S Joshua Macktaz

S Joshua Macktaz

also known as S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

5.0
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 32 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Cranston, RI
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

1000 Chapel View Blvd Suite 260, Cranston, RI

About S Joshua

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

I am a former Rhode Island Special Assistant Attorney General from 1993-1997. During those years I prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases ranging from disorderly conduct to first degree murder in every Rhode Island County. This unique experience has allowed me a wealth of knowledge not readily available to the average Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorney. Since 1997 I have been applying all that I learned as a prosecutor in order to better benefit my private clients.

34 years | 15,000 cases

50%
DUI and DWI 50%

34 years | 15,000 cases

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Rhode Island for 32 years

State: Rhode Island

Acquired: 1993

Active

No misconduct found

Location

S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

1000 Chapel View Blvd Suite 260, Cranston, RI, 02920

S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

37 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI, 02840

S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

33 College Hill Road Suite 15G, Warwick, RI, 02886

S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

176 Eddie Dowling Highway Suite 202, North Smithfield, RI, 02896

S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

127 Dorrance Street, Penthouse Suite, Providence, RI, 02903

S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

140 Point Judith Road, Suite 28, Narragansett, RI, 02882

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

S Joshua Macktaz's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

27 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (27) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 27 reviews

Posted by Lee | December 19, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best Lawyer

I’m forever grateful that I retained Joshua Macktaz to represent in my first infraction with the law. From our first phone call, Josh was steady, calm, reassuring, and highly professional. He is a highly respected attorney who helped me to navigate one of the most difficult times of my life. He deli...vered on every promises. Do not hesitate to retain his services.

Posted by Ed | October 11, 2021 | Hired Attorney

Best lawyer! Total professional

Joshua Macktaz is an excellent lawyer. We could not be happier with him. He made a really difficult situation so much better. He promptly returned every email or phone call. We give him the highest recommendation possible.

Posted by Jhoney | March 25, 2021 | Hired Attorney

Outstanding

Josh was very professional and explained everything to me in full detail. Communication was outstanding, he kept me up to date on my case so I knew what was going on. I can’t say enough good things about josh.

Posted by Michael S. | January 15, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

DUI

S. Josh Macktaz is by far without a doubt, the best choice for your criminal defense attorney. We were referred to him by a family member that had great deal of success with Josh as his lawyer. Now, not ever having the need for a lawyer for any reason in our lives... this was a very upsetting and d...istressing and emotional situation. We gave Josh a call and he immediately got us in for a consultation. He really put our minds at ease as soon as we walked into his office. His professionalism and ability to explain everything about what is ahead of us is unparalleled. He detailed the entire process and gave us his word that everything would work out in our best interest and as good of an outcome as we can expect. He was right!!! All the charges that would effect us adversely were dropped. Only one month without being able to drive. No criminal charges...All records of this this DUI expunged.... Ten hours of community service and six months with a car interlocking device. We can’t thank Josh enough for his for his help and his compassion with our family.

Posted by Ryan | November 15, 2019 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Very honest Attorney

Joshua provided me with excellent legal advice in regards to a violation for failure to report an accident. He is very knowledgeable and his advice along with his understanding of the RI legal system really helped to calm my nerves during a troublesome time.

See All Client Reviews

S Joshua Macktaz's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse S Joshua
Joseph P. Marasco headshot
Joseph Marasco

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Josh has helped out several of my clients through the years. He does a great job !"

Nicholas James Parrillo headshot
Nicholas Parrillo

Criminal defense lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Josh is one of the first attorneys I go to whenever I have a question about criminal defense or DUI defense because he absolutely knows this stuff cold."

Donna M. Nesselbush headshot
Donna Nesselbush

Unknown lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Josh Macktaz for a very long time. In fact, I met him through his wonderful mother who is a respected and retired Family Court Judge. Josh has followed in his mother’s footsteps as a competent, respected attorney, always willing to help but with the knowledge and zest to make a real difference for his clients."

Michael F. Campopiano headshot
Michael Campopiano

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I fully endorse Attorney Macktaz. I have known Josh for 15 years and can confidently say he is a skilled attorney and I would trust him with any criminal matter."

Christopher J. Biafore headshot
Christopher Biafore

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Makctaz is a very competent and experienced attorney. He works very hard for his clients and he receives excellent results. I fully endorse Josh for any criminal or DUI matter."

Lawrence J. Signore headshot
Lawrence Signore

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Joshua Macktaz for his Legal skills, work ethic, knowledge of the law and respect along the Legal community. You will be well served and in great Counsel with Josh at the helm as he navigates you through your legal situation."

Jude Kerrison headshot
Jude Kerrison

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An attorney as well-known and widely respected as Josh should need no further endorsement however I have seen first hand the talent and skill that he brings as an advocate for his clients. I have the utmost confidence in his abilities as a criminal defense attorney."

Barry Thomas Simons headshot
Barry Simons

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have interacted with Attorney Macktaz on social media platforms on all issues related to DUI/DWI defense. He is as knowledgeable and as experienced as any other lawyer I have encountered and I endorse S. Joshua Macktaz highly."

Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Mr. Macktaz. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first."

Robert Patrick Link headshot
Robert Link

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have interacted with Joshua Macktaz professionally for over two years and have seen first hand what a talented, aggressive and accessible lawyer he is. He has truly earned the numerous accolades as one of the top DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Rhode Island and has a national reputation for excellence."

Peter Francis Iocona headshot
Peter Iocona

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Macktaz on social media platforms and I find him to be highly skilled, intelligent and posts material that is engaging and relevant to the areas of our practices. I fully endorse Mr. Macktaz as a quality defense attorney."

