permission. Penalties scale with the damage value (cost of cleanup or repair). Misdemeanor graffiti charges carry up to 1 year jail and fines up to $1,000. Tagging on Read More
Yes. Restitution to the property owner is a mandatory component of every Rhode Island vandalism conviction. The court orders the defendant to repay the cost of repairs or replacement plus any related damages. Restitution is non-dischargeable in bankruptcy, which means it follows you indefinitely until paid. The property owner may Read More
Yes. Rhode Island vandalism charges can be defended through several angles. Intent is critical — the prosecution must prove you intentionally damaged the property, not that the damage was accidental or that you had legitimate access. Defense angles include lack of intent (accident, mistake), mistaken identity (particularly in surveillance-based cases Read More
Yes. A Rhode Island vandalism conviction creates a permanent criminal record visible on employment background checks, housing applications, and licensing reviews. The signal to employers is that you committed an intentional property crime, which damages your credibility for positions involving trust, customer property, or fiduciary duty. For young adults, a Read More
Vandalism penalties in Rhode Island scale by damage value. Misdemeanor vandalism (damage under $500) carries up to 1 year jail and fines up to $1,000. Felony vandalism (damage over $500) carries up to 5 years prison and fines up to $5,000. Restitution to the property owner is mandatory in every Read More
Often, yes. Rhode Island prosecutors regularly offer diversion programs and non-conviction outcomes for first-offense vandalism defendants, particularly when restitution is paid promptly and the defendant has no prior record. Common outcomes include pre-trial diversion (no conviction if you complete program requirements like community service and pay restitution), deferred sentencing (no Read More
Vandalism in Rhode Island is the intentional damage or destruction of another person's property under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-44-1. Common scenarios include graffiti, broken windows, keyed cars, damaged buildings, and destruction of business signs or equipment. Penalties scale with the dollar value of the damage. Under $500 is typically Read More
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 Read More
Yes. Rhode Island motor vehicle theft charges can be defended through several angles. The intent element is the most-contested — the prosecution must prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner, not that you borrowed without permission with intent to return. Other defenses include mistaken identity (especially in surveillance-based cases), Read More
Yes. A Rhode Island motor vehicle theft conviction can trigger driver's license suspension on top of the criminal penalties. The DMV reviews motor vehicle-related convictions and can impose administrative suspension separate from any court-ordered suspension. Insurance impact is also severe: most carriers significantly raise premiums or refuse coverage after a Read More
Yes. Rhode Island motor vehicle theft charges are reduced regularly when the defense can challenge the intent element. Common reductions include felony motor vehicle theft to misdemeanor joyriding (eliminating prison exposure), felony to lesser property crime like unauthorized use, or felony to diversion program with eventual dismissal. The most valuable Read More
Motor vehicle theft penalties in Rhode Island scale by charge level and circumstances. Felony motor vehicle theft carries up to 10 years in state prison, fines up to $5,000, mandatory restitution to the owner, and a permanent felony record. Joyriding misdemeanor carries up to 1 year jail and lower fines. Read More
The difference between motor vehicle theft and joyriding in Rhode Island is the intent element. Motor vehicle theft (felony) requires intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle — to keep it, sell it, or strip it. Joyriding (unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, misdemeanor) requires only intent to Read More
Motor vehicle theft in Rhode Island is typically charged as a felony when the prosecution can prove intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. The felony charge carries up to 10 years in state prison and a permanent felony record. Lesser-included offenses like unauthorized use of a motor Read More
Motor vehicle theft in Rhode Island is the unauthorized taking of another person's car, truck, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle. The charge is typically a felony under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-41-2 with penalties up to 10 years in state prison and fines up to $5,000. Lesser charges include unauthorized Read More
Yes. Even misdemeanor larceny in Rhode Island carries a permanent criminal record that damages employment for life. Felony larceny adds prison exposure, firearm prohibition, and severe collateral consequences. A defense lawyer can negotiate diversion programs that avoid conviction entirely (especially for first offenders), challenge the prosecution evidence, contest property value Read More
A typical petty larceny case in Rhode Island District Court resolves in 3 to 6 months from arraignment, often faster for first-time defendants accepting diversion programs. Grand larceny felony cases that move to Superior Court take 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the evidence and any pre-trial Read More
Yes. Restitution to the victim is a mandatory component of most Rhode Island larceny sentences. The court orders the defendant to repay the value of the property taken plus any related damages. Restitution is non-dischargeable in bankruptcy, which means it follows you indefinitely until paid. Restitution often plays a critical Read More
Yes. Rhode Island larceny charges can be defended through several angles. Intent is critical — the prosecution must prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property, not that you borrowed it, mistakenly took it, or had a legitimate claim of ownership. Defense angles include lack of intent Read More
The difference between petty and grand larceny in Rhode Island is the value of the property taken. Petty larceny is taking property worth less than $1,500, charged as a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail and fines up to $500. Grand larceny is taking property worth $1,500 or more, Read More
