If you’ve recently been arrested, it’s easy to become confused with all of the penalties, procedures, and legal terms that are often associated with criminal charges. However, there’s one specific step in the criminal process that is critical to understand…
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Child pornography investigations are relatively simple. Law enforcement has the software to track who is on file sharing sites where images of child pornography may be posted, viewed or downloaded. Known images of child pornography have a numerical hashtag value…
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Having a domestic dispute can be a stressful, emotional, and trying time for a couple or family. When the pressure is high and emotions become overwhelming, conflicts can easily escalate. Before you know it, local law enforcement gets involved, and…
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Sexual Assault In Rhode Island It is illegal in Rhode Island for a person to have sex with a minor, which in this case pertains to anyone under the age of sixteen. The act is still considered illegal if the…
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False sexual assault accusations are real. Every day, in police stations and courtrooms throughout the United States, someone faces false rape accusations, a false sexual assault allegation, and many other false allegations involving sexual violence. While our criminal justice system…
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In December of 2020, John E. MacDonald published the 9th edition of his trial manual. This manual was first published 20 years ago and continues to be updated with the information that active criminal defense lawyers need in Rhode Island Superior…
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Rhode Island Courts will remain closed through May 17, 2020. Anyone with a pending criminal case, whether in District or Superior Court, will receive a new court date. There are, however, some limited exceptions for emergency matters. Arraignments will still…
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Domestic violence tends to be a very sensitive subject, and with good reason. An average of 24 people per minute are victims of domestic violence, by an intimate partner, in the United States. That is over 12 million people a…
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In Rhode Island, the prosecution of domestic violence cases are highly prevalent at both the District and Superior court levels. However, misdemeanor charges are generally resolved in District Court and felonies in Superior Court. In District Court, the typical domestic…
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Attorney John E. MacDonald has been selected to participate in the Superior Court’s Alternative Sentencing/Diversion Committee. In Superior Court, there is a great need for alternative sentencing to avoid the harsh consequences of permanent criminal convictions. Mr. MacDonald looks forward…
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The presence of criminal arrests or convictions on your record can devastate your ability to get or keep a job, not to mention ruin your reputation. Maintaining a clean criminal history and expunging old records should be your top priority….
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Attorney John E. MacDonald is presenting the rollout of the 8th edition of his Rhode Island Criminal Defense, A Trial Manual, on December 5, 2018 before members of the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. This manual covers every…
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