Our Attorneys

Practice Areas

Education

B.S. Business Administration, Boston University (1986); J.D., New England School of Law (1989)

Bar Admissions & Memberships

American Association for Justice, Rhode Island Trial Lawyers Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National American Bar Association, Justinian Law Society of Rhode Island (Board of Directors), Sons of Italy, Loggia Victoria Lodge #585, University Club of Rhode Island, Aurora Civic Association, R.I. Reds Baseball, Board of Directors

Awards & Recognition

• •Top 100 Attorneys - The National Trial Lawyers
• •Top 10 - National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
• •Top 10 - American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
• •Lifetime Achievement Award - Top 100 Lawyers / America's Top 100 Lawyers (2020)
• •Top 1% of Attorneys - National Association of Distinguished Counsel (2022)

Public Service

• •Rhode Island State Representative, Town of Johnston (1995-2007)
• •Johnston School Committee Member (1992-1995)
• •Assistant Town Solicitor, Town of Johnston
• •Rhode Island Supreme Court Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee (Past Member)

About

Joseph J. Voccola has established himself as one of the premier criminal defense attorneys in Rhode Island. With more than three decades of legal experience, his primary concentration is criminal law, where he has earned statewide and national recognition for his skill, dedication, and results. Mr. Voccola graduated from Boston University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and earned his Juris Doctor degree from New England School of Law in 1989. Throughout his career, Mr. Voccola has been consistently recognized by leading legal organizations, including selection as one of The National Trial Lawyers' Top 100 Attorneys, Top 10 recognition by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys and the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, and honors from the American Jurist Institute. In 2020, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Top 100 Lawyers / Top 100 Registry of Business Leaders and Professionals, as well as America's Top 100 Lawyers Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2022, he was further distinguished as a member of the Top 1% of attorneys nationwide by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Voccola has an extensive record of public service and civic involvement, having served as a Rhode Island State Representative for the Town of Johnston from 1995 to 2007, a member of the Johnston School Committee from 1992 to 1995, Assistant Town Solicitor for the Town of Johnston, and as a past member of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee. Mr. Voccola is also a communicant of Our Lady of Grace Parish, reflecting his continued involvement and commitment to his local community.

Practice Areas

Military Service

United States Army (1966-1969), 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vietnam (1967-1968)

Education

B.S., University of Rhode Island (1974); J.D., Suffolk Law School (1978)

Academic Honors

• •Kappa Phi Honorary Society
• •Phi Sigma Honorary Biological Sciences Society
• •Alpha Zeta National Honorary Fraternity

Bar Admissions & Memberships

Rhode Island Bar, Federal Bar, First Circuit Court of Appeals, National Rifle Association, Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Awards & Recognition

• •Citizen of the Year - Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (1991)
• •Outstanding Senior Student - University of Rhode Island
• •Graduate Fellowship - Northeast Branch of the American Society of Agronomy

About

Thomas F. Connors served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969 in the 82nd Airborne Division and the U.S. 173rd Airborne Brigade, including deployment to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1974, where he was actively involved on campus and received numerous honors, including induction into Kappa Phi, the honorary biological sciences society Phi Sigma, and Alpha Zeta National Honorary Fraternity. He was also recognized as an Outstanding Senior Student and received a graduate fellowship from the Northeast Branch of the American Society of Agronomy (Plant & Soil Science). Thomas went on to earn his J.D. from Suffolk Law School in 1978. His practice areas included criminal law (state and federal) and extensive trial work. He was a member of the Rhode Island Bar, Federal Bar, First Circuit Court of Appeals, National Rifle Association, and the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In 1991, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Thomas passed away on April 12, 2016.

Practice Areas

Education

B.A.S., University of Rhode Island (2010); J.D., University of Massachusetts School of Law - Dartmouth (2013)

About

David P. Morra, Jr. joined Voccola Law as an associate attorney specializing in criminal law, practicing in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts state and federal courts. A zealous trial attorney, David has achieved outstanding results for his clients, earning respect from both clients and peers. His dedication to criminal defense and thorough approach to case preparation have made him an invaluable member of the legal team. A lifelong Rhode Island resident, David lives with his family in the community he calls home.

