Christopher S. Gontarz

Christopher S. Gontarz

Google Rating

5.0(72 reviews)

  • 26 Washington Square Newport, RI 02840
  • +1-401-846-3306
  • No email available
Victims’ Rights, Criminal Law

About:

Partner concentrating in criminal and civil litigation in State District & Superior Courts and Federal Courts. Trial attorney in over one thousand cases in Newport County Superior&District Court; trial and appellate attorney in Ims v. Town of Portsmouth, 32 A.3 914 (2011)(civil conspiracy and whistleblower act); State v. Gordon, 30 A.3 636 (2011) (sexual assault, kidnapping) State v. Schloesser, 940 A.2d 637 (2007) (child molestation); State v. Edwards, 810 A.2d 226 (2002),cert denied 123 S.Ct. 1808 (2003) (first degree murder; life without parole);Backman v. King, (mem) 636 A.2d 729 (1993):Carpenter v. State, 796 A.2d 1071 (2002) (post conviction relief); State v. Silvia, 798 A.2d 419 (2002) (child molestation); In re DiLuglio, 839 A.2d 514 (2004)( attorney misconduct); In re Coaty, 985 A2. 1020 (2010) (attorney misconduct). Appellate attorney in State v. Gomez, 848 A.2d 221 (2004)(first degree murder) State v. Sanchez-Collins, 921 A.2d 96(2007)(first degree murder, life without parole); McVeigh v. State, 937A.2d 1183(2007) (post conviction relief); State v Palmer,962 A.2d 758(2009)(first degree robbery). In re Steven D, et al, 23 A.3 1138 (2011) (overturning order terminating parental rights); State v. Bunnell, 47 A.3d 220 (2012) (second degree murder); State v. Botas, 71 A.3d 430 (2012) (assault by correctional officer). State v Young, 78 A.3d 787 (2013) (first degree murder); Motyka v State, 91 A.3d 351 (2014)(post conviction relief); Davis v State, 124 A.3d 428 (2015)(post conviction relief); In re Jake G, 126 A.3d 450 (2015) (termination of parental rights). In re Fisher, 175 A.3d 490 (2018) (attorney misconduct); In re Casale, 176 A.3d 1112 (2018) (attorney misconduct); In re Kimmel & Silverman, P.C., 2019-444-MP (2019) (unauthorized practice of law); State v Segrain, 253 A.3d 1255 (2021)(probation violation&firearm conviction);Ciniglia v Strom,141 S.Ct. 1596 (2021) Amicus Curiae Brief (4th amendment & community caretaker exception for wellness check by PD).

Jurisdiction:Massachusetts, Rhode Island, 1st Circuit, 2nd Circuit, Federal Circuit, Federal Circuit, U.S. Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

Practice Area

Victims’ Rights

Explains survivor rights in criminal cases, including notices, attendance, restitution, privacy, protection orders, and input at bail, plea, sentencing, and post-conviction hearings.

Criminal Law

Guides reporting, evidence, bail conditions, no-contact orders, prosecutions or defenses, and record sealing, centering survivor safety and informed participation across the criminal process.

Languages

English

Fees

Free Consultation

Education

New England Law
1984

Awards

Lawyers of the Year
Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly
2011
Dorothy Lohmann Community Service Award
Rhode Island Bar Association
2008
Member
Lawyers of Distinction
2018
Lawyer of the Yaer, Criminal Law
Corporate Live Wire
2014
Super Lawyer
Rhode Island Monthly
2014
Joseph T. Houlihan Lifetime Mentor Award
Rhode Island Bar Association
2017

Associations

Member
The American Law Institute
2017 - Present
Chairman, Board of Directors
Tides Family Services
2005 - Present
Member
New York City Bar Association
2012 - Present
House of Delegates
Rhode Island Bar Association
1984 - Present
Member
New York Athletic Club
2009 - Present
Fellow
American Bar Association
1984 - Present
House of Delegates Executive Committee
Rhode Island Bar Assocaition
2014 - Present
Board Member
Roger Williams University School of Justice Advisory Board
1998 - Present
Member
NewYork City Bar Association
2012 - Present
Life Fellow
American Bar Foundation
2014 - Present
Member
Massachusetts Bar Association
2009 - Present
Member
Rhode Island State Bar
1984 - Present
Member
Association of Professional Responsiblity Lawyers
2018 - Present
Board of Directors
Martin de Porres, New York City
2009 - Present
Member
Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
1994 - Present
Member
The Federalist Society
1998 - Present
Board of Directors
St. Thomas More Society
1998 - Present
Past President
Newport County Bar Association
1984 - Present

Reviews


RATED 5.0

Aug 10, 2024Googlevia Google

Brandon Orellana

"S.Joshua Macktaz, Esq. services were great! They were able to help me, I m very satisfied and thankful for their help. I’ve also recommended their services to two more friends whom are as thankful as me."

RATED 5.0

Aug 10, 2024Googlevia Google

Edward Knight

"Josh was helpful from beginning to end; He explained every thing thoroughly, and guided me through the process. I would recommend him to anyone."

RATED 5.0

Aug 10, 2024Googlevia Google

Cristina Mancone

"Extremely happy with the outcome of our situation! Josh is very straight forward, he took care of everything and was very reliable. Would definitely recommend and would use again."

RATED 5.0

Aug 10, 2024Googlevia Google

Catherine Burdick

RATED 5.0

Aug 10, 2024Googlevia Google

Rich N

"From the start of Josh representing me. He was courteous and always in communication with me. He is professional in every aspect and would break down exactly what and how things would be taken care of. I honestly feel if I have not retained Josh as my legal counsel I would not be where I am today. I would recommend him to anyone who is in need of an exceptional attorney. I honestly can’t express enough in words how I was to find such an experienced attorney."