Robert Craven

Robert E. Craven
Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 32nd[1] district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 1, 2013
Preceded by	Laurence Ehrhardt
Personal details
Born	(1955-11-19) November 19, 1955
Nationality	American
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Susan
Children	Robert, Joseph
Residence	Saunderstown, Rhode Island
Alma mater	University of Rhode Island New England School of Law
Profession	Attorney
Website	votebobcraven.com

Robert E. Craven, Sr.^[2] (born November 19, 1955) is an American politician and a Democratic member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives representing District 32 since January 1, 2013. He serves as Chairman of the House Municipal Government Committee ^{[3] [4]} and member of the House Judiciary Committee. ^[5] Craven also serves on the R.I. Governor's "Justice Reinvestment Working Group," which advises on ways to improve Rhode Island's criminal justice system, with the overarching goals of protecting public safety, reducing recidivism, addressing racial disparities, promoting stronger, healthier communities, and reducing cost. ^{[6] [7]}

Education

Craven earned his BA from the University of Rhode Island and his JD from the New England School of Law.

Elections

• 2016 - On November 8, 2016, Rep. Bob Craven was re-elected as RI State Representative of District 32 (North Kingstown). Craven received 4327 (55.5%) votes while his opponent, Mark S. Zaccaria, received 3455 (44.3%) votes.
• 2014 - On November 4, 2014, Craven was re-elected as Rhode Island State Representative of District 32, representing North Kingstown. Rep. Craven received 3111 (51.9%) votes, and his opponent, Sharon L. Gamba, received 2867 (47.8%) votes.
• 2012 - To challenge District 32 incumbent Republican Representative Laurence Ehrhardt, Craven was unopposed for the September 11, 2012 Democratic Primary, winning with 326 votes^[8] and won the November 6, 2012 General election with 4,067 votes (54%) against Representative Ehrhardt's 3,440 (45.7%).^[9]
• In his legislative capacity, Attorney Craven applies his legal expertise to sponsor new legislation for the State of Rhode Island. In his first term, Rep. Craven has already sponsored bills which prioritize restitution payments to victims, modify estate planning taxes, and impose harsh penalties on the transportation of illegal firearms.

Legislation

Rep. Robert E. Craven, during his time in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, is responsible for legislation that:

• Exempted social security income from taxation ^{[10] [11]}
• Improved RI's estate tax, resulting in reduced/lowered taxes ^[12]
• Expanding legal protections for those who seek medical assistance for individuals experiencing a drug overdose (the "Good Samaritan" bill) ^{[13] [14] [15] [16] [17]}
• Eliminated the "master lever" on election ballots ^[18]
• Obtained $6 million in federal funds to repair storm-damaged piers at Quonset Business Park ^{[19] [20]}
• Increased criminal penalties for DUIs with children in car ^[21]
• Prioritized restitution payments to crime victims ^[22]
• Barred sales and ownership of guns with altered serial numbers ^[23]
• Amended the State False Claim Act, allowing RI to continue receiving federal funding ^[24]
• Permits local law enforcement departments share in litter fines ^[25]
• Required all children's jewelry to conform higher safety standards ^{[26] [27]}
• Reformed the RI campaign finance system, requiring politicians to keep campaign accounts separate from personal accounts ^{[28] [29] [30]}
• Prohibits electronic tracking of automobiles ^[31]
• Allows police officers in a close pursuit to conduct a vehicle stop in a neighboring municipality ^[32]
• Requires sex traffickers to register as sex offenders ^{[33] [34]}
• Improves safety measures in "School Zones" ^[35]

Professional

Robert E. Craven was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar in 1983. Since then, Attorney Craven has been the Town Solicitor in Foster, RI (1998-2004), is the current Town Solicitor in Charlestown, RI (2007–Present), and Assistant Solicitor for East Providence (2008–Present). Attorney Robert Craven is also the Probate Judge for the Town of Charlestown, RI. Attorney Craven served as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Rhode Island during 1983 – 1992 where he was the lead trial lawyer and served as the Chief of the Public Corruptions Unit during that time. During 1995 – 2001, Attorney Craven served as the Legal Counsel for the Rhode Island State Board of Elections.

From 1994-1996, Attorney Craven served on the Town Council of North Kingstown, RI where he led the fight to develop the Quonset Industrial Park by negotiating a payment in lieu of taxes with the State of Rhode Island to attract business development, jobs and tax revenue to the Town. He also served as President and sat on the Board of Directors from 1993-1996 at the Center for Non-Violence in Providence, Rhode Island.

Attorney Robert E. Craven has also served as an adjunct instructor for the Community College of Rhode Island where he taught courses in the business department and law department each semester between 1983 and 2002.

Presently, Attorney Craven is the sole proprietor of Robert E. Craven & Associates, a private-practice law firm located in North Kingstown, RI. Robert E. Craven & Associates is a general-practice law firm which handling most legal matters, including: personal injury, criminal defense, medical malpractice, wrongful death, DUI/Refusal defense, and much more.^[36]

References

External links

• Official page at the Rhode Island General Assembly
• Campaign site
• Profile at Project Vote Smart
• Robert Craven at Ballotpedia
• Robert E. Craven, Sr. at the National Institute on Money in State Politics
• Legal Office Website