Rhode IslandCriminal Defense Lawyer
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· 2026 Award Winning Criminal Defense Firm with 40+ Years of Combined Rhode Island Criminal Defense Experience40 Years Combined Experience
· 2,500+ Criminal Cases Successfully Defended in Rhode Island2,500+ Cases Defended
· 450+ 5-Star Google Reviews450+ 5-Star Reviews
· Rhode Island criminal defense for DUI, felony, federal, drug, and assault charges from Attorneys Stefanie Murphy & Matthew Marin.DUI, felony, federal & more
Our Areas of Practice
At Marin & Murphy Law Firm, we provide representation across a range of criminal defense matters in Rhode Island, drawing on our extensive library of resources, including detailed blog posts and location-specific guides. Our focus includes handling various charges through informed strategies tailored to local courts. Explore our dedicated pages for more information on specific areas.
If you or a loved one is under investigation or facing charges, an experienced Rhode Island domestic violence attorney at Marin & Murphy Law Firm is available 24/7 to protect your rights.
2026
Award Winning Criminal Defense
40+
Years Combined
Experience
2,500+
RI Cases Defended
450+
5-Star Real Online Reviews
Rhode Island Criminal Defense is What We Do
When you hire a Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer to handle your case, you want to be assured that you have an experienced and aggressive attorney in your corner. Our team brings extensive courtroom experience, deep knowledge of Rhode Island law, and an unwavering commitment to staying ahead of the latest legal developments — so you receive the most effective defense possible.
As local, aggressive, and experienced Rhode Island criminal defense lawyers, Marin & Murphy Law Firm will immediately begin investigating your case and building every available defense to the charges against you. You will be informed every step of the way, provided all relevant documentation obtained on your behalf, and remain in control of every critical decision — with the guidance of an experienced defense attorney who knows what's at stake.
Our Investigation Process Includes- Obtaining all police reports, witness statements, and surveillance videos
- Interviewing potential witnesses
- Reviewing the facts and circumstances of the case directly with you
- Speaking with the prosecutor and police officers involved in the case
- Obtaining criminal records of any potential witness
- Providing aggressive in-court Rhode Island criminal defense representation
- Preparing your case for trial or negotiating the most favorable plea deal available
The Charges Are Real.
The Consequences Are Permanent.
A criminal conviction in Rhode Island means lost jobs, lost rights, and a record that follows you into every background check for the rest of your life — whether the charge is DUI, domestic violence, drug trafficking, assault, sex crimes, a felony, a federal charge, or a probation violation. One call today could be the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.
⚡ Attorneys available right now — no hold, no voicemail.
🔒 Confidential · No obligation · 450 five-star reviews · 2,500+ cases defended
Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorney —
DUI, Felony & Federal Charges
Marin & Murphy Law Firm defends clients across all Rhode Island courts — from first-offense DUI in District Court to federal charges in U.S. District Court.
Any criminal charge is a serious matter that requires a serious response.
Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew Marin and Attorney Stefanie Murphy focus their practices on the defense of individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses throughout the State of Rhode Island.
We are dedicated to defending your rights, navigating complex legal systems, and ensuring fair treatment at every stage of your case. As an experienced Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer, Attorneys Matthew T. Marin & Stefanie A. Murphy routinely appear across all Rhode Island District Courts — handling everything from first-offense misdemeanors to serious felony charges with the same level of preparation and attention.
District Courts
Superior Courts
Rhode Island DUI Lawyer: A Primary Focus on R.I. DUI Defense
DUI defense is not a general practice for us — it is the foundation of this firm. Attorneys Marin & Murphy have dedicated their careers to the study and defense of Rhode Island DUI charges, including the corresponding offenses of refusal to submit to a chemical test and reckless driving. That depth of focus produces results that generalist firms cannot match.
