Legal Services & Lawyers

Over the past few years, Attorney Kate Godin has enjoyed several major successes in representing criminal defendants. From trying (and winning) a multiple count child molestation trial, to obtaining a dismissal in a child abuse case, Kate has shown that she is willing to challenge the State at every turn. In fact, Kate recently helped (successfully) challenge a provision of the Penalties section of Rhode Island’s Sexual Offender Registration and Community Notification Act, R.I.G.L. §§ 11-37.1-1 et seq. After writing three legal memoranda and a filing civil complaint in the case, Superior Court Presiding Judge Rodgers found that R.I.G.L. § 11-37.1-10(c) was an unconstitutional Taking as it applied to the client. In addition to significant results in major felony cases, Kate has also represented several clients in 32(f) proceedings (violation of probation hearings), bail hearings, motions to expunge, and district court misdemeanors.

Attorney Godin is a member of the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Rhode Island Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Bar Associations, the Rhode Island Association for Justice, and is a recent graduate of the National Criminal Defense College. She is licensed to practice in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts state courts, as well as in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island.

Kate Godin was recently selected as one of Rhode Island's "Rising Stars" of 2010 by SuperLawyers.com (as a result of both peer nominations and third-party evaluations).

Kate graduated fourth in her class, magna cum laude, from Roger Williams University School of Law. During her time at Roger Williams, Kate strove for the best academic and practical legal experience she could receive. From teaching law to high school seniors at Cranston East in Roger Williams’ “Street Law” program, to becoming a semi-finalist in the law school’s Moot Court competition, to becoming a co-captain of the Roger Williams’ Trial Team, Kate took full advantage of the wonderful opportunities her legal education had to offer. As a law student, Kate completed internships with the United States Attorney’s Office in Providence, criminal defense attorney (and R.I. Lawyers Weekly’s Lawyer of the Year in 2008) George J. West, Providence Superior Court Justice Daniel A. Procaccini, and United States District Court Judge Ernest C. Torres. She also helped research and write two published law review articles for her professors, drafted several appellate briefs to the Rhode Island Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the First and Second Circuits, and has done extensive research in the areas of medical malpractice, housing, race relations, Constitutional and International law. She authored a 100-page article on the deficiencies of the Criminal Justice System (which is available for download here), and has aided in the submission of two amicus curie briefs: one to the Rhode Island Supreme Court in the Lead Hazard Mitigation Act case of Mackie v. State, 936 A.2d 588 (R.I. 2007), and the other to the United States Supreme Court in the Exxon Valdez oil spill case of Exxon v. Baker , 128 S.Ct. 2605 (2008).

Before law school, Kate developed her focus and strong work ethic during her time as eight-time high school National Champion in the hammer and 20-pound weight throws. Throughout high school and college, Kate competed against national record-holders and Olympians, even beating the 2000 Olympic gold medalist at the Junior World Championship in Santiago, Chile at the age of sixteen. She received training at the United States Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA, and from world record-holder Yuri Sedykh. She is a former high school national record-holder, and a NCAA finalist. Finishing her athletic career upon graduation with distinction from the Pennsylvania State University (where she obtained a double major in Crime, Law, & Justice and Sociology, and a minor in Women’s Studies), Kate left behind her passion for athletic competition for a career in criminal law and litigation.

Kate Godin knows how to handle responsibility and adversity. She knows how to stay focused under the highest levels of pressure, and how to perform against the strongest of competitors. Her belief in the ideals of the Constitution and the foundation of the Criminal Justice System makes her a passionate and dedicated criminal defense attorney, and her constant desire to further her legal education and improve her researching, writing and litigation skills makes her capable of achieving positive results in various areas of the law.

To contact Attorney Godin, please call The Law Offices of Katherine Godin, Inc. at (401) 274-2423, or email her at kg@katherinegodinlaw.com.

Kevin O. Hagan, Esq. is an attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts providing representation in DWI, DUI, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Family Law. Attorney Hagan served 6 years as a Rhode Island Special Assistant Attorney General. As a prosecutor, Attorney Hagan prosecuted hundreds of major crimes including child abuse, homicide, robbery and white collar crime. As a criminal defense attorney, Kevin has defended clients charged with all forms of capital offenses, major felonies and misdemeanors. Attorney Hagan has successfully litigated family law cases, personal injury cases, DUI cases and criminal cases of every kind.

