Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorney & Mass Criminal Lawyer

RI Lawyer Wins Landmark Marijuana Case in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

On September 22, 2015, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court handed down a landmark decision in the matter of Commonwealth v. Elivette Rodriguez, holding that the odor of marijuana alone is not a sufficient basis for police to conduct a motor vehicle stop.

Read the press release
Read about the decision

RI Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of a crime in the Rhode Island, you need a highly experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer with a winning track record for success. Call Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer John L. Calcagni III today for a free consultation.

MA Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a crime in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you need a skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer who understands the complexities and levels of the Massachusetts Court System. Call Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer John L. Calcagni III today for a free consultation.

Military Criminal Defense Attorney

As a former prosecutor with the US Army JAG Corps and the US Attorney's Office, Attorney Calcagni is well versed in the prosecution and defense of all types of military criminal cases. This experience is invaluable in his ability to defend accused individuals on trial in Military Court for all types of crimes.

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

When you need the assistance of a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer, it is highly advisable that you hire someone who has extensive experience within the federal system. There are certain areas of the practice of law that require more experience and exposure than others, and Federal Criminal Defense is high on this list.

Testimonials From Our Clients

John Calcagni is the best of the best. I retained him multiple times to represent me in various military matters, to include administrative separation. John is an expert in his field. He is knowledge, professional, caring and aggressive. He has obtained nothing but top results and success on my behalf. I recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation. If you want the number one lawyer in your corner, John is your man.read more

isaac kimble

02:28 08 Aug 18

I had the pleasure of working with John and his team this past year and I couldn't be happier with the service I received. John and his team were professional, courteous and most of all incredibly effective. If I ever need legal services again I will definitely engage John Calcagni and his outstanding team again.read more

Andrew Michaud

13:21 21 Sep 18

I highly recommend John Calcagni and his team. My daughter attends college in RI and we live in NY. She found herself in trouble and was arrested on a Disorderly Conduct matter. Our good friend is an attorney in NY and when we realized he could not represent us in RI he found a colleague who highly recommended John. From the first conversation with John, who responded to my initial message immediately, I knew we would be in good hands. He answered all questions and explained the process in as much detail as needed. He was very confident that he would get the charges dismissed. He worked closely with my daughter (his client) while keeping in touch with us, the parents. John was always attainable to us via email, text or phone call and took his time to be sure we understood each step of the case. John delivered the outcome he promised and exactly what we were looking for, we couldn't be more pleased. I would not hesitate to recommend him and (god forbid) I need assistance with the law in RI again, he would be the first call I make!! Thanks John for everything you did for our daughter!!! Mary and Wayne DeBelloread more

MARY DEBELLO

18:23 11 Sep 18

I don’t know where to begin! When I first met with John, I immediately felt like I was in good hands. He is charismatic, funny and really takes the time to get to know you and get a feel for your case. He was very detail oriented and thorough and worked with me for almost two years. Through this exhausting and stressful process, he made me feel comfortable and made sure I understood what was going on every step of the way. I am so thankful I went with John and would absolutely, without a doubt recommend him to anyone who needs help.read more

Jen Marie

22:33 23 Jun 18

I'm an active duty soldier and I got a DUI. I deserved the penalties and reprimands but I did not deserve to loose everything. When I was notified that I would be facing a QMP board for separation I knew I had to do all I could to fight back against it for myself and for my family. I am extremely grateful for John and his team. I had no idea about the list of standards I was up against that the board would use to determine weather or not I could keep my job and continue to support my family. Mr. Calcagni systematically itemized and proved beyond a doubt that I met and or exceeded each standard giving the board a clear picture that I still hold value to the Army. He took my personal side and my professional side along with all the legal points and drafted a rebuttal that saved my career. Had I attempted to go against the board on my own I would have surely been denied. Not because I deserved it, but because it is a battle that soldiers are not equipped to deal with on their own and the Army provides zero support. It's terrifying to think back about all that I was up against that I didn't even know about. John and his team come highly recommended and I can't thank them enough for leveling the playing field and placing the control of my career back into my hands. My family and I are forever grateful.read more

