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Rhode Island track system determines how long a divorce will take

Rhode Island residents seeking out a divorce usually want to know exactly how long it takes before they are single and no longer married. The simple answer is that there is no simple answer. It all depends on certain factors that have led to the development of Rhode Island’s ‘track system.’

There are two separate tracks that divorces can fall under in Rhode Island. The person filing for divorce can decide from either a ‘nominal’ track or ‘contested’ track.  In a nominal track divorce, a couple is pretty much splitting up on amicable terms.

In a nominal track divorce, a hearing date is usually set about 11 weeks from the time the petition for divorce is filed. Nominal track divorces lead to nominal track hearings and in these cases, defendants are not disputing the terms of the divorce.

Nominal track divorces filed under irreconcilable differences have a 90-day wait period before the Final Decree of divorce, which declares the parties no longer married. But there is even a quicker way, if the couple has lived separately for a time of at least three years. In those cases, couples only need to wait 20 days after the nominal hearing to get their Final Decree.

A contested track divorce takes a bit longer as those hearing dates usually fall 13 to 16 weeks after the petition for divorce has been filed. A divorce is classified on this track when there is a minimum of one issue that cannot be resolved by the couple. This then puts the final decisions in the hands of the court.

This is the part of the process that could elongate a divorce. There is a need to produce witnesses, testimony and proof. Timetables could be as short as a day but could also extend  to several months.

While the divorce process is unfolding, there may also be a need to appear in court regarding temporary orders in the areas of child support, child custody, visitation rights and even contempt. These temporary orders are upheld until the divorce can be final.

No matter which track you take, divorce is never an easy time for families. A Providence divorce lawyer at Calvino Law Associates can help you through what can be a complex process. Lean on our years of experience as we strive to get North Kingston and Providence couples through their divorce as quickly and productively as possible.

What a criminal attorney can do for you

When anyone is charged with a crime, it is strongly recommended that the next move should be to hire a criminal attorney. There are tremendous benefits that come with having an experienced attorney to represent you.

First, your attorney will dispel any myths you might have about your current situation. Every criminal offense is different, and there are a lot of factors that need to be considered. Your lawyer will tell you exactly where you stand as well as offer best and worst case scenarios.

The moment you hire a criminal defense attorney, you already have an advantage. When it is time to go to court, the prosecuting attorney is less inclined to negotiate a favorable deal with a defendant who is representing himself. This holds true even in cases involving less serious criminal charges. Your attorney will give you an edge in the negotiating process, which could mean a much lighter sentence.

There are even instances when your criminal charges could be dropped altogether with the help of an attorney. Proving a lack of evidence or improper procedure could get your case thrown out. One way to get your charges dropped would be to show that the arresting officer did not have probable cause.

Familiarity with the local court system is also important. Certain prosecutors are known to have certain tendencies. Having knowledge of how they negotiate is important to your case. There are always unwritten rules in courtrooms, rules that defendants do not know about.

A qualified Providence criminal lawyer can also be of great help in the information gathering process. That includes collecting potential witnesses, hiring investigators, conducting research and inspecting documents.

If a charge winds up leading to a sentence, criminal defense attorneys can tailor sentences that are more beneficial to clients. Sentences can mean a lot to your future in terms of employment, possible expunges and more. And if there is very little chance of being found not guilty, a defense attorney could use plea bargain to get you a reduced sentence.

Criminal charges can be very serious, and you will only compound your problems by attempting to represent yourself. When charges are filed, your next move should be to find an experienced criminal attorney.

Calvino Law Associates can provide you with an attorney who will perform all the important duties required of a criminal lawyer. Our lawyers know the local court systems, including the Providence and North Kingston areas as we give you an advantage from the moment you retain our services.

Rhode Island laws attempt to reduce bike accidents

Every year, the number of bike accidents in Rhode Island continues to rise. That has prompted the state to enact more laws that are aimed to protect bicycle enthusiasts. Many times, victims have just cause to take legal action against those responsible for their accidents.

Bicyclists are expected to share the road with vehicles by riding as far to the right side of the road as possible. When passing a bicycle rider, drivers are expected to move over to the left to pass at a safe distance. This way there is sufficient room between the bike and the car should the rider experience a fall.

However, drivers are not deemed to be at fault when bike riders exceed 15 mph or are traveling in the opposite direction of vehicles into oncoming traffic.

Similar to motorcycle helmet laws, biker helmets are optional for adults in the state of Rhode Island. However, bikers 15 years of age and under are required to wear helmets at all times.

