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Michael John Zarrella
About Michael
Biography
My name is Michael J. Zarrella and I have been a criminal defense and DUI defense attorney for 20 years in the State of Rhode Island. I have been helping people with their legal issues for over 2 decades. I engage in the legal practice of all aspects of criminal law from petty misdemeanors to capital cases such as rape, murder and robbery. I have had numerous jury trial victories as well as a successful track record of getting cases dismissed or reduced to lesser charges.
Much of my criminal defense practice deals with drunk driving defense. I am considered one of the foremost accomplished and experienced attorneys in DUI law in Rhode Island. Many attorneys often turn to me for complex questions regarding DUI and Refusal cases. I have a long and illustrious track record of getting DUI cases dismissed or reduced to lesser charges.
If you hire me, I will fight endlessly to get you the best disposition possible.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
60%
31 years | 3,500 cases
DUI and DWI
25%
31 years | 400 cases
Domestic Violence
15%
31 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Rhode Island for 30 years
State: Rhode Island
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Michael John Zarrella
127 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI, 02903
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Michael John Zarrella's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Valeria | March 4, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Attroney
I seriously can't thank Mr. Zarella enough. I was facing a DUI charge and a breathalyzer refusal, and he got my case completely dismissed. From day one, he really fought for me and didn't give up. He explained everything in a way I could understand and always made me feel like he truly cared about w...
Posted by Louis | January 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Attorney
Michael is a great attorney to have on your side. He was able to get me a dismissal on a pair of charges and was reassuring throughout the process. He has lots of experience and is well known throughout the courts. Highly recommended!
Posted by Karen | August 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Dedicated and knowledgeable lawyer
Attorney Michael Zarrella defended my stepson in a DUI charge. He was able to connect with my stepson and put him at ease from the very beginning. Michael's vast knowledge, dedication, and hard work resulted in a complete dismissal of the charges against my stepson. Thank you Michael Zarrella!
Posted by Tracey | December 9, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best Lawyer
Mike is the best Lawyer. He works very hard to help you any way he can. He's helped me out of a lot of trouble in my past and I can't thank him enough!! HE'S THE BEST AROUND!! If you need an honest, hard working attorney, please do not hesitate to call Mike! You will not be disappointed! Tracey...
Posted by Tracey | March 7, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exceptional Lawyer
Mike is an exceptional lawyer, that works so hard for you & your case. He cares about his clients as most lawyers, it’s all about Money. Mike got my life back, and I owe it all to him! He’s a kind person & will go that extra mile for you!!! Don’t know what I would of did without, Mike!! He has my rec...
Michael John Zarrella's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mike is a great lawyer. He's not afraid to take a case to trial and has a high winning percentage."
"Attorney Zarrella is a fierce advocate for his clients and a force to be reckoned with at trial. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer to anyone looking for a highly competent criminal defense attorney who fights tirelessly for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael Zarrella is an excellent attorney, who has been zealously advocating for criminal defendants in Rhode Island for over twenty years. He has the knowledge and expertise to help clients win their cases. For these reasons, I am happy to say that I have had the opportunity to work with Mike and learn from him!"
"I have known Mike for almost 30 years. Without question, Mike very well might be the most clever attorney I know. He has the keenest ability to look at a case and immediately see all possible combinations of facts, law and possible defenses. He is very very good on his feet because of his in-depth knowledge of the law - especially with DUIs. He also fights hard for his clients and takes immense pride in winning. He's always been a fierce competitor. So, if you are arrested, let him fight for you! I would!"
"I have seen Michael Zarrella succeed at trials, probation violation hearings and bail arguments. He is an excellent attorney who gets the job done. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mike has a great amount of experience and success in all felony and misdemeanor matters. Excellent attorney on all fronts."
"Mike is a wonderful attorney who is impressive in the courtroom especially on trial. I would recommend him and often refer clients to him."
