Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorney | 72 Clifford St #300, Providence, RI 02903
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Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer

Former Federal Prosecutor with an Unmatched Trial Record for Winning Verdicts

Get a Free Consultation - Available 24/7

Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Justice Attorney in Providence, RI

Get a Free Consultation available 24/7

Criminal defense lawyer of the year 2024
Top 10 Criminal Defense Law Firms 2024
Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney 2024
Top One Percent Criminal Defense Lawyers 2024
2023 Best Criminal Attorneys
Best Law Firm 2022 Award
rhode island lawyers distinction 2022
America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys
best criminal defense attorneys 2022
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Best of the Best Top 10 Attorneys 2023
Best Attorneys of America
American Institute of Legal Advocates
litigator of the year 2021
Top 1% Attorneys in America
top 10 criminal defense attorney 2022
Super Lawyers
uscca
rhode island lawyers distinction 2022
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
top one percent lawyers 2022
DUI Defense Attorney Top 10 2022
Professional Excellence in Law 2022
Super Lawyers
academy of lawyers 2023

Top Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorney

Experienced in Federal, Criminal and Military Defense

Our firm provides personalized, experienced, and successful representation for clients in need of a Criminal Defense Attorney to represent them in matters before the Rhode Island Federal Court and District Courts. Our practice focuses on Criminal Defense for Misdemeanors and Felonies, Military Defense, Federal Criminal Defense, and Violent Crime matters. We are licensed to practice in both state and federal courts in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Florida.

Free consultation offered in our offices, your home, or detention facility. Call us at (401) 351-5100

RI Criminal Defense

RI Criminal Defense

If you have been accused of a crime in Rhode Island, you need a highly experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer with a winning track record for success. Call the Criminal Defense Lawyers at the Law Office of John L. Calcagni, III today for a free consultation.

Federal Criminal Defense

Federal Crimes

When you need the assistance of a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer, it is highly advisable that you hire someone who has extensive experience within the federal system. There are certain areas of the practice of law that require more experience and exposure than others, and Federal Criminal Defense is high on this list.

Military Defense

Military Defense

As a former prosecutor with the US Army JAG Corps and the US Attorney's Office, Attorney Calcagni is well versed in the prosecution and defense of all types of military criminal cases. This experience is invaluable in his ability to defend accused individuals on trial in Military Court for all types of crimes.

ABOUT

John L. Calcagni, III

  • Former Federal Prosecutor
  • Army JAG
  • Licensed in Multiple State and Federal Jurisdictions
  • Unmatched Trial Record for Winning Verdicts
  • 2022 SuperLawyer and Top Ten Attorneys 2022
  • RI Superlawyer 2022
  • New England Superlawyer
  • Fully Staffed Criminal Defense Firm
  • Bilingual Criminal Defense Firm
  • Award-Winning Criminal Defense Attorney
  • Top Attorney for Criminal Defense in New England
  • Accredited Lawyer of Distinction
  • America’s Top 100 Attorneys
  • Top 10 Best American Institute of Criminal Defense
Attorney Profile
RI Criminal Defense Lawyer John L. Calcagni, III
John L. Calcagni, III
Defense Attorney

Testimonials From Our Clients

What our past clients say about us

600+ 5 Star Rating
five star ratings on Google

John and his entire team are the gold standard in criminal defense, you would be very hard pressed to find a firm more qualified and professional. There is a reason he is considered one of the best in the country and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to suggest he is one of the best in the world. If you need legal representation look no further, this is your man.

Kevin Joslin

This review goes for John Pensa , John is the top guy over at that office and knows how to get things handled , treats his clients with respect , I appreciate all the help from him !

