Rhode Island DUI, Criminal Defense, Family, and Personal Injury Lawyer
Thank you for taking the time to review my Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer website. I strongly believe that all clients, and potential clients, are entitled to as much information as possible when making important decisions concerning legal matters. Thus, as potentially your future Rhode Island Attorney I hope this website is informative.
I am a former Rhode Island Special Assistant Attorney General from 1993-1997. During those years I prosecuted hundreds of cases ranging from driving under the influence and disorderly conduct all the way to first degree murder in every Rhode Island County. Additionally, along with other prosecutors, I lectured in-coming police academy cadets on proper drunk driving and Rhode Island DUI investigations and prosecutions. This unique experience has allowed me a wealth of knowledge not readily available to average Rhode Island DUI lawyers or Rhode Island criminal defense attorneys. Since 1997 I have been applying all that I learned as a prosecutor in order to better benefit my private clients as a defense lawyer.
VIEW CASE RESULTS - READ TESTIMONIALS
Since 1997 I have also been aggressively representing clients as a Rhode Island personal injury Attorney. I assist those injured as a result of car accidents, motorcycle accidents,or other negligent acts. The trial and negotiation skills which I honed as a prosecutor have translated into significant personal injury settlements on behalf of numerous clients I represented as a RI personal Injury Lawyer. I am a trial attorney who will present your case in court if we are unable to achieve a satisfactory settlement of your personal injury case.
Most importantly, when you hire my firm to represent you, I am the attorney reviewing or overseeing your case and typically appearing in court with you. I am in court just about every day, and I strongly believe that each client deserves this personal service. My office provides free consultations, and I am available 24 hours a day for emergencies. My firm provides aggressive, personal representation and we look forward to hearing from you soon. Hablamos Espanol.
Contact RI Attorney Macktaz Now for a FREE Consultation: EMAIL or call401-861-1155
Our firm handles legal matters in the following practice areas: Criminal Law, Criminal Defense, RI DUI, RI DWI, Breathalyzer Refusal, Breathalyzer Refusal Defense, Rhode Island DUI defense, Field Sobriety Test Defense, DUI Stops for Reasonable Suspicion, DUI Laws and Penalties, Marijuana, Cocaine, Marijuana Lawyer Rhode Island, Drug Crimes, Drug Trafficking, Disorderly Conduct, Assault & Battery, Sexual Assault, Violent Crimes, Larceny, Grand Theft Auto, Capital Offenses, Misdemeanors, Felonies, Traffic Violations, Suspended and Revoked Drivers Licenses, Driver License Restoration, Disorderly Conduct, Juvenile Law, Child Abuse and Neglect, Family Law, RI Divorce Lawyers , Child Custody, Child Support, Adoptions, Domestic Violence, Paternity, Prostitution, Solicitation, Prostitution Laws, DUI Attorney in Newport RI, Newport Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer, Shoplifting and Theft, Restraining Orders, Personal Injury, Automobile Accidents, Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney, Car Accident Attorney, Slip and Fall, Wrongful Death, Torts, Tort Liability, Tractor Trailor Truck Accidents, Civil Liability, Litigation, Expungement, Pawtucket River Bridge Traffic Tickets, and Rhode Island Divorce, RI Divorce Mediation.
Testimonials
Expungement client - January 2012
Thanks a lot for everything you did for me. I really appreciate all your efforts. Once again many thanks (for expunging my record and sending the copies to the Police and Attorney General). - D
Criminal Defense Client - November 2011
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated all of your help. I can't imagine what it would be like to have gone through that process without your help. I just wanted to say Thank You and of all the lawyers that I could have hired I feel lucky to have found one as down to earth as yourself. - Heather C.
RI Domestic assault and battery and
violation of no-contact order - November 2011
Thanks Josh you have been an awesome attorney and I so appreciate everything you have and do for me. I wish I had your discipline and poker face as I would never have been in this predicament.
Rhode Island Criminal Defense Client - Sept 2011
I can't thank you enough for being the very best attorney in the state of Rhode Island. You really were able to work magic and I appreciate everything you did for us. I have your card on file and I will recommend you to anyone that needs legal assistance in RI. Thanks again.
