Robert E. Craven, Sr. 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 and member of the House Judiciary Committee. 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.
2016 - On November 8, 2016, Rep. Bob Craven was re-elected as RI State Representative of District 32. Craven received 4327 votes while his opponent, Mark S. Zaccaria, received 3455 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 votes, and his opponent, Sharon L. Gamba, received 2867 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 and won the November 6, 2012 General election with 4,067 votes against Representative Ehrhardt's 3,440.
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:
Improved RI's estate tax, resulting in reduced/lowered taxes
Expanding legal protections for those who seek medical assistance for individuals experiencing a drug overdose
Eliminated the "master lever" on election ballots
Obtained $6 million in federal funds to repair storm-damaged piers at Quonset Business Park
Increased criminal penalties for DUIs with children in car
Prioritized restitution payments to crime victims
Barred sales and ownership of guns with altered serial numbers
Amended the State False Claim Act, allowing RI to continue receiving federal funding
Permits local law enforcement departments share in litter fines
Required all children's jewelry to conform higher safety standards
Reformed the RI campaign finance system, requiring politicians to keep campaign accounts separate from personal accounts
Prohibits electronic tracking of automobiles
Allows police officers in a close pursuit to conduct a vehicle stop in a neighboring municipality
Requires sex traffickers to register as sex offenders
Improves safety measures in "School Zones"
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, is the current Town Solicitor in Charlestown, RI, and Assistant Solicitor for East Providence. 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 , 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: , , , wrongful death, , and much more.
