Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer

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Why Hire RI Criminal Lawyer John Calcagni

We have a proven track record for success in the courtroom, including trials and appeals, and have the resources to develop a winning defense.

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

Our firm provides personalized, successful and expert representation for clients in need of a criminal defense attorney in state, federal and military courts. Our team is 100% dedicated to providing the best possible criminal defense for all types of crimes, from misdemeanors to include the most serious felonies.

We are licensed to practice in both state and federal courts in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and Florida, and provide world-wide representations to our military service members facing separation or court-martial.

Rhode Island Criminal Case Timeline

For more details see – Criminal Case Timeline

Criminal law cases we handle

If you believe you have been charged with a new offense and seek to be released on bail, contact the bail hearing attorneys at the Law Office of John L. Calcagni III by email or call today at (401) 351-5100 to schedule a free consultation.

Get a Free Consultation

(401) 351-5100

Rhode Island Criminal Lawyer Drug Attorney John Calcagni

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.

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.

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 DeBello

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!!

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.

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!

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.

Ian McSherry

16:20 18 Mar 19

Wow! This guy is unreal. He went above and beyond for me! I am so lucky to have him as my lawyer. If it wasn’t for him I don’t know how my case would of went. Having him on my side gave my family and me a sense of well being. I’m truly blessed. I don’t think there is a better lawyer out there!

Brett Lesuer

04:06 06 Apr 19

I can't express how grateful I am to John Calcagni. He helped my family through a very difficult time with confidence and compassion. I don't know what would have happened without John on our side. He and his staff are incredible!

Kathleen Lesuer

19:57 05 Apr 19

Mr. Calcagni was very personable and down to earth. He explained every step thoroughly. John always was there when I had questions and was able to answer them. I would definitely recommend him to anyone with legal issues. Thank you again John for a job well done!

Andy Roux

23:00 09 Apr 19

John Calcagni is amazing! From start to finish, I felt as though I was working with someone I had known all of my life. John is very compassionate and helps to make you feel at ease in a VERY stressful time. He is very thorough and takes his job very seriously. John and his staff are great to work with and I would recommend them to anyone.

Angellique Chandler

23:00 09 Apr 19

I hired John's firm after my arrest in Aug of 2017. John and his staff were very knowledgeable and attentive to my case. We were trying to get evidence suppressed from my arrest which unfortunately we lost the motion. Even when the motion was lost John and Nicole were diligent and determined to continue to fight for the best outcome for me. John's office was committed right up to my sentencing and we were able to get probation and avoided jail time, which was a very good outcome for my case.Nobody can predict what will happen in a court case and no outcome is guaranteed, however it should be known that this firm will represent you and fight hard for the best outcome from the minute you hire them until your case is dismissed, won or you are sentenced.I am happy to have hired John and relieved with the outcome in my case. I was faced with fear, doubt and confussion when i was arrested. John was able to help with all the feelings and allow for a good outcome.Thank you.

Greg

19:18 13 Apr 19

Back in 2017 I got myself into some trouble while struggling with personal problems. Without getting too in depth I was facing jail time and the forever scarring mark of a felony on my record. I’m so thankful I came across calcagni law. John represented me through both district and superior court. Not only did he successfully dismiss the felony charge but he also made me completely avoid jail time. His professionalism and insight is amazing, he truly is the best. I couldn’t recommend John more if you ever have a bump in the road. I put my full faith and trust in calcagni law firm. John, thank you again for everything, especially for helping me to be able to be around for my beautiful wife and daughter. I owe you more than can be described.

Zachery Crosby

23:51 18 Apr 19

John went above and beyond my expectations. He is very knowledgeable, does his homework thouroughly, and knows how to win.i saw only one trial before mine. Compared to John , it looked like a theatrical play of what a bad lawyer is like. John was confident and in control at all times, due to the fact that he was obviously extremely well prepared. I would highly recommend John. He definitely went the extra Mile for me! Be assured, he is worth every penny!