- Sue
Rhode island dui client - Aug 2011
I just wanted to first say thank you for all your help, I truly appreciated everything you did for me. You are very good at what you do and you will never know how much my family and I have appreciated your help.
- Alyssa
Rhode Island criminal defense client: DUI - July 2011
I’d like to reach out and compliment you for the excellent services provided to me over the past month. Your professionalism and knowledge of the legal system provided me with a sense of comfort throughout the entire case. Your ability to forecast and provide a realistic view of what to expect made this process as painless as possible. Taking into consideration my relationship(s) and current situation was more than generous and will never be forgotten.
If there is anything I can do for you in the future... please feel free to let me know. Again, I cannot thank you enough and will recommended your services to anyone in need of a qualified Lawyer.
- Dan
Rhode Island Criminal Defense Client: Marijuana Possession and Intent to Deliver - July 2011
I was a student at Roger Williams University in Bristol. I was walking from a cigarette gazebo to my friend's dorm while carrying my backpack with me. My backpack contained just under an ounce of Marijuana, a digital scale, a new package of sandwich bags, an empty cigar tube, rolling papers, and a lighter. Upon walking to my friend's dorm I was stopped and asked by the head of public safety and an RA on campus if she could check my bag to see if it contained alcohol. I told her no and she asked me again. I hesitated but again did not give her permission. She asked me to place my bag on the ground and to give my student ID to the RA. Upon doing so the head of public safety peered into my bag and saw a few of the contents. She immediately called the rest of the public safety team and Bristol police to the scene. The contents of my bag were dumped out onto the sidewalk and photographed. Soon after I was escorted to my dorm by two Bristol cops who proceeded to search my room finding about $240 in cash. I was arrested for Felony Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver and spent a night at the Bristol Police Station and the next in the ACI. Months later, after hiring Attorney Macktaz, the charges were dropped to a charge of misdemeanor possession of Marijuana with a one year filing and some minor court fees. Essentially this means that he helped me get the charge dropped from a Felony to a simple misdemeanor and as long as I do not get arrested for a period of one year, the whole thing will be wiped clean from my record. I cannot express my gratitude enough to him for helping me get my record clean and helping me put this whole ordeal behind me.
Nothing is a guarantee in this world but hiring Attorney Macktaz is one of the best things you can do if you are looking to help yourself in a bad situation. Make the right decision and hire an Attorney with experience to help you when you need it most.
- Zack
Expungement Client - june 2011
Thank you very much for all the help you've provided me with this case! You were very knowledgeable and reassuring in everything I needed to know. I also appreciate everything you did to speed up the process of the refinancing of the home. I am very pleased with the resolution and outcome with this case and will definitely use you in the future for any of my legal needs! Thank you once again.
- Saam
traffic violation client - May 2011
I just wanted to first say thank you for all your help, I truly appreciated everything you did for me...
Thanks again for everything. You are very good at what you do and you will never know how much my family and I have appreciated your help.
- Alyssa
Recent Case Results
Criminal Charges - Nov 2011:
Driving Under the Influence with B.A.C. >.15
Police Report: State Police observe a vehicle weaving in between lanes and traveling in the breakdown lane on route 95. Upon stopping vehicle, Troopers observed a strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot and watery eyes and slurred speech. Client has difficulty exiting the vehicle and nearly falls into traffic. Client takes and fails 2 field sobriety tests. Client is arrested and takes the breathalyzer at the barracks blowing a .124 and .126.
Defense Results:
- Driving Under the Influence: REDUCED to Reckless Driving with NO LOSS OF LICENSE
Criminal Charges - Nov 2011:
Shoplifting
Police Report: Macy’s security observes Client removing the price tags off of clothing and jewelry and then placing them into a shopping bag. Client is confronted as she leaves the store and turns over approximately $300.00 worth of items. Client is arrested by the Providence Police.
Defense Results:
- Shoplifting: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - Nov 2011:
Possession of Marijuana
Police Report: Client and a friend are sitting on a park bench in the middle of Occupy Providence smoking a marijuana cigarette. 2 undercover Providence Police officers walk up to Client and arrest him and seize an additional 3 grams of marijuana from his pocket.
