team-member

John MacDonald

Providence, RI

Licensed for 26 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Criminal Defense

Language

English

About

John E. MacDonald is a trial attorney practicing criminal defense, immigration law and post-conviction relief in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Mr. MacDonald represents clients in state and federal court in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He has aggressively and successfully defended clients charged in every type of criminal case, including capital murder, child molestation, sexual assault, felony assault, domestic assault, patient abuse, bank fraud, mail fraud and wire fraud. He is the former president of the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. For a review of the prior criminal cases, see Cases. Mr. MacDonald is the author of Rhode Island Criminal Defense, A Practice Manual (4th Edition), a top rated trial manual used by criminal defense attorneys throughout Rhode Island.  See below. Mr. MacDonald represents clients seeking permanent residence and naturalization. He practices before the Providence Immigration Office and the Boston Immigration Court. For many clients facing deportation, the only recourse is post-conviction relief; that is, vacating the original conviction in state or federal court. Mr. MacDonald has successfully vacated convictions in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. For a review of prior immigration and post-conviction results, see Cases. Mr. MacDonald is an honors graduate of Suffolk University Law School (1995) and a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Rhode Island (1990). He is admitted to practice in all state courts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He is also admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Districts of Rhode Island, Massachusetts as well as the First Circuit Court of Appeals.The criminal defense lawyers here have the expertise and experience to successfully represent the accused for crimes from a simple traffic stop to a murder charge. We have represented aggressively and successfully clients facing felony or misdemeanor charges in the state and federal courts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts for cases such as: - Drug Possession - Domestic Assault - Assault and Battery - Sexual Assault - DUI - Molestation - Criminal FraudThe immigration lawyers of The Law Office of John E. MacDonald, Inc. successfully represent clients at the Boston Immigration Court and Providence Immigration Office. We successfully terminate deportation cases in the Boston Immigration Court. We also help our clients obtain permanent residence through adjustment of status in the United States or consular processing abroad. Clients seeking US citizenship obtain our services to ensure that their petition is filed and approved quickly.Attorney John MacDonald works with many clients whose immigration status requires vacating a criminal conviction or modifying the sentence. If you or a family member or friend requires post-conviction relief representation in Massachusetts or Rhode Island for the purpose of ameliorating adverse immigration consequences, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

Immigration

DUI and DWI

Domestic Violence

Language

English

Contact

Law Office of John E. Macdonald, Inc.One Turks Head PlaceSuite 1440Providence, RI, 02903

Office: (401) 421-1440

Website: N/A

Reviews

Joseph
January 11, 2022

John made it very easy to understand the process of my case and helped me clear the charges on my record. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone.

anonymous
January 11, 2022

John MacDonald is a lifesaver! John not only made my case go as smoothly as possible but his expertise and attentiveness gave me confidence going into court. He keeps you very well informed throughout the entire process so you always know what to expect, while also attending to issues in a friendly and approachable manner. John was an amazing lawyer through and through and I would recommend him to anybody and everybody. Thank you John!

anonymous
January 11, 2022

John was very professional and we had a great communication. Highly recommended to those who needs a great attorney!

Paula
December 29, 2021

John helped me tremendously as I worked towards my United States citizenship. He was responsive to all of my questions and made the entire process simple and quick. He was also very caring, as he went with me to my citizenship test and gave me a warm hug after I passed, knowing that this is something that I have wanted for a long time. I would recommend his services to anyone looking for a lawyer who is personable and can get the job done!

anonymous
December 21, 2021

When faced with a first-degree sexual assault charge, I hired John MacDonald to represent me. His professionalism and knowledge in his field were shown to be of a very high standard upon our first meeting. He promised to always tell me the truth, and never gave me a sense of false-hope throughout the legal process. He kept that promise. While being held at Rhode Island's Adult Correctional Institution, he made me aware that the prosecutor on my case was refusing to agree to my bail. However, due to John's diligence, he was able to find life-saving evidence that pointed to my innocence. Upon showing the prosecutor said evidence, the prosecutor immediately agreed to my bail. I later testified before a grand jury and John prepared me for it and helped ease the stress that I was under. In the end, the prosecutor and attorney general's office decided to dismiss my case without the need for a vote from the grand jury. John was able to get this charge expunged and sealed from my record. When I first hired John, I had heard that he was arguably the best criminal defense lawyer in Rhode Island. However, I now know that that is not arguable. He IS the best criminal defense lawyer in the state. John saved my life, and for that, I am forever grateful for him.