Bikers are not required but encouraged to use bicycle paths located right next to roadways. This is not mandated by law. Bikers are also required to obey stop signs and traffic lights just as the operator of a motor vehicle would do.

Sidewalks can also be used for bicycles or any other means of transportation operated by human power. When bikers opt to ride on sidewalks, they are afforded the same rights as pedestrians.

Those riding bicycles should also note that in the state of Rhode Island, a bicycle is considered a type of vehicle. Therefore, bikers must comply with the same DUI laws as motor vehicle operators. Having a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) over .08 can subject bikers to arrest, fines and potential jail time just like automobile drivers.

Car operators are held liable in bike accidents caused by the opening of a vehicle door. Right turns in which cars windup cutting off bikers, and accidents that occur when entering or leaving a parking lot.

If you have been injured in a North Kingston or Providence bike accident, it’s time to turn to the experience at Calvino Law Associates. John A. Calvino has built a solid reputation based on years of experience and success in Rhode Island. It’s time to put that experience to work for you and get the most out your recent bike accident.

The right action to take after an Auto Accident

Auto accidents occur every day on all kinds of roadways. Some accidents may be just a fender bender while others can be catastrophic in nature. Whatever accident you are involved in, there are certain procedures to follow immediately after the collision.

Even if the damage may seem minimal, remain at the scene. Stop to check out the damage and also make sure no one is hurt. Also remember that if you are involved in a rear end collision, injuries such as whiplash could take longer to surface.

The next step is to call 911. Some people might just want to exchange insurance information, but there is no way of guaranteeing the other driver will keep his word. Phoning the authorities will provide you with legal documentation of an accident. Without a police report, things could get difficult should you decide to take legal action.

Before the police arrive, it’s recommended that you attempt to make the accident scene as safe as possible. Turn your hazard lights on and set up some road flares if you have them. Not only are other drivers in danger because your accident, but you are also susceptible to being hit again if you do not secure the area.

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, take as many pictures as you possibly can. That includes damage to your car, the other car, injuries you or one of your passengers, and anything else that might serve as evidence.

As previously mentioned, injuries like whiplash do not always show symptoms right away. However, it can be a painful and debilitating injury. That is why it is important to seek medical attention after an accident. Nerve damage is another common injury that may take a little longer to surface. Get yourself to a doctor and get checked out. It could help your Rhode Island auto accident attorney in a number of ways.

After you have returned home, begin making a file. Include documentation of everything involved with the accident. That includes medical visits, missed days of work, aches and pains, auto repair bills and more. All of that information necessary can be used as evidence should your case ever wind up in court.

One of the most important things to do after an auto accident is to contact an auto accident attorney. Calvino Law Associates has a team of capable auto accident lawyers waiting to help residents of Providence, North Kingston and other nearby areas. There may be more to your auto accident than you know, and our professionals are ready to point out every helpful detail.

What to do after you are hurt at work in Rhode Island

If you are hurt at work, there is no reason to suffer through agony. Rhode Island residents are protected by workers’ compensation laws, which can quickly work to your advantage.

The first thing you need to do after suffering an injury on the job is report the incident. State law stipulates that any company with at least one employee is required to have workers’ compensation insurance. Once you report the incident, your employer must then file a claim with the company’s respective insurance carrier; if your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance, that needs to be reported immediately.

If the injury occurred in front of other people, gather as many witnesses as you can. Make a list of their names and, if possible, retrieve written statements. Then, make sure to fill out an incident report immediately.

The next step in the process is to seek immediate medical attention. In the event that you are deemed unable to work, bring a written doctor’s note to your supervisor and Human Resources representative.

It is also important to know that you can choose to visit any health care provider you like. Your employer does not have the right to determine which health care facility you need to visit. This is an area where workers should be careful as some companies will urge their injured employees to go to a ‘friendly’ health care provider, which might conveniently recommend a premature return to work.

Next up is seeking out a Providence workers’ compensation attorney. While you are injured, an attorney can help you keep tabs on lost wages and your weekly compensation rate. There is also a need to keep precise medical records and conduct a review of all your information to determine what kind of disability you are entitled to receive.

It is also important to refrain from speaking with an insurance company without first contacting a personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies are always looking for quick and easy settlements so you need to make sure someone is on your side. Do not sign anything without first consulting your lawyer.

If you have been hurt at work in the Providence or North Kingston areas, Calvino Law Associates can provide you with an attorney who will make sure your rights are protected and your mind is at ease. Our courtroom experience and familiarity with workers’ compensation laws are at your service so that you are treated fairly throughout the entire process.