Matthew L. Fabisch, Esq. is an attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Attorney Fabisch focuses his practice on appellate, criminal defense, bankruptcy, estate planning, commercial litigation and small business advising.

Attorney Fabisch has clerked for the Rhode Island Supreme Court Law Clerks Department, serving with the trial courts of both Washington and Providence counties. After clerking, Fabisch served as an associate at a regional insurance defense firm, before starting Fabisch Law. Fabisch Law is focused on providing clients practical, cost effective, solutions to their legal problems. Whether you want to start a business, protect your family's assets, or defend your rights in court, Attorney Fabisch works to solve your legal problems by rendering quality legal services at fair prices. Integrity, excellence, dedication, and common sense are the core values around which Attorney Fabisch bases his representation of clients.

Michael L. Mineau joined the firm of Kristine S. Trocki, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, LLC as an associate attorney in May 2010. Michael earned his J.D. from Roger Williams University School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from Miami University in Oxford, OH. He is admitted to practice in both Rhode Island state court and the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Michael's primary practice areas include: Contract Drafting & Negotiations; Corporate & Business Law; Estate Planning; Real Estate Transactions & Conveyancing; Probate; Landlord-Tenant Law & Evictions; Nonprofit Organizations; Admiralty & Maritime Law; and Collections.

Michael is licensed as a title agent by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and is a member of the American Bar Association, Rhode Island Bar Association, Newport County Chamber of Commerce, and Jamestown Chamber of Commerce. Michael also serves on the Technology in the Practice and the Title Standards Committees of the Rhode Island Bar Association.

Melissa Larsen is an experienced trial attorney and former state prosecutor who brings over a decade of experience in criminal and family law and financial planning to her practice, offering you result-driven representation for your legal issues.

The principal focus of Attorney Larsen's practice is criminal defense. She offers experienced representation in all types of criminal cases, and brings a wealth of experience from her work as a Special Assistant Attorney General in Rhode Island to provide you with the best defense possible. Areas of expertise include: DUI, Domestic Violence, Cyber Crime, Felony Assault, Sexual Assault & Child Molestation, Drug-related Crime, Fraud, Post Conviction Relief and Expungements of Records.

Attorney Larsen also possesses an intricate knowledge in the areas of estate planning and fiduciary issues and can prepare your will, trusts, power of attorney and living will. Also, Attorney Larsen is available to help with your needs in Family Court and all types of personal injury cases.

Mr. Rui P. Alves is admitted to practice in all State and Federal Courts in Rhode Island, as well as, all State Courts in Massachusetts. For detailed practice areas, click here. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the College of Criminal Justice at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, he went on to obtain a Juris Doctor from the Roger Williams University School of Law. Mr. Alves also attended the Catholic University of Portugal, School of Law in Lisbon, focusing on European Union law.

Prior to forming Alves Law, Mr. Alves was an associate at the prestigious Rhode Island Law Firm of Schreiber & Schreiber, P. C., specializing in all types of litigation. Mr. Alves worked with former special assistant Rhode Island Attorney General S. Joshua Macktaz. Also, Prior to being admitted to practice law, Mr. Alves worked at Citizens Financial Group, Inc., in the Legal Department, dealing with complex corporate governance, money laundering, check fraud and corporate law issues.

For many years, Mr. Alves worked as a Senior Criminal Clerk and Interpreter in District Court for the Rhode Island Judiciary. Working daily in the criminal court rooms, as well as, providing interpreter services to Spanish and Portuguese criminal defendants helped to expand his knowledge of criminal law and procedure.

Prior to working for the Rhode Island Courts, Mr. Alves assisted victims of domestic violence as a Court Advocate for the Women's Center of Rhode Island.

Mr. Alves has been involved in the national music industry, working with various record labels such as Def Jam Recordings, Columbia Records, Sony Records and Bad Boy Records. His work intended to working with music publications such the Source Magazine and Mix Tape Magazine.