Defense Results:
- Possession of Marijuana: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - Nov 2011:
Driving Under the Influence; Breathalyzer Refusal
Police Report: South Kingstown Police observe a Client traveling in the breakdown lane on route 1 south. Police activate lights and observe Client’s vehicle strike the curb as it pulls over. Upon approaching the vehicle, Police observed a moderate odor of alcohol, bloodshot and watery eyes and slurred speech. Client takes and fails 3 field sobriety tests. Client is arrested and refuses to take the breath test at the station.
Defense Results:
- Driving Under the Influence: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
- Breathalyzer Refusal: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - Oct 2011:
Possession of Marijuana
Police Report: Little Compton Police are assisting with parking at the beach during Hurricane Irene. On the way to go surfing at the beach, Client smokes a marijuana cigarette in his car. Upon arriving at the beach, Client drives by police officer, opens his window and asks where he can park. Police immediately smell the freshly burnt marijuana and arrest Client. A subsequent search finds approximately 2 additional grams of marijuana in Client’s car.
Defense Results:
- Possession of Marijuana: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - Oct 2011:
Disorderly Conduct
Police Report: Lincoln Police are called to the Twin River Casino for a loud, drunk and belligerent male at the cab stand. When police arrive, they observe Client yelling and swearing at the Valet and the security team, drawing attention from other patrons. Client refuses to lower his voice or leave the area when asked by Police and is arrested for Disorderly Conduct.
Defense Results:
- Disorderly Conduct: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - Oct 2011:
Felony Breaking and Entering-Domestic
Police Report: Client and his girlfriend get into an argument, and break-up, while out for dinner. Client’s girlfriend leaves the restaurant in a cab and goes home. Client proceeds to call/text his girlfriend at least fifteen (15) times and his girlfriend refuses to answer. Client then travels to her house at 3am, climbs up the fire escape, opens her kitchen window and enters her apartment. She wakes up and calls the Pawtucket Police who arrive and arrest Client.
Defense Results:
- Felony Breaking and Entering-Domestic: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - Oct 2011:
Driving Under the Influence (with blood-alcohol level over .15)
Police Report: East Greenwich Police respond to an automobile accident on route 95. Client’s vehicle was witnessed speeding and weaving in and out of lanes without a directional before Client lost control and car flipped over and landed on its roof. A blood sample taken at the hospital showed Client’s blood-alcohol level was .41 (not a mis-print).
Defense Results:
- Driving Under the Influence: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - sept 2011:
Disorderly Conduct
Police Report: Newport Police observe Client urinating on the side of a building outside a local bar and he is arrested for Disorderly Conduct.
Defense Results:
- Disorderly Conduct: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - sept 2011:
Disorderly Conduct
Police Report: Newport Police find Client passed out in a public park with pants and underwear pulled down to his ankles. Client had defecated on himself and his clothes, and was arrested for Disorderly Conduct.
Defense Results:
- Disorderly Conduct: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - sept 2011:
Driving Under the Influence
Police Report: Charlestown Police get a report of a motorboat being driven at excessive speeds in and out of the breach way. When police arrive they observe Client removing his boat from the water and onto a trailer. Client fails to stop when Police order him to stop, and is eventually pulled over on the highway. Police observe a strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot and watery eyes and slurred speech. Client takes and fails 3 field sobriety tests. Client submits to breathalyzer at the Charlestown Police station with readings of .111 and .113.
Defense Results:
- Driving Under the Influence: REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING AND NO LOSS OF DRIVER’S LICENSE
Criminal Charges - Aug 2011:
Domestic Assault and Battery;
Domestic Disorderly Conduct;
Assault and Battery on a Police Officer
Police Report: Warwick Police are called to a party where Client was being held down by party goers who observed her punching her boyfriend in the head. When Police arrive, Client continues to yell and curse at them, and then kicks and punches at the officers as she is being arrested.
Defense Results:
- Domestic Disorderly Conduct: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
- Domestic Assault and Battery: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
- Assault and Battery on Police Officer: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - Aug 2011:
Driving Under the Influence
Police Report: Client is in an automobile accident and police respond and immediately notice a strong smell of alcohol on Client’s breath, severely blood shot eyes and mumbled speech. Client staggers out of the car, admits to drinking and fails 3 field sobriety tests. Client takes the breathalyzer at the station and blows a .217 and .219.
