Stefanie A. Murphy

PRO

Stefanie A. Murphy

4.9
66 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 20 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at East Greenwich, RI
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Violent Crime ... +2 more

6 Wanton Shippee Road, East Greenwich, RI

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Stefanie

Biography

Rhode Island criminal defense attorney | 20+ years experience | State v. Winslow murder acquittal | MCLE Editor | Author "Trying DUI Cases in RI" | 400+ 5-star reviews | Avvo 10.0 | FREE consultation 24/7 | Flat fees | (401) 316-9423 | Super Lawyer Rated Since 2012 | 6 RI locations | samurphylaw.com

20+ years defending Rhode Island clients | Murder acquittal (State v. Winslow) | Drug crimes, assault, sex offenses, federal cases | Supreme Court precedents | Super Lawyer | Avvo 10.0 | 400+ Google reviews | FREE consult 24/7 | Flat-rate fees | (401) 316-9423 | samurphylaw.com

Author of "Trying DUI Cases in Rhode Island" (MCLE 2024) | 20+ years RI DUI defense | 1,000+ cases defended | Challenge breath tests, field sobriety, stops | 1st-3rd offense, refusals, CDL | Avvo 10.0 | FREE consult | Flat fees | 24/7 | (401) 316-9423 | Super Lawyer Rated Since 2012

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 40%

Rhode Island DUI defense including first, second, third offense DUI, breathalyzer refusal, blood test challenges, field sobriety test defense, license suspension hearings, and CDL DUI. Author of MCLE guide to trying DUI cases in Rhode Island.

21 years | 1,000 cases

40%
Criminal Defense 30%

Rhode Island criminal defense - Murder, assault, drug crimes, domestic violence, sex offenses, weapons charges, federal crimes, and probation violations. State v. Winslow murder acquittal (2023). MCLE Editor for Rhode Island Lawyer's Weekly.

21 years | 2,500 cases

30%
Violent Crime 15%

Rhode Island violent crime defense - Murder, manslaughter, assault, assault with dangerous weapon, robbery, strangulation, domestic assault. State v. Winslow NOT GUILTY murder verdict (2023). Experienced trial attorney with proven results in serious

21 years | 150 cases

15%
Federal Crime 10%

Rhode Island federal criminal defense - Drug trafficking, RICO, conspiracy, white collar fraud, firearms violations. U.S. District Court experience. Handle complex federal investigations, grand jury proceedings, sentencing guidelines, and trials.

21 years | 50 cases

10%
Drug Crime 5%

Rhode Island drug crime defense - Possession, trafficking, distribution, prescription fraud, marijuana charges, fentanyl cases. Challenge illegal searches, warrantless arrests, confidential informants. Experience in both state and federal drug cases.

21 years | 250 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2019 2016 2015
Platinum Client Champion

Licenses

Licensed in Connecticut for 19 years

State: Connecticut

Acquired: 2006

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Massachusetts for 20 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Rhode Island for 20 years

State: Rhode Island

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Marin & Murphy Law Firm

6 Wanton Shippee Road, East Greenwich, RI, 02818

samurphylaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Stefanie online.

Stefanie A. Murphy's Reviews

Showing 11 - 14 of 14 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | August 03, 2012 | Criminal Defense

Excellent

I worked with Ms. Murphy some years back. She handled a criminal case that I was involved in. As a practicing attorney I can tell you that there are a few factors that every client should evaluate when determining which criminal defense attorney to hire. In general they are: the attorneys' record... in court, complaints against the attorney, and the ability of the attorney to work with employees of the court (clerks, prosecutors, judges). Ms. Murphy encapsulates all of these desirable qualities and more. Her record is impeccable and she literally knows everyone at the courthouses. She has my appreciation and my recommendation!

Posted by Holly | November 17, 2011 | Corporate & Incorporation

Top notch attorney

Stefanie is incredibly competent, easy to communicate with, and professional. She helped me establish my new business, and advised me on wills/trusts too. Highly recommended!

Posted by Holly | November 03, 2011 | Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Top notch attorney

Ms. Murphy assisted me in establishing a limited liability corporation. She made everything easy for me to understand, and had great insight about the nuances regarding the law, tax consequences, etc. She is very accessible to her clients, and was also extremely efficient which kept my costs low.