Our DUI defense expertise includes an intimate knowledge of the standardized field sobriety tests used in Rhode Island DUI arrests, fluency in the administration of chemical breath tests and blood draws, and a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional issues that arise at every stage — from the initial stop through trial. We have handled hundreds of DUI cases across Rhode Island District Court, Superior Court, and the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal, including dozens of breath test suppression victories and not guilty verdicts at trial.
Rhode Island Criminal Defense Typical Criminal Case Process
- The Process of Setting and Release on Bail
- The Arraignment, Re-Arraignment and the Pre-Arraignment Conference (Providence Felonies only)
- The Investigation Process
- The Pre-Trial Bargaining and Negotiation Process
- The Rhode Island Criminal Trial Process (Rhode Island DUI Trials and Chemical Test Refusal Trials)
- The Sentencing Process
RI Criminal Defense Lawyer — Areas We Serve
Marin & Murphy Law Firm represents individuals facing criminal misdemeanor and felony charges from every Rhode Island town and city. We appear on a regular basis in courthouses across the State.
- Barrington
- Bristol
- Burrillville
- Central Falls
- Cumberland
- East Providence
- Pawtucket
- Providence
- Warren
- Woonsocket
- Coventry
- Cranston
- East Greenwich
- Exeter
- Foster
- Glocester
- Johnston
- Lincoln
- North Kingstown
- North Providence
- North Smithfield
- Scituate
- Smithfield
- Warwick
- West Greenwich
- West Warwick
- Jamestown
- Little Compton
- Middletown
- Newport
- Portsmouth
- Tiverton
- Charlestown
- Hopkinton
- Narragansett
- New Shoreham
- Richmond
- South Kingstown
- Westerly
Rhode Island Superior Courts. For felony charges, Marin & Murphy appears in all four county Superior Courts — Providence County, Kent County, Newport County, and Washington County Superior Court.
U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. For federal charges, Attorney Matthew Marin and Attorney Stefanie Murphy are both admitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Attorney Murphy is additionally admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the Districts of Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Rhode Island Felony Defense Lawyer
A felony conviction in Rhode Island carries consequences that outlast the sentence — loss of voting rights, firearm restrictions, professional license revocation, immigration consequences, and a permanent record that follows you into every background check for the rest of your life. When the charge is a felony, the stakes demand a different level of defense.
Marin & Murphy brings two distinct authority profiles to every serious charge. Attorney Matthew Marin prosecuted cases at the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office before founding this firm in 2008 — giving him direct insight into how the State builds felony cases, and exactly where they can be challenged. As a Rhode Island felony lawyer, he established two statewide constitutional precedents: the Zimmerman DUI rights form challenge and the Corcoran Miranda ruling at the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
Attorney Stefanie Murphy brings 20+ years of felony trial experience, including a not guilty verdict in State v. Winslow (2023) — a high-profile murder case in which co-defendants received life sentences. She is the Editor of A Practical Guide to Trying DUI Cases in Rhode Island (MCLE, 2024), the 362-page practice manual used by prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges throughout Rhode Island.
Felony charges demand strategy specific to the charge. Assault and violent crime cases turn on credibility. Drug trafficking charges live or die on the constitutionality of the search. Sex crime defense requires aggressive early investigation. Homicide charges demand sustained, resource-intensive defense few Rhode Island firms can provide. Federal charges carry mandatory minimums and require a separate level of preparation entirely.
Together, Marin & Murphy has defended serious charges across every Rhode Island court — from Providence County Superior Court to the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island — across 17+ years and 2,500+ criminal cases. That depth of combined experience means no charge is unfamiliar, no prosecution strategy is unexpected, and no constitutional issue goes unchallenged.
The most critical decision in a felony case is the earliest one. Evidence is preserved or lost in the first hours. Witness accounts solidify quickly. Call before the arraignment — not after.
40 Years of Combined Experience
Matthew Marin
Partner
STEFANIE MURPHY
Partner
Improve The Outcome Of your Case with The Right Experience Behind You.