Carla
October 22, 2021

John Macdonald is a complete lifesaver. His solid Legal representation saved my life. He is an expert in his field and he is a solid individual with integrity. He tells it like it is, and he is a formidable ally to have in your corner. John’s representation is consistent from beginning to end and he is extremely well respected in the judicial community for not only his professionalism and expertise but for his standards and integrity. There is no other choice. John Macdonald is THE choice.

Joshua
September 24, 2021

John saved my life. There truly is no other way to put it. John acted as an investigator and was able to find major issues with the accusers story. Using this information he was able to successfully reduce a class A felony to a misdemeanor and have it expunged from my record before I would have even gone to trial. What John was able to accomplish in my case was considered impossible. But through his hard work and no-nonsense attitude he did the impossible. I highly recommend John to anyone. At the end of the day his cost was minimal. Having a felony on my record would have cost me so much more throughout my life. Be smart and pay the man. I will forever be in debt to John. Two years ago I would never have thought I'd be where I am today, a new homeowner with a bright future a head of me. All thanks to John MacDonald.

John
September 21, 2021

When in the need he was the correct call to make. He certainly showed his professionalism getting all of the faxes straight and correcting all who were involved. Certainly the best of the best. Follow through 100%.

M. Elizabeth
September 20, 2021

Where to begin…… When faced with by far the most difficult situation one could imagine John did not disappoint. As a single parent it’s always been difficult to entrust others with matters of my children, therefore making my search for an attorney for one of them near impossible. John came highly recommended and well known in the judicial community an after looking a little into his successes it was surprisingly a easier decision than I anticipated. Once retained he continued to impress with his thorough and consistent representation. From his response time to his overall case investment at no point was I dissatisfied. From foot and field work to the courtroom he repeatedly showed up confident and prepared. He repeatedly went the extra mile and made sure myself and my family were well informed and in the loop with little to no confusion. With no sacrifice to dignity or respect (which were important to us in our search for representation) he provided a outstanding and aggressive defense. Hands down the best choice we could have made!!! I would and will without a doubt recommend him in the future. You will not regret your representation, I surely did not!

Brianna
August 12, 2021

Where to begin. John has made this the most easy process for us. We came to him in the beginning of our process not knowing where to turn to in my husbands immigration process. He was very informative and knowledgeable on all the steps we had to take. He took care of everything in a quick timely manner and kept us up to date on everything happening. We are not at the end of what we never thought was near , getting my husbands green card back. My husband went from being on the deportation list to getting his green card back. We highly recommend John and his great service.

Joseph
January 11, 2022

John made it very easy to understand the process of my case and helped me clear the charges on my record. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone.

anonymous
January 11, 2022

John MacDonald is a lifesaver! John not only made my case go as smoothly as possible but his expertise and attentiveness gave me confidence going into court. He keeps you very well informed throughout the entire process so you always know what to expect, while also attending to issues in a friendly and approachable manner. John was an amazing lawyer through and through and I would recommend him to anybody and everybody. Thank you John!

anonymous
January 11, 2022

John was very professional and we had a great communication. Highly recommended to those who needs a great attorney!