Posted by anonymous | July 31, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Lost evidence detrimental to my case but showed up to every court date on time

I hired Stefanie after a serious violation of my rights that led to my arrest - out of the 5 or 6 criminal defense attorneys that I spoke with, I felt right when I spoke with Stefanie (who answered her cell phone promptly) was the lawyer for the job. She agreed that according to my explanation of the... events leading to my arrest that the detention and search were both unlawful (hence why I felt diversion was not the right choice for me). She agreed and said any attorney pushing me for diversion was not doing their job. Stef even stated to have dealt with this Dept and the one specific problem officer in the passed during a suppression hearing. Only Providence PD use body cams at this time and the town I was arrested in use no audio/video devices to document their interactions with citizens and I mentioned the establishments main entrance and exterior camera definitely captured the events leading to my arrest yet no attempt was made (except via myself) to retrieve the evidence and in agreement, Stef knew that the police lied and that we needed to get the video. After my first arraignment I followed up multiple times to see if the subpoena had been filed but was given odd reasoning for it not to have been. I made more attempts and eventually felt she had it under control. 6 months after the arrest at the superior court arraignment (discovery phase) I was appalled by the false reports filed by two officers of the Dept. Stefanie asked if I was able to retrieve the video and my heart sank. When I questioned why she never field the subpoena she stated she did not want to if it had incriminating evidence against me. Uhh what? She then filed it and during our meeting a week after the superior court arraignment Stef advised the subpoena was filed yet the video was no longer available (obviously). When i asked how long the video was archived from store surveillance she responded with 10 days. I asked about the motion to suppress but Stef stated a motion to dismiss was more appropriate. After a few continuances during pre trial, the judge stated to Stef that a motion to suppress needed filing and the first motion was objected to and dismissed. Stef was starting to feel diversion was my best option and at my last pretrial continuances stated we had little chance to win without the video and I should consider diversion (3 months prior I ignored the AGs offices invite to diversion and Stef was aware and agreed with my decision. Diversion can be done without an attorney def less than 4000$. I still turned it down and wanted to hire new council but Stef talked me out of that route and promised to win the suppression hearing. She wrote up a beautiful and elegant motion to suppress memorandum and during the trial phase filed it but never scheduled it. She stated the judge didn’t want to have the hearing and said in the end your client did have an illegal substance in his possession (uhh ok?) I called the superior court and was told by the clerk that they were waiting for her to schedule it. When i presses stef about the hearing, she stated in writing that the trial and suppression hearing would Be the same day in the same court room with the jury present during both and that the jury would end up knowing about the evidence even if it was suppressed which would hurt my chances at trial lol. Although a private citizen, I myself am not that gullible and made the decision to act promptly and get new council. The fact that someone could lead me on and push me into diversion after purposely neglecting to protect crucial evidence of police misconduct against me was the most heart wrenching painful experience I’ve ever had. I’m still sick about it and corrupt and dishonest police walk away Scott free after violating my rights and almost ruining my life and to know my paid for and trusted attorney assisted the state against me by doing so to get my 4000$ and leave me to suffer through the criminal process has made me forever weary of RI attorneys.

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Stefanie A. Murphy's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Stefanie
Joseph Molina Flynn headshot
Joseph Flynn

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Attorney Murphy is handling a criminal matter for one of my immigration clients. She is an extremely competent criminal attorney, advocates fiercely for our client, is easily reachable, and understands what it takes to resolve our client's case in the most efficient way for our client. I will, no doubt, refer criminal cases with immigration consequences to Attorney Murphy in the future."

Allison C. Abilheira headshot
Allison Abilheira

Criminal defense lawyer | May 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"You could not ask for a better attorney than Stefanie Murphy. Stefanie truly cares about each and every one of her clients. She will work tirelessly to represent your interests and has the knowledge and expertise to earn you a victory."

James E Smith Esq headshot
James Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've had the pleasure of working on a matter with Stephanie and am looking forward to working with her on another in the near future. She has a keen legal mind, is one of the most intelligent attorneys I know and I'd call her if I ever needed help!"

Michael John Zarrella headshot
Michael Zarrella

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Stefanie for 10 years. I have seen her in court and have worked with her on many cases. She is an excellent attorney and would highly recommend her."

Nicholas Anthony Solitro headshot
Nicholas Solitro

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Stefanie and regularly refer clients to her. I've only heard good things from her clients."

View All Endorsements
Michael John Zarrella headshot
Michael Zarrella

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

1997

All American Swimmer, All American Swimmer

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Partner, Marin & Murphy Law Firm

Associations

2005 - Present

Newport Bar Association

Member

2005 - Present

Rhode Island Bar Association

Member

2005 - Present

American Bar Association

Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

National College for DUI Defense

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. [Client] - Domestic Violence Charges DISMISSED

DISMISSED - All domestic violence charges dropped

State v. [Client] - First Offense DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving

AMENDED to Reckless Driving - Avoided DUI conviction and license suspension

State v. [Client] - Chemical Test Refusal DISMISSED

DISMISSED - All charges dropped, no license suspension

State v. Derek Winslow - Murder Acquittal

NOT GUILTY - Complete acquittal on all murder charges

Providence Superior Court

Not guilty jury verdict

See More Legal Cases

Education

2005

Roger Williams Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

2001

College of the Holy Cross

BA - Bachelor of Arts

N/A

Catholic Law School

Speaking Engagements

2015

Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy

Chemical Refusal

2014

Police Department

Fourth Amendment

2013

Police Department

DUI/Refusal

2011

Roger Williams School of Law

DUI

Publications

2016

Marin & Murphy Law Firm Rhode Island Law Blog

2011

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education New England Second Offense Refusals

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution