U.S. Marine Granted Diversion for Carrying Pistol Without a License in Rhode Island
Criminal Charges:
Man charged in the Rhode Island District Court (6th Division) for:
- Carrying a Pistol without a License, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 11-47-8 (a)
Case Overview:
East Providence Police conducted a routine traffic stop of a motorist who had been speeding. During the stop, the officer asked if the operator had any weapons or contraband in his possession. The polite and respectful young man, an active-duty U.S. Marine, admitted to having a 9 mm handgun in his waistband. Based on this admission and the subsequent seizure of the lawfully owned, but illegally possessed handgun, police arrested and charged the Marine with Carrying a Pistol Without a License in Rhode Island District Court. The Marine immediately hired Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, to defend him in this matter.
Case Result: Diversion Program.
Attorney Calcagni, a former military Judge Advocate, knew better than anyone the consequences that an arrest, let alone a criminal conviction, can have on a servicemember’s career. As a result, Attorney Calcagni immediately jumped into action by referring his client to the Adult Diversion Program. After some maneuvering and providing prosecutors with information about his client’s military service, the man was gratefully admitted to the Diversion Program. Providing he completes a number of community service hours and is not charged with a new offense in a period ranging from 6 – 12 months, this case and its felony charge will ultimately be dismissed and removed from public record. This anticipated outcome should allow the Marine to continue with his military career.