Rhode Island’s drug laws are especially severe and can quickly lead to long jail sentences.
Frequently, many seemingly innocent drug possession charges can be prosecuted as a felony drug charge such as possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. In Rhode Island, possession with intent to deliver charges can result in the individual charged being held without bail in jail even though they are still presumed innocent of the charges. Moreover, possession with intent charges carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for small quantities of drugs and up to a $100,000 fine. In addition to severe penalties, many illegal drug charges are prosecuted in federal court and result in a significant federal prison sentence or jail time.
In 2026, simple possession of 10 grams or less of certain controlled substances is now a misdemeanor criminal charge and is punishable by up to 2 years in jail, a $500 fine and drug counseling. If you are found in possession of more than 10 grams of certain controlled substances you will face a felony drug crime. You will need the help of an experienced and local Rhode Island drug lawyer to provide you with legal advice and represent you through the court process. Only a local criminal defense law firm and skilled RI drug lawyer who has extensive experience will be knowledgeable on the local Rhode Island court system and be able to guide you through the legal process from your arraignment hearing through the end of your case and provide clear guidance on what to expect and how to best handle your drug charge. Moreover, a skilled drug lawyer will be able to help you protect your criminal record.
Rhode Island Criminal Defense FAQ's
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island law divides criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies based on the maximum potential punishment. Misdemeanors carry up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000, and are heard in Rhode Island District Court — the 2nd District (Newport County), 3rd District (Kent County), 4th District (Washington County), or 6th District (Providence and Bristol Counties). Common Rhode Island misdemeanors include simple assault, first-offense DUI under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2, shoplifting under $1,500, disorderly conduct, and most first-offense drug possession charges.
Felonies carry potential sentences exceeding one year and are prosecuted in Rhode Island Superior Court, with cases distributed across Providence County, Kent County, Newport County, and Washington County Superior Courts depending on where the offense allegedly occurred. Common Rhode Island felonies include third-offense DUI, assault with a dangerous weapon under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-5-2, drug trafficking, robbery, sex crimes, and homicide offenses.
The classification matters beyond the immediate sentence. A felony conviction in Rhode Island triggers loss of voting rights during incarceration under R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-1-3, permanent firearm restrictions under both state and federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)), potential professional license revocation, and immigration consequences for non-citizens. Felony convictions also carry longer expungement waiting periods — ten years versus five years for most misdemeanors under R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1.3-2.
For detailed breakdowns, see our guides to Rhode Island misdemeanor charges and Rhode Island felony charges.
How long does a criminal case take in Rhode Island courts?
Rhode Island criminal case timelines vary substantially based on charge severity, court level, and case complexity. Misdemeanor cases in Rhode Island District Court typically resolve within three to six months from arraignment to disposition. Most are resolved through plea negotiation, motion practice, or pretrial diversion. Cases that proceed to trial in District Court generally reach a verdict within six to nine months of arraignment.
Felony cases prosecuted in Rhode Island Superior Court take substantially longer. After District Court arraignment and probable cause determination, felony matters bind over to Superior Court, where indictment, discovery exchange, motion practice, and pretrial conferences extend the timeline to twelve to eighteen months for non-trial dispositions and up to twenty-four months or more for cases that proceed to trial.
Several factors lengthen Rhode Island criminal cases. Cases involving forensic evidence (DNA testing, digital forensics, ballistics) require lab processing time often measured in months. Cases with multiple defendants — particularly drug conspiracy or RICO matters — take significantly longer than single-defendant cases. Cases involving expert witnesses or complex motions to suppress can add several months.
Speedy trial rights apply under both the U.S. and Rhode Island Constitutions, but waivers are routinely entered when discovery is voluminous or trial strategy benefits from additional preparation time. An experienced Rhode Island criminal defense attorney tracks every deadline, presses for efficient resolutions where appropriate, and pushes to trial when the prosecution’s case is weak.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Rhode Island?