Often, yes. Rhode Island prosecutors regularly offer diversion programs and non-conviction outcomes for first-offense larceny defendants, particularly for petty larceny (under $1,500) involving low-dollar items, defendants with no prior record, and cases where restitution can be paid promptly. Common outcomes include pre-trial diversion (no conviction if you complete program requirements), Read More
Yes. A Rhode Island larceny conviction appears on standard employment background checks and signals to employers that you committed a theft-related offense. This is particularly damaging for positions involving cash handling, inventory access, financial responsibility, or fiduciary trust. Banking, retail, healthcare administration, and financial services positions become difficult or impossible. Read More
Larceny in Rhode Island is the taking of another person's property without permission and with intent to permanently deprive the owner. The charge level depends on the value of the property taken. Petty larceny (under $1,500) is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail and fines up to $500. Read More
Yes. Fraud cases in Rhode Island involve documentary evidence, financial investigation, asset forfeiture proceedings, mandatory restitution, and procedural complexity that demand specialized defense. The stakes (prison time, restitution, professional license loss, asset forfeiture, lifetime career damage) are typically high. A Rhode Island fraud lawyer reviews financial records in depth, retains Read More
Credit card fraud penalties in Rhode Island scale with the amount obtained. Under $500 is typically a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail and fines. Over $500 becomes a felony with up to 10 years prison. Aggravating factors (multiple victims, organized scheme, use of stolen card data online) can Read More
Identity theft in Rhode Island is using another person's personal information without authorization to obtain credit, goods, services, or anything of value. The protected information includes name, social security number, date of birth, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, driver's license numbers, and other identifying data. Penalties depend on the Read More
Likely yes. Rhode Island and federal fraud convictions typically trigger asset forfeiture proceedings that seize property traceable to the fraud proceeds or used to commit the fraud. This can include bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, business interests, and personal property. Mandatory restitution adds a court-ordered debt to victims that is Read More
Yes. Rhode Island fraud cases can be defended through several angles. Intent is the most-challenged element — the prosecution must prove you intended to deceive, not that you made an error in judgment or had a legitimate business dispute. Defense angles include good-faith belief in the legitimacy of the transaction, Read More
State fraud charges in Rhode Island are prosecuted under state statutes in Rhode Island District or Superior Court. Federal fraud charges (wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, healthcare fraud) are prosecuted under federal law in U.S. District Court at the John O. Pastore Federal Building in Providence. Federal Read More
Fraud in Rhode Island can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the dollar amount and the specific statute. Small-dollar fraud (under $1,500) is typically a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail. Larger amounts trigger felony charges with multi-year prison exposure. Federal fraud charges (wire, mail, Read More
Fraud in Rhode Island is the use of deliberate deception to obtain money, property, or services from another person. Common state fraud charges include credit card fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, check fraud, mortgage fraud, securities fraud, and welfare fraud. Federal fraud charges (wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, healthcare Read More
Embezzlement cases reward dedicated time more than almost any other criminal charge category. The financial records, the accounting methodology, the documentary evidence, and the witness preparation all require hours of focused attention that a public defender carrying 200+ cases cannot provide. A private embezzlement lawyer like Chad F Bank reviews Read More
Yes. A Rhode Island embezzlement charge — whether or not it results in conviction — appears on standard background checks during the case and after disposition. A conviction stays on your record permanently unless successfully expunged after a 5-year waiting period for misdemeanors or 10 years for felonies. A dismissal Read More
Embezzlement defense fees in Rhode Island vary by the complexity of the case, the amount alleged, and whether the case requires forensic accounting expert witnesses. Misdemeanor embezzlement cases (under $1,500) typically run in the low-to-mid four figures as flat fee. Felony embezzlement cases (over $1,500) run higher and may shift Read More
Yes. Rhode Island embezzlement charges can be defended through several angles. Intent is a critical element — the prosecution must prove you intentionally took the money, not that you made bookkeeping errors or had a legitimate dispute over authorization. Defense angles include lack of fraudulent intent (good-faith mistake, sloppy recordkeeping, Read More
An embezzlement conviction in Rhode Island typically ends your career in any position involving fiduciary trust, financial responsibility, or licensed professional work. Banking, accounting, healthcare administration, financial services, legal practice, and many government positions are categorically closed to embezzlement-convicted applicants. Professional licenses (CPA, attorney, healthcare, real estate, insurance) face suspension Read More
Sometimes. Paying back the alleged embezzled amount before charges are filed can prevent prosecution in some cases, particularly when the employer prefers civil recovery to public criminal proceedings. The decision rests with the employer and ultimately the prosecutor, but Rhode Island employers frequently accept restitution arrangements rather than push for Read More
Prison time for Rhode Island embezzlement depends on the amount, your prior record, restitution status, and the strength of the prosecution case. First-time misdemeanor embezzlement (under $1,500) rarely results in jail; most resolve with probation, fines, and full restitution. Felony embezzlement (over $1,500) carries up to 10 years prison but Read More
Embezzlement in Rhode Island is the fraudulent taking of money or property by someone in a position of trust with the owner, typically an employee, bookkeeper, or fiduciary. The charge is more serious than ordinary theft because it involves a breach of trust on top of the underlying taking. Penalties Read More