Paula
December 29, 2021

John helped me tremendously as I worked towards my United States citizenship. He was responsive to all of my questions and made the entire process simple and quick. He was also very caring, as he went with me to my citizenship test and gave me a warm hug after I passed, knowing that this is something that I have wanted for a long time. I would recommend his services to anyone looking for a lawyer who is personable and can get the job done!

anonymous
December 21, 2021

When faced with a first-degree sexual assault charge, I hired John MacDonald to represent me. His professionalism and knowledge in his field were shown to be of a very high standard upon our first meeting. He promised to always tell me the truth, and never gave me a sense of false-hope throughout the legal process. He kept that promise. While being held at Rhode Island's Adult Correctional Institution, he made me aware that the prosecutor on my case was refusing to agree to my bail. However, due to John's diligence, he was able to find life-saving evidence that pointed to my innocence. Upon showing the prosecutor said evidence, the prosecutor immediately agreed to my bail. I later testified before a grand jury and John prepared me for it and helped ease the stress that I was under. In the end, the prosecutor and attorney general's office decided to dismiss my case without the need for a vote from the grand jury. John was able to get this charge expunged and sealed from my record. When I first hired John, I had heard that he was arguably the best criminal defense lawyer in Rhode Island. However, I now know that that is not arguable. He IS the best criminal defense lawyer in the state. John saved my life, and for that, I am forever grateful for him.

Carla
October 22, 2021

John Macdonald is a complete lifesaver. His solid Legal representation saved my life. He is an expert in his field and he is a solid individual with integrity. He tells it like it is, and he is a formidable ally to have in your corner. John’s representation is consistent from beginning to end and he is extremely well respected in the judicial community for not only his professionalism and expertise but for his standards and integrity. There is no other choice. John Macdonald is THE choice.

Joshua
September 24, 2021

John saved my life. There truly is no other way to put it. John acted as an investigator and was able to find major issues with the accusers story. Using this information he was able to successfully reduce a class A felony to a misdemeanor and have it expunged from my record before I would have even gone to trial. What John was able to accomplish in my case was considered impossible. But through his hard work and no-nonsense attitude he did the impossible. I highly recommend John to anyone. At the end of the day his cost was minimal. Having a felony on my record would have cost me so much more throughout my life. Be smart and pay the man. I will forever be in debt to John. Two years ago I would never have thought I'd be where I am today, a new homeowner with a bright future a head of me. All thanks to John MacDonald.

John
September 21, 2021

When in the need he was the correct call to make. He certainly showed his professionalism getting all of the faxes straight and correcting all who were involved. Certainly the best of the best. Follow through 100%.

M. Elizabeth
September 20, 2021

Where to begin…… When faced with by far the most difficult situation one could imagine John did not disappoint. As a single parent it’s always been difficult to entrust others with matters of my children, therefore making my search for an attorney for one of them near impossible. John came highly recommended and well known in the judicial community an after looking a little into his successes it was surprisingly a easier decision than I anticipated. Once retained he continued to impress with his thorough and consistent representation. From his response time to his overall case investment at no point was I dissatisfied. From foot and field work to the courtroom he repeatedly showed up confident and prepared. He repeatedly went the extra mile and made sure myself and my family were well informed and in the loop with little to no confusion. With no sacrifice to dignity or respect (which were important to us in our search for representation) he provided a outstanding and aggressive defense. Hands down the best choice we could have made!!! I would and will without a doubt recommend him in the future. You will not regret your representation, I surely did not!

Brianna
August 12, 2021

Where to begin. John has made this the most easy process for us. We came to him in the beginning of our process not knowing where to turn to in my husbands immigration process. He was very informative and knowledgeable on all the steps we had to take. He took care of everything in a quick timely manner and kept us up to date on everything happening. We are not at the end of what we never thought was near , getting my husbands green card back. My husband went from being on the deportation list to getting his green card back. We highly recommend John and his great service.

Joseph
January 11, 2022

John made it very easy to understand the process of my case and helped me clear the charges on my record. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone.

anonymous
January 11, 2022

John MacDonald is a lifesaver! John not only made my case go as smoothly as possible but his expertise and attentiveness gave me confidence going into court. He keeps you very well informed throughout the entire process so you always know what to expect, while also attending to issues in a friendly and approachable manner. John was an amazing lawyer through and through and I would recommend him to anybody and everybody. Thank you John!

anonymous
January 11, 2022

John was very professional and we had a great communication. Highly recommended to those who needs a great attorney!