DieselTunedRAMs

Outstanding service. No nonsense law office that gets to the point. If you are in need of legal service, this is the man/team to call.

m bon

Attorney John Calcagni is first and foremost the consummate professional. At every critical interval, the counselor's firm composure, tact and resolve did not waiver. Without directly referencing the trial, suffice it to say that each and every member of our family in attendance, which included the defendant, felt a degree of confidence and even relief, at the direct, extremely well organized presentation of the facts surrounding the case. Perhaps the most important feature, in our opinion, was that he did not overload the jury with unnecessary baseless tangents, that those of lesser abilities may need to resort to. At no time did Mr. Calcagni waver from the truth of the matter. The underlying evidence he made simple to understand and the jury was not so much cleverly led, as much as fully informed. Our entire family is deeply grateful that we were made aware of Calcagni Law and even more so, choosing them. Thank you John. Michael & Maureen Joslin

Maureen Joslin

Best decision I ever made was to hire John. After 10 years and trying multiple lawyers that took my money and never did anything. Made some adjustments and hired john. Took care of my case In a month and now I can travel safe and feel relax about not even having a warrant anymore. If you are contemplating hiring him do it with out hesitation.

Luis Pabon

Professional, accomplished, talented, caring, and effective. Witnessing John and his team in action is very simply impressive. Effective research, calm demeanor, firm resolve. Most importantly John is after results. Highly recommend.

Andy Ross

Highly appreciated with John L. C lll for making something impossible possible highly recommend him with my eyes close I’m more than greatful for what he did with my case never thought I was coming out but thanks to God and him for making it possible. He’s a man of his word that phone call was never an issue with he was always checking up on me and always had updates with my case! Never had to bother him or rush him he was always there always on point! Don’t hesitate to take him as your lawyer trust me he’s not like other lawyers that will sell you out! He’s there for the best interest of his client so therefore trust him! Thank you JLC lll for everything you done for me. Me and my family are beyond greatful for everything you’ve done may God always keep blessing you

luis alvarez

We had the pleasure to see Mr John Calcagni at work over the last few days and all I can say is Masterful! He is a genius when it comes to the Law. He assisted our family thru a very trying trial and got the verdict we were looking for. Our family is extremely Thankful. Thank you John!!!!

seth Joslin

John and his team is second to none in his field of expertise. He was able to produce the most favorable outcome possible for our family’s situation. This outcome was prayed for and was near impossible to achieve. However when you have God and The Office of John Calcagni on your side the impossible becomes possible. For anyone contemplating if this is the law firm you should have represent you, I can unequivocally confirm that every dollar spent will be well worth it!

Charles

I hired John Calcagni to represent me in criminal court whilst I was facing felony assault charges dating back to March of 2023. I was looking to hire a heavy hitter given I have priors on my record and after using due diligence, I chose John; and I sure am glad that I did. Within a month of being charged, new charges were brought against me, and thanks to John through reviewing minute details, he was able to petition to the court that the date of the alleged offense pre-dated the felony assault charge so there was no bail violation. Since that time, John stood his ground and refused to concede anything short of dismissal or a reduction in charge to a misdemeanor level. John is great for complicated cases, but I'd take him on for small things too. When your life hangs in the balance of the courts you NEED to seek out competent counsel who knows exactly how to advocate best for you; that IS John Calcagni. John was worth every penny spent. You need only visit his office or watch him at work to get a glimpse of the aura he possesses navigating through the court. I was kept well informed throughout the court proceedings and John was keen enough to get my appearance waived at various court dates that were otherwise inactive days or discovery collection, limiting my exposure to the dredge of having to be seen at court.

Jason Alexander

Our Best Work

Recent Case Results

Reading through our latest successful case results can give you a better understanding of the level of criminal defense experience and the results achieved for clients facing misdemeanors, felony charges, military charges, and federal criminal charges. We approach every case with a fresh perspective and a strategic plan that helps our clients feel confident about moving forward and overcoming their legal challenges. Click on the link below to see a list of our recent case results.

View All Case Results

Calcagni Gets Results

Law Office of John L. Calcagni III

On September 22, 2015, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court handed down a landmark decision in the matter of Commonwealth v. Elivette Rodriguez, holding that the odor of marijuana alone is not a sufficient basis for police to conduct a motor vehicle stop.

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Commonwealth v. Elivette Rodriguez

Facing Criminal, Military, or Federal Charges?

