Previous Law Firm Name

• Larochelle & MacDonald, Inc., October 1, 2009

Law Firm Overview

The Law Offices of John E. MacDonald is an established, successful, and aggressive Criminal Defense, Immigration, and Family Law firm located in Providence, RI. We have handled cases from misdemeanors, immigration applications, and simple settlement agreements all the way to capital crime defenses for capital crimes such as First Degree Murder, Rape, and Child Molestation. Our core practice is high level criminal defense and immigration, as well as Family Law. We have handled many high-profile cases covered locally and nationally, such as murder and molestation cases in Rhode Island and we are well know for representing Richard Hatch in his tax evasion case. We regularly appear in state and federal courts to defend charges such as domestic violence, assault, sex crimes, drug crimes, DUI, molestation, fraud, and other misdemeanors and felonies.

Our Immigration practice is highly successful and our work for clients includes Naturalization and Citizenship, Adjustment of Status, Residence, and successfully stopping Removal and Deportation Defense in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We have a strong focus in Post-Conviction Relief, for both immigration clients (to terminate deportation) as well as other criminal clients. We regularly appear in the Boston and Rhode Island Immigration Courts.

Our Family Law division, run by Attorney Elisha Morris, is a very successful family law practice with a focus in divorce, divorce mediation, settlements, child custody and visitation, as well as protective and restraining order filing or defense in combative or violent situations.

Initial consultations are free and always in person. Call us today to schedule you appointment: (401) 421-1440

Attorneys of Note:

John E. MacDonald, Principal
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. Mr. MacDonald is the author of the Rhode Island Criminal Defense Manual (3rd Edition), a top-rated manual used throughout the state by criminal defense attorneys. 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.

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.

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.

Elisha L. Morris, Attorney at Law
Elisha L. Morris is an experienced attorney focusing on family law, immigration law and personal injury. Ms. Morris has successfully handled cases involving divorce, custody, child support, and visitation. She is aware that each case requires special attention and is ready to pursue either the amicable settlement or the aggressive court battle. Furthermore, Ms. Morris understands that family law issues are personal and emotional. She has the compassion and understanding to work hard to minimize the financial and emotional impact which such cases have upon her clients. She is a member of the Rhode Island Family Court Bench Bar as well as the Family Law Inns of Court.

Ms. Morris represents clients in various immigration matters including deportation defense, adjustment applications, petitions to remove the conditions on residence and naturalization applications. She represents clients in the Providence Immigration Office and the Boston Immigration Court. Ms. Morris has obtained outstanding results in the Boston Immigration Court including termination of proceedings and cancellation of removal.

Ms. Morris represents clients who suffer personal injuries, lost wages and pain and suffering as a result of automobile accidents. She recognizes the effect an automobile accident or other personal injury may have upon an individual and their family. Ms. Morris will obtain the maximize recovery in the shortest time possible.

Among educational achievements, Ms. Morris graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and then summa cum laude from Providence College Liberal Arts Honors Program. She went on to attend Roger Williams University School of Law, where she graduated in the top quarter of her class and won best oral advocate as part of the school's moot court competition. Throughout the years, Ms. Morris interned with several firms in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts where she gained experience in criminal, civil, and family court matters. While in law school, she participated in an internship as a clerk for Chief Justice Williams of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, which enabled her to focus on legal research, writing, and appellate advocacy. Ms. Morris is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts of Rhode Island.

John P. Larochelle, Of Counsel
Mr. Larochelle graduated Cum Laude from Suffolk University Law School. He began his career in 1994 as a Rhode Island State Prosecutor under Attorney General Jeffrey Pine. In 1997, Mr. Larochelle left his position as a Special Assistant Attorney General to start his own law firm. He is admitted to practice law in all state and federal courts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Mr. Larochelle has litigated many types of cases - from capital offenses to drunk driving offenses - in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Areas of Practice

• Criminal Law: Assault, Sex Crimes, Capital Crimes, Drug Crimes, DUI, Fraud 50%
• Immigration & Naturalization Law: Green Cards, Deportation, Citizenship 25%
• Divorce, Divorce Mediation, Child Custody, Settlements, Protective Orders 15%
• Post Conviction Relief: vacate convictions, deportation and removal defense 10%

West Practice Categories

Criminal Law, Criminal Fraud, DUI/DWI, Drug Violations, Federal, Felonies, Grand Jury Proceedings, Juvenile Crimes, Misdemeanor, Parole & Probation, Prosecution, RICO Act, Sex Offenses, Traffic Violations, Victims' Rights, White Collar Crimes, Divorce, Immigration & Naturalization Law