Defense Results:
- Driving Under the Influence: REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING AND NO LOSS OF DRIVER’S LICENSE
Criminal Charges - Aug 2011:
Possession of Between 1 Kilogram and 5 Kilograms of Marijuana;
Possession with the Intent to Deliver Marijuana;
Conspiracy
Police Report: Central Falls Police use a confidential informant to make a controlled buy of 5 pounds of marijuana from Client. Client arrives at the pre-determined place and time carrying a large dark trash bag. Police approach Client and Client is arrested. Client later gives a full confession to the Central Falls Police admitting that he sells marijuana.
Defense Results:
- Possession 1-5 Kilograms of Marijuana: - 10 years Probation; NO TIME TO SERVE IN PRISON
- Conspiracy: DISMISSED
Criminal Charges - July 2011:
Boating Under the Influence; Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test
Police Report: Client is observed speeding in his unregistered dinghy in Warwick Cove. DEM Officers approach Client’s boat and direct him to dock. At the dock, DEM Officers observe Client to have bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred and mumbled speech, and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. Client takes and fails 7 field sobriety tests. Officers also observe a number of empty beer cans in the boat.
Defense Results:
- Boating Under the Influence: - Amended to RECKLESS BOATING and NO LOSS OF LICENSE
- Breathalyzer Refusal: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - July 2011:
Driving Under the Influence; Breathalyzer Refusal
Police Report: Client is observed by the Glocester Police driving in an extremely erratic manner crossing over the double yellow lines into on-coming traffic. Once stopped, Client is unable to locate proper identification or vehicle registration. Police observe a strong odor of alcoholic beverage on Client’s breath as well as bloodshot/watery eyes and extremely slurred speech. Client takes and fails 3 field sobriety tests. Although Client refuses to take a breathalyzer test, a subsequent blood test shows Client’s blood alcohol level to be .264, over three times the legal limit of .08
Defense Results:
- Driving Under the Influence: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
- Breathalyzer Refusal: DISMISSED
Criminal Charges - July 2011:
Carrying a Pistol Without a License
Police Report: Client is involved in an altercation at a Providence nightclub. Upon further investigation after arresting Client for his role in the fight, Providence Police discover a loaded gun in the trunk of Client’s vehicle.
Defense Results:
-
Disorderly Conduct: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - July 2011:
Disorderly Conduct
Police Report: Client is at a bar in the City of Woonsocket when a huge brawl erupts between two groups over words spoken to a woman in one of the groups. Upon Police arrival, some 25-30 people are seen fighting in different areas. Woonsocket Police say they see Client pick up a chair and throw it in their direction nearly hitting them.
Defense Results:
-
Disorderly Conduct: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - July 2011:
Possession of Marijuana
Police Report: Client is a student at Roger Williams University. Residence Assistant smells the strong odor of marijuana coming from Client’s room and knocks on door. Upon entering, the RA observes Client and 3 friends smoking marijuana and contacts the Bristol Police. Upon questioning by the Police, Client admits possession of the marijuana.
Defense Results:
-
Possession of Marijuana: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - july 2011:
Assault and Battery on a Police Officer; Resisting Arrest; Disorderly Conduct
Police Report: Client is part of a large disturbance outside of a Providence nightclub at closing time. In the middle of the altercation between rival groups, Client is approached by Providence Police who are attempting to investigate the disturbance. Client takes a “fighting position” with Police and begins to move towards them. Police go to place Client under arrest and he begins to swing wildly at the Police. After using pepper spray, Police are able to handcuff Client.
Defense Results:
- Assault and Battery on Police Officer: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
- Resisting Arrest: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
- Disorderly Conduct: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - june 2011:
Possession of Marijuana
Police Report: Client is a student at Bryant University. Residence Assistant smells the strong odor of marijuana coming from Client’s room and knocks on door. Upon entering, the RA observes marijuana and paraphernalia used for the smoking of marijuana and contacts the Smithfield Police. Upon questioning by the Police, Client admits possession of the marijuana.
Defense Results:
-
Possession of Marijuana: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - june 2011:
Possession of Marijuana
Police Report: Client’s vehicle is stopped by the North Kingstown Police for a traffic violation. Police immediately smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. When Police ask Client if he has any marijuana in the vehicle, Client reaches into his jacket and hands the marijuana to the Police.
Defense Results:
-
Possession of Marijuana: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - may 2011:
Disorderly Conduct
Police Report: Client is eating lunch with his wife, mother-in-law and newborn baby. Another patron complains to Client’s wife, and then to the restaurant manager, about the baby’s crying. Client confronts the other patron and a physical confrontation occurs. The other patron ends up going through the glass display case in the front of the restaurant. South Kingstown Police arrest Client.
Defense Results:
-
Disorderly Conduct: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - may 2011:
Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana
Police Report: Client seen walking through the Roger Williams University campus with a backpack. School security stops Client in order to do an “alcohol check” and asks to look in Client’s backpack. Security finds, and eventually turns over to the Bristol Police, ten (10) individually wrapped baggies containing marijuana, a digital scale, plastic baggies and a significant amount of cash.
Result:
- Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver: REDUCED to Simple Possession of Marijuana and off Client’s record in one (1) year.
Criminal Charges - may 2011:
Larceny Under $500.00 (3 Counts)
Police Report: Client is watched by an independent witness removing real estate signs from three (3) different lawns in the town of North Smithfield. The witness then follows Client’s vehicle while on the phone the entire time with the police department. Police stop Client’s motor vehicle and find the signs in the Client’s possession. Client gives a full written confession admitting to taking the signs.
Defense Results:
Larceny Under $500.00 DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Larceny Under $500.00 DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Larceny Under $500.00 DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - may 2011:
Driving Under the Influence; Disorderly Conduct; Breathalyzer Refusal
Police Report: Client is questioned by Providence Police regarding a large fight outside a local nightclub. Police say client smells like alcohol and is swearing at police “at the top of her lungs”. Client gets into her vehicle, rolls down the window, and tells the police that “they need to learn respect”. Client is then pulled over and charged.
Defense Results:
Driving Under the Influence: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Disorderly Conduct: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Breathalyzer Refusal: DISMISSED AND EXPUNGED
Criminal Charges - may 2011:
Assaulting a Police Officer; Obstruction of Justice
Police Report: Client is pulled over after reaching his driveway by a Newport police officer for having a rear window completely obstructed by snow. After police write Client a ticket, Client rips ticket out of police officer’s hand and tells the police officer to “get the f*ck off of my property”. Police state that Client then becomes violent and opens his car door into the leg of the police officer and refuses to be handcuffed. Client is maced by the police officer.
Defense Results:
Assault and Battery on a Police Officer: DISMISSED
Resisting Arrest: DISMISSED
Criminal Charges - may 2011:
Possession of Marijuana
Police Report: Client is stopped for speeding by South Kingstown Police who notice the 2 back seat passengers acting in a suspicious manner. When police approach the vehicle they observe a metal grinder and small bag of marijuana on the floor between the two rear seat passengers. After being taken from the vehicle, Client tells police there is more marijuana in the glove compartment. Client is charged with the marijuana in the glove compartment.
Defense Results:
Possession of Marijuana: DISMISSED
Criminal Charges - april 2011:
Breathalyzer Refusal
Police Report: Client is involved in a serious accident. Cranston Police Accident Reconstruction Expert determines Client was speeding and ran a red light causing the accident. Police meet with Client at hospital and immediately detect a strong odor of alcohol and slurred speech. Client takes and fails the HGN field sobriety test.
Defense Results:
Breathalyzer Refusal: NOT GUILTY AFTER TRIAL
Criminal Charges - march 2011:
Driving Under the Influence, blood alcohol >.15
Police Report: Rescue driver observes Client’s car weaving and nearly hitting a curb before pulling over in the breakdown lane. Rescue driver pulls up and asks Client if he is okay and observes client to be laughing. Client drives away and rescue driver alerts a nearby RI State Trooper of what he saw. Trooper follows Client’s vehicle and finds him in his driveway. Trooper observes odor of alcohol, bloodshot and watery eyes and a staggered gait. Client eventually takes the breathalyzer and blows a .179 and .181
Defense Results:
Driving Under the Influence: NOT GUILTY AFTER TRIAL
Rhode Island Courts Information
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter. Also, the Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer as an expert or specialist in any field of practice.
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