Request a Free Consultation

We want our clients to feel positive about our law firm handling their criminal cases; that’s why we offer free consultations. These free consultations allow clients to sit down with the criminal defense lawyer handling their case. Your defense attorney can share thoughts on your options, potential defense strategies, and the best way to move forward. If you’re accused of a crime, contact the criminal defense law firm of John L. Calcagni, III today to schedule a free consultation.

Please fill out the form below.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    At The Law Offices of John L. Calcagni, III, we understand that facing a criminal charge can be an upsetting and complicated experience. We’re here to walk you through every step in the criminal justice system so you feel more confident about your case. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand more about Rhode Island criminal law and how a criminal defense lawyer can assist you.

    Should I hire a criminal defense attorney?

    Those who have been charged with a crime will have an option to be assigned a public defender or hire a private criminal defense attorney. It’s important to understand the benefits of hiring a defense attorney in these circumstances. Providence Criminal defense attorney John L. Calcagni, III makes himself available and accessible to his clients, conducts comprehensive investigations into each case, uses his years of experience as a federal prosecutor to your advantage, and dedicates all of his time and resources to produce the best possible outcome. If you’re facing serious penalties, such as excessive jail time, you don’t want to risk your criminal case with a public defender that may not have the time or the resources to develop a defense plan. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your options.

    Why Hire a Trial Attorney?

    It is always advised to hire an attorney with extensive trial experience. At the pre-trial stage, a prosecutor and your defense attorney might try to reach a deal after reviewing the evidence and investigating the circumstances surrounding your case. If a plea deal or other arrangement, such as a dismissal, can’t be reached — your case will very likely go to trial. At this point, you want to have a criminal defense lawyer with the skills and knowledge to handle any jury or non-jury trial, and who’s already familiar with the details of your case. To learn more about John L. Calcagni’s lengthy history as a successful trial lawyer, contact our law firm today. Read more about why hire a trial attorney.

    How much does a Rhode Island criminal defense attorney cost?

    The cost of a Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer will vary depending on the circumstances of the charges. Some criminal cases take more time and resources than others, and that’s typically reflected in the cost. What we can tell you is that our previous clients with successful results will often say that the cost of a criminal lawyer is worth it, especially when you consider the consequences of a conviction. If you’d like to avoid severe penalties and work with a skilled and knowledgeable defense lawyer, call our law firm today to schedule a free consultation. Read more about how much does it cost to hire an attorney.

    What should you do after an arrest in Rhode Island?

    We understand that facing an arrest can be a scary experience, especially if this is your first time being accused of a crime. The best possible path you can take after an arrest is to contact a trustworthy and experienced criminal defense lawyer. The sooner you call, the better the results will be.

    You want to make sure your defense lawyer is there to support you and coach you through your arraignment hearing, which will happen at a District Court shortly after an arrest. If you’ve recently been arrested, contact The Law Office of John L. Calcagni as soon as possible to discuss your case.

    What are the levels of criminal offenses in Rhode Island?

    A criminal offense in Rhode Island can be broken down into three levels:

    • Petty Misdemeanor
    • Misdemeanor
    • Felony

    A petty misdemeanor is the least serious offense and a felony is the most serious offense. An example of a petty misdemeanor includes things like using offensive language in public or disrupting the peace. Penalties for petty misdemeanors can result in up to 6 months of jail time and $500 in fines. Even though these are considered lower-level crimes, it’s still highly recommended to work with a criminal lawyer if you’re charged with a petty misdemeanor.

    A misdemeanor is more serious than a petty misdemeanor but less serious than a felony. Examples of misdemeanors are petty theft, vandalism, or trespassing. The maximum penalties for misdemeanors in Rhode Island are 1 year of jail time and no more than $1000 in fines.

    A felony is the most severe offense. Examples of felonies include rape, drug crimes, kidnapping, or murder. A person can face anywhere from 1 year in jail to a lifetime in prison, depending on the severity of the crime. Rhode Island prosecutors take felony offenses very seriously and will likely want to punish a defendant to the fullest extent of the law, especially if violence was involved. It’s vital to have a skillful and knowledgeable attorney with trial experience if you’re charged with a felony. Contact our law firm today to learn more.