"I know Mike to be a great defense lawyer and DUI lawyer"
"Mike is an excellent attorney and is extremely passionate about what he does. I am always impressed with his commitment to his clients."
"Mike, is a great lawyer. I endorse him fully."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike Zarrella is one of the top attorneys working in Rhode Island today. He is aggressive and well regarded by other lawyers and the Courts. He has an outstanding knowledge of he law and can invariably utilize his considerable experience to aid his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Zarrella is a hard-working advocate for his clients. I would recommend Attorney Zarrella for any individual who needs representation in DUI or other criminal matters in Rhode Island."
"I endorse this lawyer. I had several cases against Mr. Zarrella when I was a prosecutor and he always represented his client well. He was highly ethical and zealously defended his clients. He would make arguments that may not be obvious to other attorneys. I have been so impressed with him that I have referred people to him to handle their matters."
"I have been practicing law for over 20 years in Rhode Island. Since I do not handle Criminal Defense matters, I routinely refer these matters to Michael. He has expertly handled numerous misdemeanor and felony matters, including DUI, for my clients, friends, and family. He is a consummate professional, and he has great relationships with the judiciary and opposing counsel. I would recommend Michael to anyone who needs a great Criminal Defense."
"Mike is a great lawyer and friend. He knows the law, particularly DUIs and Refusals, inside and out. He has many years of experience and also has good relationships with every judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, and everyone else in court - which in Rhode Island is crucial. Whenever a friend or client calls me with a DUI or domestic violence issue Mike is the first person I tell them to call."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a passionate, diligent advocate for those facing DUI/DWI charges. Michael has assisted me in my career numerous times. He is dedicated to his craft and puts forth effort above and beyond what is expected."
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Experience
Honors
2015
TOP 10 Attorney Award for the state of Rhode Island., National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys (NACDA)
2015
top 25 DUI attorneys in Rhode Island, The National Advocacy for DUI Defense, LLC (NAFDD)
Work Experience
1995 - Present
Attorney, Law Offices of Michael J. Zarrella
1993 - 1993
Rule 40 Prosecutor, Rhode Island Department Of Attorney General
1992 - 1992
Legal Intern, Rhode Island Department Of Attorney General
1991 - 1991
Legislative Aid, Representative Jack Reed's Office
1990 - 1990
Administrative assistant, City of Providence-Mayor Office
Associations
1995 - Present
Rhode Island Bar Association
1995 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1994 - Present
Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Sample of Legal Cases
DUI reduced
Charges reduced to reckless driving, client recieved a filing
Assault Case dismissed
Case Dismissed
Not guily after jury trial, 2nd degree child molesation.
Not Guilty after trial a jury trial
B & E not guilty after trial
Not Guilty after trial a jury trial
Felony Larceny not gulity after trial.
Not Guilty after trial a jury trial
Not guily after trial
Not Guilty after trial
Education
1994
Quinnipiac University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1990
Springfield College
BS
Speaking Engagements
2011
Justice with Judge Jeanine
Woodmansee and the good time
2008
Woonsocket High School
Law Day
Publications
2015
Rhode Island DWI and Criminal Defense Blog
Rhode Island DUI, Refusals and Ignition Interlock Devices
2015
Rhode Island DWI and Criminal Defense Blog
Rhode Island Domestic Violence Update
2015
Rhode Island DWI and Criminal Defense Blog
Update on new Rhode Island DUI law.
2015
Rhode Island DWI and Criminal Defense Blog
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer to Defend Your DUI
2015
Rhode Island DWI and Criminal Defense Blog
Winning a DUI case even with a failed breathtest
2014
Rhode Island DWI and Criminal Defense Blog
Preventing Convictions Under the Rhode Island Colin Foote Law
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What does the State Of RI have to prove in a obtaining property by false pretenses case ?
01 Jul 2017
Q&A
I need to change my court date
25 May 2015
Q&A
How do I find out the exact date my probation was over? I need to know so I can file a request to have my felony expunged.
17 May 2015