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Domestic Violence

Newport RI Criminal Defense Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

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Client Testimonials

Josh is extremely skilled at what he does, and is a very approachable guy to work with. He is very experience in his work, and has excellent communication, customer service, and eager to help you in any way possible. His team also has very high urgency and customer service skills. I couldn't have imagined a better experience. If I were to ever find myself in need of any legal assistance again, this is the first person I'd call. He was the third or fourth individual I contacted in my search for legal advice, and the urgency, professionalism, good attitude, and incredible customer service of Josh & his colleagues were my deciding factor to go with him. Because I had him him to guide me through these dealings, I had an ironically very nice experience.

Em Lewis

15:42 26 Oct 18

I would recommend Josh Macktaz to anyone that needs help with a dui case ! He put my mind at ease after our first meeting and went over everything he was going to do for me and he did not let me down !!! I can't thank him enough for the outcome of my case and god forbid i ever needed him again he will be my first call ! I highly recommend Mr. Macktaz.

Guy Clausen 3rd

10:24 12 Oct 18

Attorney Macktaz showed excellent communication with me during the entire process. He was very transparent with everything he was doing and needed to get done. I highly reccommend using his services, especially in newport county matters.

aaron amaral

20:03 12 Sep 18

Being from out of state, never getting into any trouble in my life, and being completely terrified, not knowing anything about the judicial system or what was going to happen to me. I was lucky enough to have Josh recommended to me from a friend and I will forever be in debt to the both of them. From day one Josh thoroughly explained everything, reassured me, answered every email with every little question I had so promptly. I knew I was in the best, most capable hands I could be in. He makes you feel like you are his only client when I know just how busy he truly is. He went above and beyond for me, even saving me a trip to court because I am from out of state when he could. He knows the system, and the people within the system like the back of his hand. He is so thorough if there is a mistake that was made he will find it. That’s what he did for me. When I was sure my life was about to be turned upside down, he made something so nerve wracking as painless as possible. I could not have made a better decision by choosing him as my lawyer. I could never write enough good things about him, and I could never thank him enough for being so incredibly good at his job.

Lindsey Spencer

20:34 17 Nov 17

I highly recommend Joshua. He is very professional and explained everything in detail and my options in our first meeting. He did not raise unrealistic expectations and the end result was the "best case scenario" that he laid out for me in the initial consultation. I will be calling him again if I ever need help.

Tim Dawson

15:30 19 Sep 17

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Newport RI Criminal Defense Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

Domestic Violence Lawyer Near Me in Newport Rhode Island

Table of Contents

Rhode Island has very tough domestic violence laws, and the state is looking to make them even tougher.

Restraining orders. Allegations of Physical, Sexual or Psychological abuse. No one should have to deal with what you are facing when you and your family are in crisis.

Rhode Island Domestic Violence Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz provides legal counseling that comes with years of experience in dealing with abuse and abuse cases as both a State Prosecutor and Private Attorney. You do not have to do this alone. If you are a client, he will work with you to present these difficult facts to the Court.If you have been a victim of domestic violence, you should contact the police.

Click Here to view recent Successful Criminal Case Defenses by Attorney Macktaz

Even if you cannot afford an attorney, you should take action to protect yourself, which probably means filing for a restraining order. The Family Court offices in Providence, Kent and Washington Counties have assistants that will help you file your complaint. Of course, we provide direct, one-on-one assistance to clients in filing for restraining orders and in connection with the hearings that arise after a restraining order has been filed.

If you have been served with a restraining order, you need legal representation. Unfortunately, the restraining order process is sometimes abused to secure an advantage in a divorce, or as a means to punish a spouse where there is no real threat, and both parties’ emotions are out of control. You can call our office 24/7, and we will assist you in responding to the restraining order and the related family issues that arise.

Restraining Orders are only part of Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is actually an umbrella that encompasses many different laws and adds stricter penalties (and often stricter enforcements) for alleged crimes against when the accuser has a domestic relationship with a victim.Prosecutors can be very aggressive in filing domestic violence charges due to the intensely political nature of the charges, and publicity that goes along with it.

Domestic assault & violence charges, along with DUI, have powerful advocacy and lobbying groups that challenge politicians in these cases. Therefore, if you have been charged with a Rhode Island Domestic Violence crime it is imperative that you get a criminal defense lawyer on your case and on your behalf immediately. We can help you to minimize the risks and damage you are facing.

Contact a Rhode Island Domestic Violence Attorney –

What Relationships Qualify under the RI Domestic Violence Act?

For a crime to be designated as a domestic violence offense, the victim and the defendant must be family or household members, which includes:

Husband/wife/spouses or former spouses
Adult persons related by blood or marriage
Adult persons who are presently living together (roommates) or have lived together within the past 3 years
People who have a child in common
People who are or have been engaged, or in a significant dating relationship within the past year as determined by the court, based on length and type of relationship, time/duration of relationship, and frequency of interaction between the two individuals

What Crimes/Charges Are Included Under Rhode Island’s Domestic Violence Statutes?

Assault & Battery
Kidnapping
Child Snatching
Sexual Assault
False Imprisonment
Harassment
Stalking
Disorderly Conduct
Trespass
Vandalism
Homicide & Murder
Violations of a Protective Order / Restraining Order / No Contact Order (RONCO)
Arson (proposed)
Burglary (proposed)
Damage to or obstruction of a telephone (proposed)
Assault – RI Laws & Penalties

In addition to charges under the specific criminal acts above, if you are found guilty of domestic violence in Rhode Island (first offense), you will be required to attend a batterer’s intervention program, and face additional assessment fees. A second (2nd) offense domestic violence conviction carries with it a minimum of 10 days in jail, and a maximum of up to 1 year. A third (3rd) offense domestic violence conviction carries with it a minimum of 1-10 years in prison.

How to Beat an Domestic Violence Related Charge in Rhode Island

Domestic violence charges can be frequently overcharged. One element of the charge that can be often challenged is the relationship between unrelated people who don’t live together. The classification for a relationship between “dating” or previously involved parties is subjective, and can be disputed. It is possible for a person to wrongly claim that such a relationship applies in accordance with this law.

Other defense strategies may involve agreeing to anger management or a batterer’s intervention program in exchange for a reduction in the charges. These options may depend on the willingness (or unwillingness) of the victim to testify in court, since the victims statement is often the best evidence the state has in its prosecution.

Other defenses are possible depending on the case but it’s important that you have a qualified and experienced Rhode Island Domestic Violence attorney involved quickly.