John Madden

18:11 05 Sep 18

We retained John and firm for a police investigation. An investigation had begun with possible charges to follow. We knew we needed help. In looking at Johns CV I was most happy with his background and hired him immediately. John actually came over to our home, and talked about everything. He was wonderful. Great personality. Great knowledge of the court system and the law. John made sure it was known that we had hired him. He spoke to all and the investigation was dropped and no charges were followed.read more

Susan Richberg

17:55 24 Jan 19

Great man John Calcagni! He is so gentle and nice, did excellent jobs and professionally as always. He is more like a friend, listening and guiding you throughout the difficulties whenever you need him. Thanks for his awesome job brings me and my family reunion again. The best lawyer you can have in RI area.read more

dianjie jiang

07:11 18 Dec 18

I am a retired military officer that needed John to keep my 20yrs of service and retirement in tact. I was being blasted from all sides with a bunch high ranking folks trying to smear, discredit, and erase me. John put up a defense that made me very humble. In the end, I was able to retire honorably and keep some sense of accomplishment. He is an attorney with guts and a mastery of the law. I thank him for his service and would recommend John to anybody.read more

Peter Lawrence

15:06 22 Dec 18

John Calcagni and his team were extremely helpful with my case from start to finish. They were hard working and devoted to getting me the best outcome possible. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone who needs a well experienced team that can help you in the most difficult of times.read more

kevin vilao

18:21 12 Jan 19

I’ve never met anyone in life quite like John! He is a driven, compassionate, confident person who will fight for what is right. He is trustworthy and effective. I recommend him without any reservations!

Eric Ricci

22:12 02 Jan 19

I was recommended to John's office and him and his staff were great! He is extremely knowledgeable and helpful educating his clients. His staff and John are readily available to answer any questions at any time of day. Great company, I would highly recommend to all!read more

Karyn Ashley Roda

20:51 28 Jan 19

I am extremely happy & blessed to have come across John. He is very respectful and Pleasant. John makes sure you are aware of everything that is happening with your case and always makes sure he answers all of your questions. He is very smart and very easy to work with. Go see him!!read more

Zaira Bello

16:45 25 Feb 19

I am an Army Officer who retained Attorney John L. Calcagni III to assist with an unfortunate issue that adversely impacted my military career. John is a former Army JAG with a great deal of military law experience. If you have a military law issue (administrative or court-martial) and wish to hire civilian counsel, Attorney Calcagni is your top choice. John is responsive, knowledgeable, well-spoken, well-written, and overall, a true professional and expert in his field. I would not hesitate to call upon John again if I ever need legal representation again for an issue involving my military career. He is second to none and stands heads and shoulders above his peers. If you are in need of civilian defense counsel, call him today. You won’t be disappointed.read more

Justin Maroney

03:04 18 Feb 19

John is a straight shooter... I was referred to John from another attorney that I have complete trust in and needed to clear a case that could have crippled my work. John did that he was on the case and was able to completely clear the air. What better news then CASE COMPLETELY GONE, DROPPED! Great law firm! JC! Thank you!read more

Jeff Goyette

19:55 29 Jan 19

I am a former Cadet of the United States Coast Guard Academy. In 2017 I found myself threatened by false accusations which had the potential of putting me at risk of court martial. After being blindsided by military leaders I once trusted and being held against my will in an emergency room to receive a mental evaluation, me and my family decided it was time to hire an attorney. John was my saving grace at times when I felt completely alone and had nobody on my side. As a 21 year old, I was not ready to be fighting the military let alone any run-of-the-mill legal battles. John protected me from the deceptive tricks used by investigators and advised me throughout the year-long investigation. Afterwards, we spent 4 exhaustive months together drafting appeals to my unfavorable discharge. For nearly a year and a half John constantly made time for me, regardless of arguably more pressing cases he had going on. After my final appeal I was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard which is a result I am completely satisfied with. John is personable, hardworking, and will make time for you no matter what. John is a no BS attorney and will tell it to you straight, there will be no need to doubt yourself with him on your side.read more

Ian McSherry

16:20 18 Mar 19

‹

›

About Our Rhode Island Criminal Defense Law Firm

Our firm provides personalized, experienced, and successful representation for clients in need of a Criminal Defense Attorney to represent them in matters before the Rhode Island Federal Court and Massachusetts Federal and District Courts. Our practice focuses on Criminal Defense for Misdemeanors and Felonies, Military Defense, Federal Criminal Defense, and Violent Crime matters. We are licensed to practice in both state and federal courts in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and Florida.