Practice Areas

Education

B.S., University of Rhode Island; J.D., Roger Williams University School of Law

About

Family law attorney David J. Colantonio has been practicing law for over 24 years. His primary focus is domestic relations, including divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, guardianship, restraining orders, and DCYF matters. Having been involved in thousands of family law cases throughout the State of Rhode Island, he brings extensive experience to every matter he handles. Attorney Colantonio focuses on the unique needs of each family and applies his knowledge and experience to tailor the most effective legal representation possible. He is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and earned his Juris Doctor from Roger Williams University School of Law. He has been a member of the Rhode Island Bar since 1997.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D., George Washington University Law School (1978); United States Navy (1968-1972)

Experience

47 years in Rhode Island, 40 years in Massachusetts

Public Service

• •Assistant City Solicitor, City of Warwick (1979-1990)
• •Leadership roles at Progreso Latino
• •Leadership roles at Warwick Community Action

Notable Cases

• •Collaborated with Joseph Voccola on high-profile criminal cases, including the defense of Brenden Lepore (2017-2024) involving mental health defenses

About

Robert D. Watt Jr. is an experienced attorney at Joseph J. Voccola & Associates, where he also serves as Of Counsel to Orabona Law Offices. His primary focus is Immigration Law, where he assists clients with green cards and other immigration matters, while also handling Criminal Defense and Family Law cases. Licensed for 47 years in Rhode Island (since 1978) and 40 years in Massachusetts (since 1985), Robert earned his Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School in 1978 after honorably serving in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1972. Throughout his distinguished career, Robert served as Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Warwick from 1979 to 1990 and held leadership roles at Progreso Latino and Warwick Community Action. He has collaborated with Joseph Voccola on numerous high-profile criminal cases, including the notable defense of Brenden Lepore in a 2017-2024 homicide case involving mental health defenses. Robert is admitted to practice in Rhode Island and Massachusetts federal district courts, as well as the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

Practice Areas

Education

B.S. Accounting, Suffolk University; J.D., Boston University (1988)

About

Domenic J. Carcieri brings extensive expertise in Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury law to Voccola Law. He specializes in representing clients with work-related injuries and personal injury matters, including automobile accidents, slip and fall incidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian injuries. His background in accounting combined with his legal expertise provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of both the legal and financial aspects of their cases. Domenic is admitted to practice before the Rhode Island Bar, United States District Court, and the United States Supreme Court.

Practice Areas

Education

LL.M NY Law School; J.D., UMASS School of Law

About

With a JD from the University of Massachusetts School of Law - Dartmouth and LL.M from New York Law School, she is our resident expert in real estate, business, personal injury and domestic litigation. When you need your assets protected, she's who you want in your corner.

Practice Areas

Education

B.S. Criminal Justice & B.A. History, Roger Williams University; M.S. Criminal Justice & M.P.A., Roger Williams University; J.D., Michigan State University College of Law (2011)

About

Ronald graduated from Roger Williams University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Following his undergraduate work, Ronald went on to earn his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Master of Public Administration again at Roger Williams University. Ronald then earned his Juris Doctor degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2011. He specializes in criminal law and is admitted to practice in all Rhode Island state and federal courts. Ronald is a skilled negotiator and exceptional writer, which has allowed him to achieve exceptional results for clients in District and Superior Court. Ronald has also successfully tried misdemeanor and felony cases ranging from simple assault to more serious felonies. He is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association and Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In his free time, Ronald is actively involved in animal rescue and his efforts have been recognized by national animal welfare organizations.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D., Roger Williams University School of Law

Leadership Roles

• •Moot Court Vice President
• •RWU Law Democrats Treasurer
• •Quahogs Softball Team Fundraising Chair
• •Missions For Humanity Board Member

About

Victoria McDonald is an associate attorney at Voccola Law, focusing on criminal defense and personal injury matters. During her time at Roger Williams University School of Law, Victoria demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to her community, serving as Vice President of Moot Court and Treasurer of the RWU Law Democrats. She also dedicated her time to charitable causes as Fundraising Chair for the Quahogs Softball Team and as a Board Member of Missions For Humanity. Victoria brings a passionate advocacy approach and strong commitment to client representation to every case she handles.

Practice Areas

Education

B.S., Providence College; J.D., UMass Dartmouth School of Law

About

Seneca Boyer earned his Bachelor's degree in Finance from Providence College in 2013 before obtaining his Juris Doctor from the University of Massachusetts School of Law in 2017. He is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and has applied for admission to the Rhode Island Bar. Seneca focuses his practice on personal injury and workers' compensation matters, including motor vehicle accidents and work-related injuries. Through careful preparation and effective negotiation, he has achieved strong results and large settlements on behalf of his clients.