LAW OFFICES OF MATTHEW T. MARIN, ESQ. INC.
RHODE ISLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

My name is Matt Marin and I am a Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer dedicated to defending and protecting the rights of Rhode Island residents who have been charged with crimes ranging from drunk driving, drugs, assault, battery, shoplifting, breathalyzer refusal, domestic assault, and various others. I handle cases in every county and court throughout the State of Rhode Island including misdemeanors, felonies, and traffic offenses. My offices are conveniently located in downtown Providence and downtown Newport.

MY PERSONALITY AND PHILOSOPHY

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe that clients should be fully informed about everything that is going on around them. I also believe that the best way for clients to become educated is to speak with experienced lawyers who spend their time in the courtrooms where their cases will be decided. One potential pitfall, however, is that the law is very much subject to a number of different factors in different courtrooms on any given day. Only an experienced trial lawyer will know how those factors will pan out by weighing who is the judge, who is the prosecutor, what type of case is it, as well as a number of other fluid factors. Therefore, your best resource will always be an experienced trial lawyer.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am always willing to review documents prepared by my clients and documents can oftentimes streamline communication between lawyer and client.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am always willing to give clients a no-fee consultation and advise them regarding the charges they are facing and the way their case will proceed through the system.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I strongly believe that every client is innocent until proven guilty beyond all reasonable doubt. Furthermore, innocent or guilty, I believe that every single person deserves an attorney who will fight for them to get them the best resolution possible in their case. Unfortunately, many defendants get taken advantage of by the prosecutors and sometimes the judges and end up making poor decisions in court due to the enormous amount of stress that being caught up in the legal system can put on a person. I believe that by defending the accused I can help slow the system down for them, allowing the client to make the best decision given the available information after being fully informed by someone who is fighting for them and knows what they are up against.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My work at the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General's Office has given me a unique perspective within the criminal justice system. I believe that by prosecuting, and being able to get in the mind of the prosecutor, I can better defend my clients. Understanding the motivations and fears of the Rhode Island prosecutors can help me to advise my clients as to the best course of action on their individual case.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I have a heightened interest in the criminal law and enjoy the combative and trial oriented work that criminal defense provides. I analyze every aspect of a case and every piece of evidence with an eye towards winning the case at trial. It is the single-minded trial focus of criminal defense work that appeals to me.

What do you like best about your career?
I enjoy litigating cases. I like that I am in court every day and in multiple courts on most days. I enjoy fighting for my client's rights and investigating and exhausting every defense while pushing the case to trial, if need be.

What are your strengths and style?
My style is exacting and tenacious. I explore every legal issue and attack cases from every direction while at the same time remaining personable and friendly with the prosecution to ensure that you, my client, gets the best possible resolution in your case.

Personal Interests:
In my free time I enjoy surfing, skiing, boating, and traveling.