Drug recognition experts are specifically trained law officers used to identify drivers who are impaired by drugs, not alcohol. If you're pulled over for suspected inebriation and the Breathalyzer is normal, you may find yourself subject to an exam by a DRE next. Drug...
Legal Insights
Qualified immunity and the violation of immigrant’s civil rights
Could your national origin and a foreign-sounding last name leave you exposed to a civil rights violation that you can do nothing about? It seems like someone should be held accountable when a United States citizen is illegally detained not just once, but twice, over...
Rhode Island’s undocumented immigrants may face new legal dangers
It's time for Rhode Island's undocumented immigrants to seek legal assistance to try to resolve their situation or get into a better position with immigration. In a previous post, we've discussed the reluctance of Newport's public officials to declare Newport a...
What can your defense attorney do at the lineup to help you?
In a previous blog entry, we've discussed some of the numerous the problems with eyewitness identifications. Let's address a specific issue involving eyewitnesses that many defendants have to overcome: the lineup. If you're ever asked to participate in a physical...
Overcoming the decision of a fit parent can be difficult
In a previous post we discussed some of the limitations that Rhode Island's statutes impose on grandparents who want to seek visitation rights. In addition to those limitations, grandparents need to contend with a Supreme Court ruling known as Troxel v....
Buying and selling yachts from outside the U.S.
If you own a yacht that was built and/or purchased outside of the U.S., it's essential to be in compliance with federal laws if you're going to sell the vessel to a U.S. citizen. It's also important to know what the requirements are if the yacht was made in the U.S....
Is it time to consider lane-splitting in Rhode Island?
As much as we would like to think otherwise, the simple truth is that the roads and highways throughout the nation -- including right here in Rhode Island -- have always been a very dangerous place for motorcyclists. Indeed, this is still the case despite all of the...
Man files premises liability suit claiming needle stuck him
Rhode Island residents may be interested in hearing about a man who is pursuing a lawsuit against a well-known and very upscale hotel after he allegedly stuck his finger on a syringe that was in the couch in his hotel room. In addition to him being a plaintiff in the...
Little-known traffic laws that can prevent accidents
Every driver knows to stop at red lights and yield the right of way to pedestrians; however, there are some important traffic laws of which you may not be aware. What's more, failure to abide by these little-known laws may not only result in costly traffic violations,...