If you are facing drug-related charges in Rhode Island, consult a Rhode Island drug crime attorney for any questions regarding your case. As an experienced criminal defense attorney in Rhode Island, The Criminal Law Offices of Stefanie A. Murphy can represent you and fight for your rights.
The War on Drugs has been with us for over 40 years and is the foremost reason behind the regrettable fact that the United States has the largest prisoner population on the planet. While this offense has largely been a social and political failure, and despite the fact that drug laws in some states have been recently liberalized, draconian drug laws will continue to haunt the legal landscape by being vigorously enforced far into the foreseeable future.
Statistics from the Rhode Island Department of Corrections show that in 2009, 13 percent of all state inmates were incarcerated for a drug crime. Everything from simple drug possession to drug distribution can earn a lengthy prison sentence, even if your criminal record was clean prior to this arrest.
It is crucial to retain a qualified Rhode Island drug crime lawyer to aggressively fight for your rights. Aggressive prosecution is the norm, even if the drug crime in question was of a non-violent nature. The result is an increase in drug crime as well as an increase in those facing criminal charges.
Rhode Island statutes describe the many types of drug crimes and their punishment upon conviction. The laws address controlled substances that are listed in several different schedules and describe the specific activities involving those drugs that are criminal. The primary criminal activities are:
Factors that determine the severity of the offense and the punishment if convicted include:
Prescription Drugs
The fact that the drug you’re accused of possessing is a prescription drug doesn’t necessarily protect you. Prescription drugs are controlled substances (that’s why you need the prescription), and Rhode Island’s drug law specifically makes it a crime to possess any controlled substance unless you got it “directly from” or “pursuant to” a prescription or order that was validly issued by “a practitioner” who was, at the time, acting in the ordinary course of his/her professional practice.”
You’re still committing a crime by possessing drugs that were prescribed for someone else, or that were obtained with a forged prescription. Examples of prescription drugs that lend themselves to illegal use/abuse and consumption are common barbiturates, anti-depressants, oxycontin and sleeping pills. Penalties for such offenses are calculated based upon the quantity and type of the illegal substance involved and can escalate depending upon the venue in which the offense occurs. Generally, consumption in the privacy of one’s home is deemed less culpable than in a school, workplace or other public environment.
In general, defenses to drug crimes fall into one of several categories:
Improper conduct defenses include:
Defenses related to the drugs themselves include:
Defenses related to proof of your involvement include:
Any number of other defenses may be available depending on the facts of the case.
The formation of Marin, Barrett & Murphy signifies a strengthened alliance dedicated to providing exceptional legal services. Clients can expect a collaborative approach that combines deep legal expertise with a steadfast commitment to achieving favorable outcomes.
We take the time to make sure you understand all your legal issues, risks and consequences, that starts at your free evaluation.
Stefanie Murphy's experience as a prosecutor allows her to build strong cases knowing the procedures and strategies of how the authorities will prosecute your case.
We provide 5 star individualize care for every one of our clients and cases, while protecting your freedom and legal rights.
At Marin, Barrett, and Murphy, we believe every client deserves a powerful defense and an unwavering advocate. Our team is built on decades of courtroom experience, led by skilled trial attorneys who don’t back down. Whether you’re facing a DUI, drug charge, or serious criminal allegation, we bring a relentless, strategic approach to every case—fighting for your rights, your future, and the outcome you deserve. When the stakes are high, we’re in your corner
