Most of us, at some point in our lives, have had our intentions misconstrued. Usually, it’s something minor—like a parent thinking you were sneaking out when you were really just out of bed to get a midnight snack. But for…
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Like many states, Rhode Island classifies sex crimes as either misdemeanors or felonies. But these are more than just labels used by our legal system. Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony in RI has a major impact on…
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As an RI criminal defense attorney with 25+ years of experience, one of the questions John E. MacDonald hears most often is, “What’s the difference between being detained vs arrested in Rhode Island?” There are several key differences between these…
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In Rhode Island, “statutory rape” is defined as an adult having consensual sex with a minor who’s too young to legally consent. But this definition might make you wonder how rape and consent could possibly occur at the same time….
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When you’re charged with a crime, a lot of worries and fears go through your mind. This can even be a traumatic experience—one study found 60% of people experienced PTSD symptoms after being arrested. Amidst all of this, most people…
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While being charged with a crime is always a terrifying experience, sex crimes in particular carry quite a heavy stigma. Being accused of these offenses can wreak havoc in your life, from your relationships to your career and housing opportunities….
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When you’re arrested for DUI, your life seems to change in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, everything from your driver’s license to your personal relationships is at stake—all because you made a simple decision to get behind the wheel….
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Did you know that in any specific year, 98% of federal criminal cases are resolved with a plea bargain 1? This is due in large part to overcrowding in jails and prisons, plus the need for courts to save time…
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We’ve all heard the word “indictment” mentioned before, whether it’s news about a high-profile case or part of a TV drama. But once the word is used in regard to you or a loved one, it takes on a whole…
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When you’re charged with committing a crime in Rhode Island, the road ahead can look long and intimidating. It’s crucial that you and your RI criminal defense attorney build a custom, effective defense strategy to minimize the penalties you’re facing….
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It’s no secret that our legal system is complex. After all, becoming a lawyer in the US requires seven years of schooling on average. So when you’re charged with a criminal offense of any kind, it’s normal to feel a…
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In December of 2022, John E. MacDonald published the 10th edition of Rhode Island Criminal Defense, A Practice Manual. The first edition of this manual was first published over 20 years ago and continues to be updated with the information that…
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