Legal Services & Lawyers

Over the past year, 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 Islandâs 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, motions to expunge, and district court arraignments.

Kate 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.

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, 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).

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 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.

I want you to feel that you have an Attorney for life. When your life's problems call for legal advice or representation, I will be there to help. If your problem reaches into an area of the Law that I don't ordinarily work with, I will be happy to recommend an Attorney whose focus lies in that area or if necessary bring in an Attorney who specializes in that area of the Law to assist us with your problem. I like to think that my clients can count on me as their "Attorney for Life", whatever problems may arise in the future.

http://www.Rhode-Island-Divorce.com

Elisha L. Morris is an experienced attorney focusing on family law, immigration law and personal injury. Ms. Morris has successfully handled cases involving divorce, custody, child support, and visitation. She is aware that each case requires special attention and is ready to pursue either the amicable settlement or the aggressive court battle. Furthermore, Ms. Morris understands that family law issues are personal and emotional. She has the compassion and understanding to work hard to minimize the financial and emotional impact which such cases have upon her clients. She is a member of the Rhode Island Family Court Bench Bar as well as the Family Law Inns of Court.

Ms. Morris represents clients in various immigration matters including deportation defense, adjustment applications, petitions to remove the conditions on residence and naturalization applications. She represents clients in the Providence Immigration Office and the Boston Immigration Court. Ms. Morris has obtained outstanding results in the Boston Immigration Court including termination of proceedings and cancellation of removal.

Ms. Morris represents clients who suffer personal injuries, lost wages and pain and suffering as a result of automobile accidents. She recognizes the effect an automobile accident or other personal injury may have upon an individual and their family. Ms. Morris will obtain the maximize recovery in the shortest time possible.

Among educational achievements, Ms. Morris graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and then summa cum laude from Providence College Liberal Arts Honors Program. She went on to attend Roger Williams University School of Law, where she graduated in the top quarter of her class and won best oral advocate as part of the school's moot court competition. Throughout the years, Ms. Morris interned with several firms in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts where she gained experience in criminal, civil, and family court matters. While in law school, she participated in an internship as a clerk for Chief Justice Williams of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, which enabled her to focus on legal research, writing, and appellate advocacy. Ms. Morris is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts of Rhode Island.

General Practice of Law. My main areas of practice include trials and appeals in federal and state courts, including personal injuries, wrongful deaths, medical malpractice and nursing home neglect; public utility law; education law; property tax law; administrative hearings; real estate; and general corporate and commercial matters.

General practice attorney with concentration in Business, Real Estate, Criminal, Family and Personal Injury Law.

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.

Lawyer and advocate for over 20 years with representation in all Courts in Rhode Island. Recognized as serving the Highest Traditions of the Legal Profession by the Rhode Island Bar Association; Member of the Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. Bar Associations.

Mr. Bernardo has been practicing law for 25 years in Rhode Island. He has helped thousands of people in buying, selling and refinancing real estate both in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Mr. Bernardo has also vigorously defended many clients charged with DUI/DWI, Refusal, Assault, Drug Offenses and many other criminal matters. He is available for free consultations and does accept payment plans.