Scott Douglas Lewis headshot
Scott Lewis

Unknown lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

William Walter Hurst headshot
William Hurst

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I fully endorse attorney S Joshua Macktaz. He is a dedicated and hard working criminal defense lawyer. His peers and clients respect him. He provides exceptional service to his clients."

Salim John Sheikh headshot
Salim Sheikh

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Mackatz is experienced and knowledgeable. I have been an active reader of his online posts for some time. His national presence via social media allows him to educate and influence current legal issues. Attorney Mackatz is hard working and is actively involved with his clients. I highly endorse this lawyer."

David A. Cmelik headshot
David Cmelik

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"S. Joshua Macktaz is a genuine person with a keen legal mind and an aptitude for zealous advocacy. His insights are sought after among other attorneys in our profession. Endorsed."

Steven M. Cron headshot
Steven Cron

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney Josh Macktaz. He is a highly experienced attorney that has a proven track record of success. Widely respected by his current and former clients as well as his colleagues in the legal industry."

Mary Frances Prevost headshot
Mary Prevost

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've come to know Josh Macktaz over the past six months. We have gone back and forth arguing over issues regarding criminal defense. He exhibits a high intellect, and a great ability to argue his point. I would easily and confidently refer any criminal cases I get to Josh Macktaz."

Michael Aaron Goldstein headshot
Michael Goldstein

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney S Joshua Macktaz. Highly skilled, hard working, and dedicated to the success of his clients."

Dmitry Gorin headshot
Dmitry Gorin

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney S Joshua Macktaz. He is hard working, skilled and respected among his colleagues in the legal community."

John E. Dobogai III headshot
John Dobogai

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If you are facing criminal or DUI charges in RI, call a qualified and aggressive attorney; his name is S. Joshua Macktaz"

View All Endorsements
Nicholas James Parrillo headshot
Nicholas Parrillo

Criminal defense lawyer

John P Larochelle headshot
John Larochelle

Criminal defense lawyer

Tanya Melissa Gravel headshot
Tanya Gravel

Family lawyer

John R. Bernardo III headshot
John Bernardo

Criminal defense lawyer

Rui P. Alves headshot
Rui Alves

Family lawyer

David Slepkow headshot
David Slepkow

Family lawyer

Lawrence J. Signore headshot
Lawrence Signore

Workers compensation lawyer

Michael F. Campopiano headshot
Michael Campopiano

Personal injury lawyer

Joseph P. Marasco headshot
Joseph Marasco

Personal injury lawyer

Donna M. Nesselbush headshot
Donna Nesselbush

Personal injury lawyer

Thomas L. Moran headshot
Thomas Moran

Personal injury lawyer

Jude Kerrison headshot
Jude Kerrison

Workers compensation lawyer

William Walter Hurst headshot
William Hurst

Personal injury lawyer

Barry Thomas Simons headshot
Barry Simons

DUI and DWI lawyer

Peter Francis Iocona headshot
Peter Iocona

Criminal defense lawyer

Scott Douglas Lewis headshot
Scott Lewis

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Salim John Sheikh headshot
Salim Sheikh

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Patrick Link headshot
Robert Link

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.7 (Superb)

Honors

2018

BV Distinguished Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Client's Choice, Avvo

2017

BV Distinguished Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

BV Distinguished Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

BV Distinguished Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

BV Distinguished Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

BV Distinguished Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Top DUI Attorney, Rhode Island Magazine

2012

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2005

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1992

American Jurisprudence Award, Rhode Island Law School: Suffolk University

Work Experience

1997 - Present

Sole Practitioner, The Law Offices of S. Joshua Macktaz, Esquire

1993 - 1997

Special Assistant Attorney General, Rhode Island Attorney Generals Office

1990 - 1990

Intern, Chittenden County Public Defender

Associations

2010 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2010 - Present

DUI Defense Lawyers Association

Member

1997 - Present

Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1997 - Present

Newport Bar Association

Member

1990 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

1990 - Present

Rhode Island Bar Associtaion

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

DUI > .15

Reduced to Reckless Driving and No Loss of License

Driving Under the Influence .10-.15

Reduced to Reckless Driving and No Loss of License

Disorderly Conduct

Dismissed

Possession of Marijuana

DISMISSED AND The Cranston Police were ordered to return 29.5 grams of marijuana that was seized from Client.

Driving Under the Influence 1st Offense; Breathalyzer Refusal 2nd Offense

DUI: REDUCED to Reckless Driving with no loss of license. 2nd REFUSAL: DISMISSED

Domestic Disorderly Conduct; Domestic Malicious Damage to Property

Domestic Malicious Damage: DISMISSED Domestic Disorderly Conduct: DISMISSED

Domestic Assault and Battery; Domestic Vandalism; Failure to Relinquish Phone

Domestic Assault and Battery: DISMISSED Domestic Vandalism: DISMISSED Failure to Relinquish Phone: DISMISSED

DUI (Second offense); Breathalyzer Refusal

DUI (Second offense) REDUCED to Reckless Driving with NO LOSS of license. Breathalyzer Refusal: DISMISSED

Breathalyzer Refusal; Right Half of Roadway; Lane Roadway Violation; Driving an Unsafe Vehicle; Failing to Notify Authorities

Count One: DISMISSED Count Two: DISMISSED Count Three: DISMISSED Count Four: DISMISSED Count Five: DISMISSED

See More Legal Cases

Education

1993

Rhode Island Law School: Suffolk University

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

University of Vermont

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

Rhode Island Police Municipal Training Academy

DUI

2015

Criminal Justice Class

Criminal Defense

2014

Rhode Island Police Municipal Training Academy

DUI

2013

Rhode Island Police Municipal Training Academy

DUI

2012

Rhode Island Police Municipal Training Academy

DUI

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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