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About Michael
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
- Criminal defense: 60%
26 years, 3,500 cases
- DUI and DWI: 25%
26 years, 400 cases
- Domestic violence: 15%
26 years, 500 cases
Languages spoken
Spanish
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Contact
127 Dorrance Street
Providence, RI, 02903
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| RI | Authorized to practice law | 1995 | 02/08/2021 |
| Legal answers | 35 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 2015 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney | Law Offices of Michael J. Zarrella | 1995 - Present |
| Rule 40 Prosecutor | Rhode Island Department Of Attorney General | 1993 - 1993 |
| Legal Intern | Rhode Island Department Of Attorney General | 1992 - 1992 |
| Legislative Aid | Representative Jack Reed's Office | 1991 - 1991 |
| Administrative assistant | City of Providence-Mayor Office | 1990 - 1990 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Bar Association | N/A | 1995 - Present |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | N/A | 1995 - Present |
| Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | N/A | 1994 - Present |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island DWI and Criminal Defense Blog | Winning a DUI case even with a failed breathtest | 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 | Rhode Island DUI, Refusals and Ignition Interlock Devices | 2015 |
| Rhode Island DWI and Criminal Defense Blog | Preventing Convictions Under the Rhode Island Colin Foote Law | 2014 |
|---|
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1994 |
| Springfield College | BS | 1990 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Justice with Judge Jeanine | Woodmansee and the good time | 2011 |
| Woonsocket High School | Law Day | 2008 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|
Best Lawyer
Posted by Tracey
Mon Dec 09 2019
Exceptional Lawyer
Posted by Tracey
Wed Mar 07 2018
Professional
Posted by anonymous
Tue Nov 03 2015
Great lawyer
Posted by anonymous
Fri Sep 25 2015
DUI
Posted by Megan
Wed May 27 2015
Highly reccomended
Posted by Taylor
Wed May 06 2015
Should have went with Mike First!
Posted by M. Rose
Sun Mar 22 2015
Brilliant!
Posted by anonymous
Mon Feb 16 2015
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Attorney endorsements
(17)Kathleen Nee, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 3, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Mike is a great lawyer. He's not afraid to take a case to trial and has a high winning percentage.
Thomas Thomasian, Criminal defense Attorney on May 27, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Allison Abilheira, Criminal defense Attorney on May 11, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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!
James Smith, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 29, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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!
Kara Hoopis Manosh, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 3, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
James Callaghan, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 3, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Mike has a great amount of experience and success in all felony and misdemeanor matters. Excellent attorney on all fronts.
Stefanie Murphy, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 1, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike is a wonderful attorney who is impressive in the courtroom especially on trial. I would recommend him and often refer clients to him.
Danielle Menard, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 1, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I know Mike to be a great defense lawyer and DUI lawyer
Amy Coleman, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 31, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike is an excellent attorney and is extremely passionate about what he does. I am always impressed with his commitment to his clients.
Scott Lutes, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 30, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike, is a great lawyer. I endorse him fully.
Leanne Zarrella, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 29, 2015
Relationship: Family member
I endorse this lawyer.
Matthew Dawson, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 28, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Michael Brandt, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 28, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Allan Fung, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 28, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
Christopher Hultquist, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 26, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Olin Thompson, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 24, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Matthew Marin, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 19, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Cost
- No cost information available.