While residing in Massachusetts, Mr. Alves was employed by the Boston Police Department, in the Research Division analyzing crime patters and trends. In addition, while working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) in the Field Services Division assisting both State and Federal law enforcement authorities in their use of the national and local criminal records databases.

Mr. Alves is native of Portugal and speaks fluent Portuguese and Spanish. He resides in Providence, where he has lived most of his life. Mr. Alves serves on the Board of Directors for the Samaritans of Rhode Island and the Friends of Rochambeau Library on the East Side of Providence.

Practice Areas
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The law firm of Rui P. Alves, Esq. provides legal representation and services in the following areas of practice:

- Divorce

In Rhode Island, when a divorce petition is filed with the Family Court, one must check off if it will be a nominal (all issues are resolved between the parties) or contested (all or some issues will be disputed). Nominal divorces are usually resolved much quicker leading the parties to obtain a final divorce decree in a matter of months. Contested divorces tend to span much longer and as a result become much more time consuming for the parties and their respective attorneys.

- Criminal Defense

Whether you have been charged with a serious felony or a minor misdemeanor, we treat all our clients the same. From the moment you hire us, first, we will begin to formulate a plan of defense based upon the facts of your case and the controlling law. Second, we provide realistic advice on what you will expect to encounter from the moment you enter the courthouse, until your case is resolved. Our knowledge extends beyond the law to local procedures and day to day courthouse developments.

- Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol driving related offenses can have a large impact both in the short and long term. People obtain information from various sources and most times those sources are not attorneys. If you have been charged with such a crime or violation, an attorney can provide very valuable advice regarding how these charges will impact your life.

From the moment you hire us, first, we will begin to formulate a plan of defense based upon the facts of your case and the controlling law. Second, we provide realistic advice on what you will expect to encounter from the moment you enter the courthouse, until your case is resolved. Our knowledge extends beyond the law to local procedures and day to day courthouse developments.

- Motor Vehicle Accidents

From the moment you contact us, we will work very hard to get the best result for your auto accident. At your free initial consultation, we will meet you at one of our local offices, the hospital or your home. During this meeting, you will learn how we use years of experience to maximize your recovery to fully compensate you for your injury. You may be entitled to pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.

- Immigration

We are a full service immigration law firm practice, providing assistance with:

* Deportation Defense
* Permanent Residence
* Naturalization
* Citizenship
* Work Permits

Whether you or a loved one are applying to enter this country or naturalization/citizenship, we can help by providing our vast knowledge and experience to reaching your goal.

Our firm handles deportation cases that have arisen from a number of sources. When you or loved one are placed in to situation where you may be excluded from ever reentering this country, it can be a very difficult task. We explore all avenues to make the process most effective for you. Moreover, if your deportation comes from a criminal conviction, are team is experienced in post conviction relief and other legal remedies which may stop a deportation proceeding.

24 Years Criminal Defense Experience
Experience Matters

Nelson Law Office is a general practice law firm serving the residents of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We can represent you in your civil or criminal case today. Our two locations make visiting us convenient no matter where you live. We offer a free initial consultation for all legal matters.

Fogarty Law Office, at the Providence/Cranston line, is conveniently located in the Calart Tower with free handicapped accessible parking.
A General Practice firm that represents you in all phases of your life, including but not limited to Divorce, Child Suport and Custody, Land use and Zoning, Wills, Trust and Estate Planning, Civil Lititgation, Collections.

David Slepkow is a Rhode Island (RI) attorney / lawyer concentrating in divorce, family law, child support, child custody, personal injury, slip and fall, evictions, automobile / car accidents , prenuptial agrements, post divorce, child visitation, criminal law and litigation. Free initial consultations. Evening and weekend appointments available. Credit Cards accepted. David is also licensed in federal Court and Massachusetts(ma).

25 plus years concentrating in the most severe and high pressure criminal defense cases: murder, robbery, sexual assault, kidnapping, assaults with dangerous weapons and with specific intent to rob, murder or rape; major drug dealing, serious gun charges, etc.

You won't find a more direct, aggressive or straight-talking lawyer with results and decades of experience.

If you are in trouble, we can help you.