Have you ever really thought about what to expect when you’re pulled over for a suspected DUI in Rhode Island? Many people think it’s a quick process of blowing into a breathalyzer and reciting the alphabet backward. The truth is, there are many rules and protocols to follow—for example, the 15min observation rule for breathalyzers in Rhode Island. I’m S. Joshua Macktaz, a Rhode Island DUI lawyer with over 30 years of experience successfully defending clients facing these kinds of charges. I’m extremely familiar with defending DUI cases and the breathalyzer requirements laid out by Rhode Isla ..read more

Most people don’t give much thought to ignition interlock devices in Rhode Island… Until they’re required to install one. When this happens, you’re likely to have a lot of questions about the entire process. Rhode Island criminal defense attorney S. Joshua Macktaz has 30 years of successful experience representing clients facing DUI and breathalyzer refusal charges. As a result, he’s seen and heard it all when it comes to ignition interlock devices in Rhode Island. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common—and most pressing—questions regarding these devices. If you or a loved one have fur ..read more

This week in Rhode Island, a Providence police officer’s DUI charge has been tossed out by a judge. The charges were originally filed on June 18, 2023, in East Greenwich, where the incident took place. Upon being charged, the officer, Victor Tavarez, was placed on administrative leave. But now—just shy of two months later—the DUI charge has been dismissed and Tavarez is once again serving citizens as a respected member of the police department. Winning this incredibly favorable outcome came down to the great advice and hard work of Tavarez’s Rhode Island DUI defense attorney, S. Joshua Mackta ..read more

How Can a Criminal Conviction Affect Your Life? When you learn that you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, it’s normal to worry. Even for less serious crimes, the idea of serving time in jail is both foreign and terrifying. What most people don’t consider is the far-reaching impact of criminal convictions beyond a jail sentence. And it’s often a gut punch to discover these ripples once the sentence has been served. All you want to do is put everything behind you, but a criminal conviction can haunt you for years to come. That’s why we put together this guide on the lesser-known impact ..read more

Do you have a pending criminal case in RI? Here’s what you should look for before hiring a Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer to handle your needs. You may have hired an attorney in the past to help you buy a home.  Maybe you hired one to craft your will.  Or perhaps you hired one to assist you in an automobile accident. While those attorneys help in civil matters, you’ll need an attorney who practices criminal law when you’re facing criminal charges. Ideally, you’ll be able to find such specialized help locally.  However, you may be limited to an attorney who practices both ..read more

Hearing that you’re being criminally charged is always a scary experience. Understanding the “legal-ese” of what you’re up against is no small feat. But the more you know, the easier and less stressful things will be for you. That’s why we put together this FAQ on what a “Filing” is in a misdemeanor case in Rhode Island. Keep reading to learn what a one-year filing means for you, and why hiring an RI criminal defense attorney is the best path forward. What is a one-year Filing in Rhode Island? A one-year Filing in Rhode Island is a type of penalty reserved for misdemeanor cases. Here are some ..read more

Every time you get behind the wheel of a car and venture out onto the public roads and highways, you follow certain rules. You wear your seatbelt, you drive on the right side of the road, and you stop at all stop lights. By following the rules of the road and being a safe driver, you follow an unspoken pact that all drivers share: to get to where you’re going without breaking any laws. By doing this, we keep our roads and highways as safe as possible. The idea of implied consent follows closely to this line of thinking. Implied consent basically means that if you choose to drive on Rhode Isla ..read more

What to Consider When Picking the Right Attorney for Your Case The Critical Decision of Choosing the Right Defense Attorney Facing legal challenges can be daunting, and the outcome of your case may significantly impact your life. Whether you’re confronted with criminal charges or other legal matters, selecting the right defense attorney is a decision that requires careful thought and consideration. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential factors to consider when searching for the best possible criminal defense attorney in Rhode Island and why Rhode Island Criminal Defense Atto ..read more

It can be easy to feel as though after an arrest for a DUI that there’s no defense good enough for your actions. However, that’s not true. Mistakes happen on both sides of the law, and you deserve the best case possible to help protect your future. Here are some of the most common DUI defenses available to you. Police Made an Improper Stop Not all stops are equal. Some traffic stops are improper because the officers didn’t have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. They had to witness you doing something wrong to pull you over. For instance, speeding or swerving must be seen. If you’re pulle ..read more

If you were arrested on DUI charges, you are probably wondering how to fight a DUI in Rhode Island. Contrary to popular belief, getting arrested for a DUI does not mean you will be convicted. The prosecution may want you to take a plea bargain that involves you admitting guilt. Do not admit guilt to anyone before you speak with a Rhode Island DUI attorney. Speak to an Attorney The steps on how to fight a DUI in Rhode Island begin with contacting a qualified attorney. There are possible legal defenses, but an experienced criminal defense attorney is necessary to identify and prove these argumen ..read more