The honest answer is: it depends. Until a Rhode Island criminal defense attorney understands the specific facts of your case — the charge, the evidence, your record, the court, the prosecutor — accurate quotation isn’t possible. At Marin & Murphy Law Firm, we charge fixed flat-rate fees rather than hourly billing, so you know your total cost upfront before retaining the firm. Simple matters such as expungements or first-offense misdemeanors typically cost less than complex felony cases or violent crimes with aggravating factors. Federal cases generally cost more than state cases due to the additional complexity of federal procedure and sentencing guidelines.
When you evaluate costs, consider this: in our consumer culture, we’re trained to seek out the lowest-cost option. That instinct doesn’t transfer well to criminal defense. If you’re shopping for gasoline, the gallon at the cheaper station is the same product as the gallon at the more expensive station. That assumption is not true with criminal defense attorneys. Two criminal defense attorneys quoting different fees on the same case are not selling the same service. Years of courtroom experience, depth of knowledge in Rhode Island courts, prior relationships with Rhode Island prosecutors and judges, and the time and resources committed to your case vary substantially among practitioners.
If your criminal case is serious enough to merit hiring a private criminal defense attorney rather than relying on a public defender, you have already decided that the outcome matters. Cost should be a factor — even an important factor — but it should not be the only factor. Cutting corners on legal fees in a criminal case can produce the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.
We’re happy to discuss our fees during a free, confidential consultation. Call (401) 269-3381 anytime — we’re available 24/7.
Why should I hire a Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer?
A Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer protects your rights from arrest through trial and, if convicted, through sentencing and appeal. The work begins before arraignment when possible — by intervening early, an experienced criminal defense attorney can sometimes prevent charges from being filed, negotiate better bail conditions, and preserve evidence that fades within hours of an incident. After arraignment, your criminal defense attorney files motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, challenges the prosecution’s witnesses, secures and reviews discovery, and negotiates with prosecutors at the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office or local solicitor’s offices.
Local Rhode Island representation matters. Rhode Island’s criminal court system is structurally specific: the Bail Commissioner system at police stations, the District Court arraignment process, the pre-arraignment conference for Providence felonies, the no-drop policy on domestic violence cases, the mandatory arrest provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-29-3, and the four-county Superior Court structure all create procedural realities that out-of-state attorneys often misunderstand. A Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer who appears regularly in these courts knows which prosecutors are reasonable on which charges, which judges grant which motions, and how each Rhode Island District and Superior Court manages its docket.
Without representation, defendants face substantially worse outcomes — unfavorable plea agreements accepted under pressure, missed motion deadlines, evidence not challenged, sentencing positions not made. Public defenders provide important representation for those who qualify, but caseloads in Rhode Island public defender offices are heavy. Private representation by an experienced Rhode Island criminal defense attorney offers focused attention, faster response times, and the ability to invest the resources a serious case requires.
What factors should I consider when hiring a criminal defense attorney?
No one wants to hire a bad lawyer or an okay criminal defense attorney. Rhode Island has many excellent private-practice criminal defense attorneys; the work of selecting among them deserves more thought than choosing the first name that comes up in a Google search.
Look for genuine focus on criminal defense. Years of experience handling corporate transactions, real estate closings, or family law matters do not translate to criminal defense competence. Look for criminal defense attorneys whose practice is dedicated to Rhode Island criminal defense — particularly to the type of charge you face. Defending a felony drug case requires different expertise than defending a DUI; defending a federal charge requires different expertise than defending a state charge. Ask specifically about the attorney’s experience with cases like yours.
Look for confidence, not arrogance. There is always an element of unknown in any criminal case. Attorneys who guarantee specific outcomes — “I can get this dismissed,” “you’ll never see jail” — should not be trusted. Experienced criminal defense attorneys explain the realistic range of outcomes, the factors that affect each, and the strategy they propose. Confidence comes from preparation; arrogance is a substitute for it.
