About Attorney David Craven

Professional Credentials

As a former Rhode Island State Prosecutor, David has worked on over 1,500 criminal cases.  During his four-year tenure at the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office, David gained experience in four different units, working on a variety of criminal offenses, including: Fraud, Elder Abuse, White Collar Crime, Embezzlement, Gun & Drug Related Offenses, Child Abuse/Neglect, and Animal Abuse/Neglect. 

On top of the numerous negotiated pleas, David participated in countless court proceedings.  David carried out evidentiary hearings with proceedings including; motions to suppress, bail hearings, violation hearings and sentencing hearings.  During his time as a State Prosecutor, David completed over a dozen trials, six of which were tried to verdict in front of Providence County Superior Court juries.  As the lead Prosecutor on these trials, David has; picked the jury, performed opening statements, examined State's witnesses qualified & examined expert witnesses, crossed examined defendants, cross examined defense witnesses, and given closing arguments.  

David has experience working with judges, attorneys, police, detectives, paralegals, and state officials. During his cases, he's worked with a variety of victims and witness ranging in age from 5 to 85, with different backgrounds and professional careers.

Prior to being hired as a Special Assistant Attorney General, David gained legal experience in a variety of areas, clerking for several different firms.  David focused his efforts on Superior Court zoning appeals, comprehensive planning and municipal charter reform focused on the Providence Waterfront, and municipal government representation.  David also devoted time to researching and memorializing substantive law related to corporate buyouts and restructuring.  He developed strategies to address zoning and permitting issues for a proposed hotel development, including compliance with municipal comprehensive plans and EPA regulations. 

Prior to attending law school, David focused mainly on civil litigation, contract disputes, business incorporation, and personal injury cases as a full-time legal assistant at North Kingstown-based law firm, Robert E. Craven & Associates.

Community & Passions

As a lifelong resident of Rhode Island who currently lives on the East Side of Providence, David is committed to making his community a better place.  He is invested in Providence and has expanded his professional focus areas to address concerns he often hears from friends, neighbors, and family.

David has always been passionate about mentoring the next generation of attorneys and young professionals, as well as expanding children's education outside of the classroom. While at the Attorney General's office, David supervised interns and managed their court rotations.  Throughout the year, David also sits on high school mock trial juries providing feedback for students across the state.

As an Adjunct Professor at the Community College of Rhode Island, David teaches an evening class pertaining to the legal system called Introduction to Criminal Procedure.  His students come from a wide range of backgrounds and their long-term plans are often very different.  David enjoys connecting with these students and providing them with his first hand experiences. 

David is a huge animal lover and advocate for their well-being.  He currently sits on he Board of UnShelter Me, a local Rhode Island Organization.  David often spends time fostering dogs who have come from a less than perfect background.  As a foster parent, with Handsome Dan’s Rescue, he spends time training and socializing dogs to prepare them for adoption into a loving family.

Education & Bar Memberships

Rhode Island Bar

New England School of Law: Juris Doctorate

University of Rhode Island: Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science