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Assault and battery charges in Rhode Island range from a misdemeanor that can be resolved without a conviction to serious felonies carrying years in prison. Many of these cases grow out of a single heated moment, a disputed account, or a misunderstanding — and how the evidence and witnesses are handled often shapes the outcome.
Attorney Leah J. Boisclair defends people across Rhode Island who are facing assault, battery, and related charges. She examines the police report, the alleged injuries, and the circumstances behind the accusation, and explains your options in plain English.
Rhode Island's assault laws are found in Title 11, Chapter 5 of the General Laws. Simple assault or battery (§ 11-5-3) is a misdemeanor. Felony assault (§ 11-5-2) applies when a dangerous weapon is used or the alleged victim suffers serious bodily injury. Assault on a police officer or other protected official is charged under § 11-5-5. When the people involved are family or household members, the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (Title 12, Chapter 29) also applies and adds a no-contact order and enhanced penalties.
Attorney Boisclair defends a range of Rhode Island assault and battery allegations, including:
A misdemeanor under § 11-5-3 that still leaves a permanent record affecting your job, housing, and future.
Learn more →One of the most serious assault charges in Rhode Island, applying when a dangerous weapon is used or serious bodily injury results.
Learn more →A simple or felony assault where the people involved are family or household members, almost always involving a no-contact order.
Learn more →Often called ADW, this felony charge often turns on whether the object involved qualifies as a "dangerous weapon."
Learn more →Unlawful, offensive physical contact with another person — charged under the same statute as simple assault.
Learn more →Often added alongside — or instead of — an assault charge when police respond to a fight or physical dispute.
Learn more →Common charges that often involve alcohol, crowds, and conflicting accounts from multiple witnesses.
Learn more →A felony charge under § 11-5-5 that is treated seriously by prosecutors and often arises during a stressful arrest.
Learn more →A legal justification, not a charge, that can apply when you are accused of assault or battery.
Learn more →Typically issued at arraignment after a domestic assault arrest, and violating one is a separate crime.
Learn more →Depending on the specific charge, the state generally must prove that you unlawfully used force or offensive physical contact against another person (battery), or attempted or threatened to do so in a way that placed them in reasonable fear (assault) — without legal justification such as self-defense. Felony charges add elements such as a dangerous weapon or serious bodily injury.
No outcome can be guaranteed. Penalties depend on the specific charge, your record, and the facts; an attorney can review how the law may apply to your situation.
Attorney Boisclair represents clients across Rhode Island, including:
Providence County → Kent County → Washington County → Newport County → Bristol County →Not exactly. In general, assault is an attempt or threat of unlawful force that puts someone in reasonable fear, while battery is actual offensive physical contact. Rhode Island's simple assault statute (§ 11-5-3) covers both.
It depends on the facts. Simple assault or battery is a misdemeanor. It becomes a felony under § 11-5-2 in three scenarios: (1) a dangerous weapon is involved, (2) bodily injury or serious bodily injury is caused, or (3) the victim is within a specific class of persons, such as a police officer, school teacher, age 60 or above, etc.
Every case is different. Depending on the evidence, the injuries, and the circumstances, there may be issues worth raising. No outcome can be guaranteed, but an attorney can review whether any may apply to your case.
Bring any paperwork you received — the summons or citation, any police report or arrest paperwork, bail documents, and any no-contact order paperwork.
Speak with Attorney Leah J. Boisclair about your situation. Consultations are confidential, and early guidance can make a real difference.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Rhode Island criminal laws can change, and the outcome of any case depends on the specific facts and circumstances. If you are facing a criminal charge, speak with a qualified Rhode Island criminal defense attorney about your situation.