As a former prosecutor with the US Army JAG Corps and a Special Assistant US Attorney, Attorney Calcagni is well versed in the prosecution and defense of all types of criminal cases. This experience is invaluable in his ability to defend accused individuals on trial for Federal and State Crimes. As a Military Defense Lawyer, Attorney Calcagni is admitted to practice in the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals, as well as the state and federal courts in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Florida.

About Rhode Island Criminal Attorney John Calcagni

Former Federal Prosecutor
Army JAG
Licensed in Multiple State and Federal Jurisdictions
Unmatched Trial Record for Winning Verdicts
RI Superlawyer (most recently selected for 2018)
New England Superlawyer
Fully Staffed Criminal Defense Firm
Bilingual Criminal Defense Firm
Awarding Winning Criminal Defense Attorney
Top Attorney for Criminal Defense in New England
Accredited Lawyer of Distinction
America’s Top 100 Attorneys
Top 10 Best American Institute of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Why Hire a Trial Attorney?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney?
Federal Criminal Case Timeline

Latest Case Results From Our Firm

Smithfield Police conducting an undercover narcotics investigation that targeted a young man who was selling marijuana in the town. After making a number of controlled drug purchases from him, police obtained warrants for the man and to search his home….

A young woman was charged by Bristol Police with felony Larceny Over $1500. While employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), the woman cared for an elderly woman in the woman’s home. One day, while the CNA was off-duty, the…

A young woman was arrested by North Providence Police for Felony Assault on a Person Age 60 or Older. She and her older boyfriend got into a verbal altercation after he activated their house alarm before she returned home for…

An Albanian man burglarized a Target Department Store in Smithfield, RI. After cutting a hole in the store roof and gaining entry by lowering himself with a rope, the man broke into and removed $14,720.00 from an automated teller machine…

A boyfriend and a girlfriend had a verbal argument. As the incident escalated, the boyfriend allegedly threw a hardcover book at his girlfriend, striking her in the head. In response, she called police and he fled from the apartment. Later…

A man was serving two concurrent suspended sentences with probation that were imposed by the Rhode Island Superior Court. In the first case, the man was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to…

Google Rating

4.9

Law Office of John L. Calcagni, III

4.9

isaac kimble

02:28 08 Aug 18

Andrew Michaud

13:21 21 Sep 18

MARY DEBELLO

18:23 11 Sep 18

Jen Marie

22:33 23 Jun 18

John Madden

18:11 05 Sep 18

Susan Richberg

17:55 24 Jan 19

dianjie jiang

07:11 18 Dec 18

Peter Lawrence

15:06 22 Dec 18

kevin vilao

18:21 12 Jan 19

Eric Ricci

22:12 02 Jan 19

Karyn Ashley Roda

20:51 28 Jan 19

Zaira Bello

16:45 25 Feb 19

Justin Maroney

03:04 18 Feb 19

Jeff Goyette

19:55 29 Jan 19

Ian McSherry

16:20 18 Mar 19

See All Reviews Write a review

Facebook Rating

4.4

Michelle McMurphy

2018-08-08T03:24:17+0000

Mr. Calcagni is an absolute LIFE SAVER!!! He is genuinely one of the most intelligent people I have ever met in my life! He masterfully saved my husband's naval career TWICE when we thought all hope was lost at a command where bias and dishonesty rule. My husband and I are forever in his debt and there is not enough we could do or say to show our gratitude. He has a big heart and he fought hard for our family. We would recommend him a thousand times over!!!!