Paula
December 29, 2021

John helped me tremendously as I worked towards my United States citizenship. He was responsive to all of my questions and made the entire process simple and quick. He was also very caring, as he went with me to my citizenship test and gave me a warm hug after I passed, knowing that this is something that I have wanted for a long time. I would recommend his services to anyone looking for a lawyer who is personable and can get the job done!

anonymous
December 21, 2021

When faced with a first-degree sexual assault charge, I hired John MacDonald to represent me. His professionalism and knowledge in his field were shown to be of a very high standard upon our first meeting. He promised to always tell me the truth, and never gave me a sense of false-hope throughout the legal process. He kept that promise. While being held at Rhode Island's Adult Correctional Institution, he made me aware that the prosecutor on my case was refusing to agree to my bail. However, due to John's diligence, he was able to find life-saving evidence that pointed to my innocence. Upon showing the prosecutor said evidence, the prosecutor immediately agreed to my bail. I later testified before a grand jury and John prepared me for it and helped ease the stress that I was under. In the end, the prosecutor and attorney general's office decided to dismiss my case without the need for a vote from the grand jury. John was able to get this charge expunged and sealed from my record. When I first hired John, I had heard that he was arguably the best criminal defense lawyer in Rhode Island. However, I now know that that is not arguable. He IS the best criminal defense lawyer in the state. John saved my life, and for that, I am forever grateful for him.

Carla
October 22, 2021

John Macdonald is a complete lifesaver. His solid Legal representation saved my life. He is an expert in his field and he is a solid individual with integrity. He tells it like it is, and he is a formidable ally to have in your corner. John’s representation is consistent from beginning to end and he is extremely well respected in the judicial community for not only his professionalism and expertise but for his standards and integrity. There is no other choice. John Macdonald is THE choice.

Joshua
September 24, 2021

John saved my life. There truly is no other way to put it. John acted as an investigator and was able to find major issues with the accusers story. Using this information he was able to successfully reduce a class A felony to a misdemeanor and have it expunged from my record before I would have even gone to trial. What John was able to accomplish in my case was considered impossible. But through his hard work and no-nonsense attitude he did the impossible. I highly recommend John to anyone. At the end of the day his cost was minimal. Having a felony on my record would have cost me so much more throughout my life. Be smart and pay the man. I will forever be in debt to John. Two years ago I would never have thought I'd be where I am today, a new homeowner with a bright future a head of me. All thanks to John MacDonald.

John
September 21, 2021

When in the need he was the correct call to make. He certainly showed his professionalism getting all of the faxes straight and correcting all who were involved. Certainly the best of the best. Follow through 100%.

M. Elizabeth
September 20, 2021

Where to begin…… When faced with by far the most difficult situation one could imagine John did not disappoint. As a single parent it’s always been difficult to entrust others with matters of my children, therefore making my search for an attorney for one of them near impossible. John came highly recommended and well known in the judicial community an after looking a little into his successes it was surprisingly a easier decision than I anticipated. Once retained he continued to impress with his thorough and consistent representation. From his response time to his overall case investment at no point was I dissatisfied. From foot and field work to the courtroom he repeatedly showed up confident and prepared. He repeatedly went the extra mile and made sure myself and my family were well informed and in the loop with little to no confusion. With no sacrifice to dignity or respect (which were important to us in our search for representation) he provided a outstanding and aggressive defense. Hands down the best choice we could have made!!! I would and will without a doubt recommend him in the future. You will not regret your representation, I surely did not!

Brianna
August 12, 2021

Where to begin. John has made this the most easy process for us. We came to him in the beginning of our process not knowing where to turn to in my husbands immigration process. He was very informative and knowledgeable on all the steps we had to take. He took care of everything in a quick timely manner and kept us up to date on everything happening. We are not at the end of what we never thought was near , getting my husbands green card back. My husband went from being on the deportation list to getting his green card back. We highly recommend John and his great service.