    What can you expect once you have been charged with a crime in Rhode Island?

    After you’ve been formally charged with a crime in Rhode Island, you’ll soon get a notice with the date of your arraignment hearing. At an arraignment hearing, a defendant stands before a judge in court and enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere.

    It is never advised to plead guilty without speaking to a defense attorney first. Many times, those accused will feel as though they have no options and plead guilty due to the intimidating nature of the criminal justice system. Remember that a criminal defense lawyer can explain your case from a different perspective and help you to see your options. The way your case unfolds from the arraignment hearing forward will heavily depend on the skills of your lawyer.

    What types of criminal charges does your law office handle?

    Put simply, our law firm can handle any criminal charge that you’re facing. It doesn’t matter if it’s considered a serious crime or a lower-level crime, we can represent you. We have experience defending criminal charges in all Rhode Island districts as well as federal courts.

    If you require a powerful defense and legal representation, contact our law firm immediately to speak with an attorney.

    How do you hire a good criminal defense attorney?

    You want to keep a few key things in mind when looking for a good criminal defense attorney. First and most importantly, you want them to have extensive experience in Rhode Island criminal law.

    After an arrest, you may be tempted to call a friend or acquaintance that practices law, but remember that there are many different areas of law, and your friend who’s a real estate lawyer isn’t going to be your best choice. You also want to make sure that your criminal defense lawyer has trial experience.

    While some attorneys are knowledgeable and appear to be accessible, without experience in the courtroom, it can put you at serious risk if your case does go to trial. Finally, you want to look for exceptional qualities that place your lawyer above the rest. For instance, a criminal defense lawyer with experience as a prosecutor can make a huge difference in your defense plan.

    John L. Calcagni, III is a Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer that checks all of these boxes. He’s got the experience, the skills, and the unique qualities that place him above your average defense lawyer. Contact The Law Office of John L. Calcagni, III today to schedule your free consultation.

    How does the Rhode Island criminal process looks like?

    The criminal case process in Rhode Island may start with a criminal complaint and lead to an arrest warrant, followed by the arrest. The other parts of the process include:

    • Indictment
    • Criminal Information
    • Initial Appearance
    • Arraignment
    • Discovery
    • Pre-Trial Motions
    • And more

    To view all the criminal case process in Rhode Island with details of each part of the process check out the Rhode Island Criminal Case Timeline and the Travel of Case Timeline.

    Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer John L. Calcagni, III

    Award Winning Defense Attorney in Providence RI

    Selected as a SuperLawyer and Top 10 Attorney 2022

    At the Providence, RI Criminal Defense Law Office of John L. Calcagni, III we understand how important it is to hire the best criminal lawyer possible to defend against criminal charges. John L. Calcagni, III has been selected since 2003 as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Providence, RI by ThreeBestRated.com and selected as SuperLawyer and top ten attorneys for more than five years in a row.

    When you work with the Law Office of John Calcagni, III you’re working with one of the best. The SuperLawyer rating service only includes outstanding lawyers that are hand-picked from a rigorous selection process. Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer John Calcagni, III was highlighted as a SuperLawyer, and he lives up to the title.

    The Law Office of John Calcagni III offers exceptional defense strategies and years of experience to those accused of a crime on both the federal and state levels. As a former federal prosecutor, Army Jag, and Super Lawyer with a long list of successful case results, there’s no question why he’s consistently the recipient of many legal service awards and titles.

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    LEGAL BLOG

    Latest News & Articles

    If you’re interested in learning more about criminal law, tips for handling legal issues, or how an experienced Rhode Island attorney can help you, be sure to check out our News & Articles section. We frequently share helpful information through legal blogs and summaries of current events involving major cases and investigations. Understanding more about the criminal justice system and criminal law can be a valuable tool for a wide range of circumstances.

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