Sunday, December 26, 2010

RI Criminal Defense Lawyer James E. Smith posts Projo Article on Domestic Violence

RI Criminal Defense Lawyer James E. Smith found this article to share from the Projo.  Domestic Violence in Rhode Island is a serious crime.  If you have been charged with this kind of offense, you need a successful RI Criminal Defense Lawyer who is singluarly focused on fighting for and securing your rights.  Call RI Criminal Defense Lawyer James E. Smith as soon as possible at 401-649-0335 for help and legal advice.  Like all criminal charges, Domestic Violence crimes are taken very seriously in Rhode Island.  Don't take on the criminal justice system alone!

ALWAYS SPEAK WITH A LAWTER BEFORE SPEAKING WITH THE POLICE! 

Cumberland killing prompts more calls to domestic-abuse groups

 

By Paul Davis

Journal Staff Writer

 

The brutal killing of a Cumberland woman is spurring other battered women to seek help, directors of domestic abuse organizations say.

“We’re already getting calls from other battered women looking for information,” said Linda Impagliazzo, executive director of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, in Pawtucket.

“Other people are calling to ask how they can help get someone they know out of a violent relationship.”

Some callers have mentioned 38-year-old Tracey-Ann Pytka, who was found stabbed to death in her home last week. On Monday, police charged her husband, Peter, with her murder.

Pytka’s death ended an abusive 24-year relationship, friends said.

Often, when a spouse is killed, other abused women will call and say, “ ‘I don’t want that to happen to me,’ ” said Kristin E. Lyons, executive director of the Women’s Center of Rhode Island. “Victims of domestic violence are very aware of these crimes.”

Pytka’s murder is the 11th domestic violence related death in Rhode Island this year, up from 10 deaths a year ago and near a 25-year high, says the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

It has sent ripples through the state’s domestic violence shelters and agencies.

“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and community of Tracey Pytka. We are horrified and saddened by this act of domestic violence,” Impagliazzo and Lucy Rios, director of prevention at the Rhode Island Coalition, said in a recent statement.

“Her tragic death … is a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go to achieve a society free of domestic violence.”

On any given day in Rhode Island, 52 people call a domestic violence help-line, and 44 women and children spend a night in a shelter, the coalition says.

The weak economy is contributing to a surge in assaults, said Lyons. “We know that when the economy is bad, there’s an increase in stress.”

The calls for help could increase in January, in part because some domestic violence victims try to keep the peace during the holidays.

“Victims try to stay calm during the holidays,” said Mary Roda, executive director of the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County. “Imagine leaving, and not having any gifts for the kids.”

The South Kingstown agency recently helped two families move out of its shelter into permanent housing.

But many families are staying as long as 18 months in a shelter because they can’t find a job or an affordable apartment, Roda said. Before the recession, families stayed three to six months.

For Patricia Rivera, an advocate for domestic abuse victims, Pytka’s story hit close to home.

Like Pytka, Rivera lived with her husband for years before asking him to leave.

During their 15-year marriage, Rivera said her husband hit her in front of their children. He took her money and broke her nose –– several times, she said.

Rivera found ways to keep the children safe. But she worried daily. When would her husband lash out?

“You become a survivor. It feels like you’re at war,” Rivera said.

Battered women must grapple with complex choices, say advocates.

Many love their abuser. Some want to stay and diffuse the situation. Others are financially dependent on a spouse, or worry that a separation will hurt their children.

“If you leave, you’re taking your children away from their home, their dad, their friends, their toys and their school,” Roda said. “So people stay.”

Also, abusers often promise to do better. Once they are forgiven, the cycle of abuse resumes.

The most dangerous decision is to break off a relationship, in part because abusive relationships are based on control, Roda said. The loss of control threatens the abuser –– who often strikes back.

“After you leave is the time when you are most likely to be killed,” Roda said. “Leaving is very dangerous.”

Abused women should plan their departure carefully, she said. They should join a support group, talk to a counselor and make sure they have money, support and a place to stay.

“People often ask the same question, ‘Why don’t these women leave?’”

But things are never that simple, Roda said.

Tracey-Ann Pytka broke off her relationship with an abusive husband, she said. Then he killed her.

KEY POINTSIf you need help

Call 911 or the state’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 1-800-494-8100.

pdavis@projo.com

Monday, December 20, 2010

RI Criminal Defense Lawyer James E. Smith forwards SAMHSA Survey on DUI in America

RI Criminal Defense Lawyer James E. Smith found this survey and thought it could be useful.  Since the Holidays are here we should all take responsibility and designate a driver before attending that party.  However, if you are arrested or need advice from a successful RI DUI Lawyer call Attorney James E. Smith as soon as possible 401-649-0335.

In an average year up to 40 Million People Admit to Driving Under the Influence of Liquor or Drugs.

