Yes, significantly. A Rhode Island stalking conviction creates a strong presumption against awarding custody in any Family Court proceeding because stalking signals an inability to control behavior and respect protective measures. Stalking convictions involving the other parent will likely result in supervised visitation only or no visitation. Convictions involving third parties (not the children's other parent) can still affect custody assessment because Family Court considers all evidence of the parent's conduct. The Family Court can also order treatment, counseling, or anger management as conditions of any visitation. These determinations affect children for years and demand coordinated criminal and family law representation.
