As reported by Richard C. Dujardin in the October 16, 2012 edition of the Providence Journal, a North Providence woman has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of felony assault. The woman is accused of trying to run down her husband with her car. As the man drove away, she continued to try and hit his vehicle.

Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 11-5-6, felony assault is defined as every person who shall make an assault or battery, or both, with a dangerous weapon, or with acid or other dangerous substance, or by fire, or an assault or battery which results in serious bodily injury.

(b) Where the provisions of "The Domestic Violence Prevention Act", chapter 29 of title 12, are applicable, the penalties for violation of this section shall also include the penalties as provided in § 12-29-5.

(1) Creates a substantial risk of death;

(2) Causes protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily part, member or organ; or

(3) Causes serious permanent disfigurement or circumcises, excises or infibulates the whole or any part of the labia majora or labia minora or clitoris of a person.

In this case the dangerous weapon the woman used from her car. If convicted, the penalties include imprisonment for not more than twenty (20) years.

The assault charges have been charged as domestic violence crimes. Pursuant to R.I.G.L. 12-29-5, crimes can be charged as domestic crimes if there is a special relationship between the victim and defendant. The relationships is broadly defined to include spouses, former spouses, adult persons related by blood or marriage, adult persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past three (3) years, and persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together, or if persons who are or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship within the past one year which shall be determined by the court's consideration of the following factors:

(1) the length of time of the relationship;

(2) the type of the relationship;

(3) the frequency of the interaction between the parties.

If convicted of a domestic violence crime, there are additional penalties imposed including domestic violence counseling.

If you or a family member has been charged with assault, disorderly conduct or other domestic violence crimes, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.

North Providence Woman Tries to Kill Husband With Car