ALWAYS SPEAK WITH A LAWYER BEFORE SPEAKING WITH THE POLICE!

RI Criminal Defense Lawyer James E. Smith Hired by Another Repeat Offender

RI Criminal Defense Lawyer James E. Smith announces today that he has been retained to defend someone charged with a third Domestic Crime.  This charge carries with it a one year minimum mandatory sentence and all charged with this crime could face up to ten years.

If you have any questions related to this release, or need advice from a successful RI Criminal Defense Lawyer call Attorney James E. Smith as soon as possible or by email by clicking HERE.

ALWAYS SPEAK WITH A LAWYER BEFORE SPEAKING WITH THE POLICE!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Law Offices of James E. Smith Announces Dismissal of Domestic Assault Charges

Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer, James E. Smith secured a dismissal of domestic assault charges for a United States Veteran.  Accused of domestic assault, client risked additional consequences and a serious impediment to what has been an outstanding military career.  

ALWAYS SPEAK WITH A LAWYER BEFORE SPEAKING WITH THE POLICE. 

RI Criminal Defense Lawyer

The Law Offices of James E. Smith Announces Dismissal of Domestic Assault and Disorderly Conduct Charges

Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer, James E. Smith is pleased to announce that today he secured the dismissal of a 3-count criminal complaint brought by the Pawtucket, Rhode Island Police Department charging his client with Simple Assault, Disorderly Conduct-Domestic and Simple Assault-Domestic.  Mr. Smith was able to secure dismissal of all three counts prior to trial.

ALWAYS SPEAK WITH A LAWYER BEFORE SPEAKING WITH THE POLICE.

RI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Rhode Island Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyer James E. Smith Announces Agreement to Dismiss a Domestic Assault Criminal Charge

Rhode Island Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyer James E. Smith announces today that he's secured an agreement with the Rhode Island Attorney General on behalf of a client charged with Domestic Assault - Domestic.  Client, in his mid 40s with no criminal record, was accused of assaulting a 17 year old step child by the Rhode Island State Police.  After negotiating with the Attorney General, the State agreed to dismiss the matter.  Client will retain his clean criminal record.

ALWAYS SPEAK WITH A LAWYER BEFORE SPEAKING WITH THE POLICE!

Rhode Island Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyer James E. Smith

RI Criminal Defense Lawyer James E. Smith to Represent Repeat Offender

RI Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyer James E. Smith to represent repeat offender charged with multiple counts of Domestic Assault. 

 

South Kingstown Police Log

By Carl Critz | Email the author | December 4, 2010

Wedding Day Domestic Assault

Around 11:30pm on Wednesday, Dec. 1 South Kingstown Police were called to 1124 Succotash Road in Jerusalem for a reported disturbance.  The officers were called who met them outside.  Arriving officers immediately noted a purse with all of its belongings dumped out on the lawn.  Police learned that the male and a female counterpart had gotten married earlier that day, and had bought and consumed alcohol to celebrate.  Later in the night an argument escalated into physical violence, and after an altercation the male had been locked outside.  He gained entry and called the police.  After speaking with both parties police identified the male as the aggressor and placed him under arrest.  He was taken to SKPD and charged with felony subsequent domestic assault and disorderly conduct.

If you need a Criminal Defense or DUI Lawyer contact Attorney James E. Smith as soon as possible at 401-649-0335 or by email by clicking HERE.

 

ALWAYS SPEAK WITH A LAWYER BEFORE SPEAKING WITH THE POLICE!

 

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

RI Criminal Defense Lawyer James E. Smith forwards Projo Article Having Local Interest

RI Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyer James E. Smith found this article on Projo.

 

Body may be of missing R.I. man

01:00 AM EST on Tuesday, December 14, 2010

ASPEN, Colo. — The body of a man who police think may be that of George Aldrich, the Rhode Islander who has been the object of an intensive search since he disappeared on Nov. 27, was found Monday at a spot only 100 yards from where he was seen getting off a shuttle bus, Assistant Police Chief Bill Linn reported Monday.

Linn said the body was found by off-duty members of a mountain-rescue team, in a location under the Maroon Creek Bridge, a very high structure that had been searched many times before. A team of forensic experts arrived at the scene Monday evening and was expected to work through the night.

The police said they plan a news conference in the parking lot of the Aspen Municipal Golf Course, which is next to the site, Tuesday afternoon.

Aldrich, formerly of Cranston and Newport, had gone to Aspen to work as a ski lift operator and is a son of George Aldrich Sr., the director of admissions at Providence’s La Salle Academy.

Richard C. Dujardin

 

If you have any questions regarding this article or need advice from a RI Criminal Defense or DUI Lawyer call Attorney James E. Smith as soon as possible at 401-649-0335 or by email HERE.

 

ALWAYS SPEAK WITH A LAWYER BEFORE SPEAKING WITH THE POLICE!