Criminal Defense
RI CRIMINAL DEFENSE
RI Criminal Defense
Everyday people land in criminal situations they never asked for. A traffic stop turns into an arrest. A heated argument draws the police. A misunderstanding becomes a charge. Most folks don’t know what to say, what to sign, or what comes next—and that uncertainty can cost you.
That’s where an experienced defense lawyer matters. At Millea Law Office, Christopher Millea focuses on protecting your rights and steering your case toward the best possible outcome for your facts, your goals, and your risk tolerance. Every case is different. It deserves individual attention, clear strategy, and straight talk.
Trial-tested—without forcing trial. Christopher is a former trial attorney with the Rhode Island Office of the Public Defender and brings real courtroom experience to every file. But not every client needs—or wants—a trial. Some cases should be tried. Others should be negotiated, diverted, or dismissed. Our job is to show you the path that aligns with results, cost, and impact on your life.
How We Defend You
We start by stabilizing your situation—bail, orders, license issues, deadlines—so nothing gets worse while we build your case. Then we tear into the evidence: police reports, body-cam, lab results, and witness statements, looking for suppression issues (bad stops, illegal searches, flawed testing) and leverage. From there, we map real options—fight with motions and trial before a judge or jury, or resolve through reductions, diversion, or negotiated outcomes—based on your goals and risk tolerance. Throughout, you get straight talk, clear timelines, and fast updates. Bottom line: we protect what matters—your rights, record, license, job, and future—while pushing for the best result the facts allow.
Immediate Risk Control
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Stop the bleeding: address bail, no-contact orders, license issues, and deadlines.
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Protect your rights: manage police/prosecutor contact so you don’t self-incriminate.
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Strategic Options—You Choose
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Challenge: motions to suppress/dismiss; trial before a judge or jury.
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Resolve: negotiations, charge reductions, sentencing agreements.
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Alternatives: diversion, treatment-based outcomes, community service, deferred findings (where available).
Case Audit & Evidence Review
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Police reports, body-cam, lab results, witness statements, prior history.
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Look for suppression issues (stops, searches, statements) and leverage weaknesses.
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Outcome Focused
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Aim to protect your record, license, employment, immigration status, and future—not just “win a case.”
Expungements
A defendant’s criminal record should always be expunged, if a defendant is entitled by statute to have his or her criminal charges removed. Expungement of criminal records is covered by either § 12-10-12 Filing of complaints or 12-1.3 Expungement of Criminal Records. As such, it is first important to make a determination as to what a defendant has on his criminal record, if anything. This determination can be made Christopher Millea and the Millea Law offices. Many factors will be looked at in making this determination. However, it will ultimately require the filing of a motion which would be heard before a judge in either the District court or the superior court. Once a motion is properly filed it will be scheduled for a hearing and a judge will make a determination as to expungement. If the defendant’s record is allowed to be expunged, the judge will sign an order which would require both the Department of the Attorney General and the arresting police department to remove any and all records, photographs, fingerprints, or any other information from their computer systems regarding the defendants arrest. In addition, the order would remove any indication of the arrest or the charge from the court’s computer system. Please contact Christopher today so that he can expunge your criminal record.