Look at courtroom experience specifically. Many attorneys handle criminal cases by negotiating pleas. Fewer attorneys actually try cases. The threat of trial is what gives plea negotiations their leverage; an attorney who has never tried a case carries less weight at the bargaining table.
Read reviews carefully. Five-star averages are easy. What matters is what former clients say specifically about how the attorney handled cases similar to yours, communicated through stress, and handled the eventual outcome. Marin & Murphy maintains 450 verified five-star Google reviews as of August 2026; we encourage prospective clients to read them in detail rather than relying on the score alone.
Trust your sense of fit. A good attorney-client relationship requires honest communication in both directions. If something feels off in your initial consultation — pressure to retain immediately, evasive answers about strategy, dismissiveness about your concerns — choose someone else.
What happens after an arrest for a criminal offense in Rhode Island?
The first step after a Rhode Island criminal arrest is processing at a local police station — fingerprints, photographs, and a booking record. Within forty-eight hours of arrest, you appear before a Bail Commissioner or Justice of the Peace at the police station, who sets initial bail and release conditions. For most misdemeanors and many felonies, release on personal recognizance or with bail is granted at this stage. For serious felonies — murder, serious drug trafficking, certain sex offenses — Rhode Island law allows the State to seek detention without bail under specific provisions.
The next step is formal arraignment in Rhode Island District Court. At arraignment, the formal charges are read, you enter a plea (typically not guilty at this stage), and the judge reviews bail conditions. For felony charges originating in Providence County, a pre-arraignment conference may occur before formal arraignment in Superior Court.
After District Court arraignment, misdemeanor cases continue in District Court through pretrial conferences, where evidence is exchanged, motion deadlines are set, and plea negotiations occur. Felony cases bind over to Rhode Island Superior Court — Providence, Kent, Newport, or Washington County — where indictment, discovery, motion practice, and either plea or trial proceedings occur.
Throughout this process, the prosecution must prove every element of every charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Bail conditions can be modified by motion. Evidence obtained unlawfully can be suppressed. Witness statements can be challenged.
The most important decision after arrest is the earliest one — retaining experienced Rhode Island criminal defense counsel before arraignment, so that early decisions are made with strategic awareness of what comes next. Call Marin & Murphy at (401) 269-3381 — we’re available 24/7 for new arrests.
Can I get my Rhode Island criminal record expunged?
Rhode Island law allows expungement of certain criminal records under R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1.3-2, with eligibility depending on the disposition, the offense level, and the time elapsed. Cases that result in dismissal, acquittal, no true bill, or nolle prosequi are eligible for expungement immediately upon final disposition. Misdemeanor convictions become eligible for expungement five years after sentence completion, including any probationary term. Felony convictions become eligible after ten years.
Multiple convictions complicate eligibility — a defendant with multiple felony convictions may not qualify, while a defendant with multiple misdemeanors may qualify under recent statutory amendments. Some convictions are categorically ineligible. Crimes of violence as defined by R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-2 — including murder, manslaughter, first-degree sexual assault, and others — cannot be expunged. DUI convictions have specific eligibility rules; first-offense DUI is generally eligible but requires a separate analysis.
Rhode Island law was amended in 2021, 2023, and 2024 to expand expungement eligibility, eliminate the $100 court fee, and create automatic sealing for certain dismissed cases. A 2024 amendment also lets you expunge certain prior felonies on the misdemeanor track — five years instead of ten — if the General Assembly has since reclassified the offense (most commonly: simple drug possession of ten grams or less post-July 2021, and larceny of $500 to $1,500 post-2012).
The expungement process requires filing a motion in the convicting court, providing notice to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, and attending a hearing where the prosecution may object. Successful expungement removes the conviction from public records, allowing you to honestly answer “no” to most criminal history questions on job applications and other forms.
For specific eligibility analysis on your case, see our Rhode Island expungement guide or call (401) 269-3381 for a confidential review.
