John E. MacDonald

John E. MacDonald is a Providence attorney with more than 30 years of experience in state and federal criminal defense, immigration matters, and post-conviction relief. His criminal practice has included capital murder, child molestation, sexual assault, felony assault, domestic assault, patient abuse, and bank, mail, and wire fraud cases. MacDonald also represents clients whose criminal histories create immigration consequences, requiring careful analysis across criminal and immigration law.

MacDonald earned a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School in 1995 and a B.A. from the University of Rhode Island in 1990. He was admitted to practice in Rhode Island in 1995 and Massachusetts in 2002. His education and decades in practice support work involving constitutional rights, criminal procedure, immigration consequences, appellate or post-conviction issues, and the detailed legal research needed to challenge prior convictions or defend serious charges.

MacDonald’s immigration work includes matters involving permanent residence and naturalization, as well as representation connected to the Providence immigration office and Boston Immigration Court. His post-conviction practice includes efforts to vacate convictions when prior criminal cases create continuing legal consequences. He has also served as president of the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

John E. MacDonald has written on Rhode Island criminal defense practice and brings extensive courtroom and post-conviction experience to clients facing serious legal problems. His work often requires coordination between criminal procedure, immigration rules, and the lasting effects of past convictions. He helps clients evaluate charges, prior cases, and immigration risks while developing strategies for defense, relief, or status-related proceedings in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and federal forums.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Law Office of John E. MacDonald, Inc
• Member, Rhode Island Bar Association
• Member, Massachusetts Bar Association
• Former President, Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Licensed State

• Rhode Island
• Massachusetts

Education

• Suffolk University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Rhode Island
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges