About Attorney Kara Hoopis Manosh
I have dedicated my career to defending the rights of the criminally accused. I've handled thousands of cases, appearing in every courthouse in the State of Rhode Island. I have been nationally trained with The Institute for Criminal Defense Advocacy, The National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, The National Criminal Defense College Trial Practice Institute and The Defender Advocacy Institute. I also have extensive experience with expert witnesses and the presentation (or exclusion) of scientific evidence at trial.
I received my LL.M in Trial Advocacy Specializing in Federal Criminal Law from the California Western School of Law. I have a "Superb" Avvo Rating of 10.0, and am a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association and the Executive Board of the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I was named a “Top Attorney” by the Who's Who directory and was nationally ranked by the SuperLawyers organization.
Why Criminal Defense?
I have committed my entire adult life to defending good people facing bad situations. I have never prosecuted another person or advocated to put someone in prison... and never will. Why? Because when a criminal charge is filed, it feels like nobody listens to the person who was accused and that is unfair. Sometimes they are innocent, sometimes they deserve a second chance, and sometimes the police or the prosecutors did not play by the rules. There are problems in the criminal justice system and I am proud to stand next to the good people who are trying to make things better. My clients deserve respect. They deserve to have their voices heard. I am honored to help people put the pieces back together after a serious accusation, and to face the charges with dignity and launch an aggressive and thorough defense. Our relationship isn't done when the case is dismissed or the jury says "not guilty." I tell all of my clients to save my phone number and reach out if they need anything. It doesn't matter how much time has gone by, I am always available to help my clients... because I want to see people get their lives back after the devastation of a criminal case.
TRAINING
- Federal Criminal Appellate Training, Portland, Maine (February 2025)
- Gangs & Rico, Federal Death Penalty Trial Projects (March 2024)
- Federal Andrea Taylor Sentencing Advocacy Workshop (March 2021)
- Federal Criminal Appellate Advocacy, Boston, MA (April 2016)
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, “Zealous Advocacy in Sexual Assault & Child Victims Cases,” New Orleans, LA (October 2012)
- National Criminal Defense College, Macon, Georgia (July 2011)
- Defender Advocacy Institute, Dayton, Ohio (May 2008)
- Institute for Criminal Defense Advocacy Trial Skills Academy, San Diego, CA (April 2006)
EXPERIENCE
Assistant Public Defender, Rhode Island Office of the Public Defender
- Adult Trial Division (January 2007- August 2011)
- Attorney-in-Charge, Newport County (August 2011- June 2013)
- Appellate Division (December 2013- September 2014)
Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc.
- Extern (2006)
California Innocence Project
- Case Screening Unit (2005)
BAR MEMBERSHIP
- Rhode Island (2005)
- Massachusetts (2005)
- United States District Court for the State of Rhode Island (2016)
- First Circuit Court of Appeals (2021)
COURT PANELS
- First Circuit Court of Appeals, CJA Panel
- Rhode Island Federal District Court, CJA Panel
- Rhode Island State Court, Murder Panel
- Rhode Island State Court, Class One Felony Panel
- Rhode Island State Court, Class Two Felony Panel
- Rhode Island State Court Post-Conviction, Murder, Class One and Class Two Panels
EDUCATION
California Western School of Law, San Diego, California
- LL.M. Trial Advocacy Specializing in Federal Criminal Law (April 2006 )
Roger Williams School of Law, Bristol, Rhode Island
- J.D. (May 2005)
University of Rhode Island
- B.A. (May 2002)
EXPERT TRAINING/COLLABORATION
- Neuropsychology
- DNA
- Cell Site Analysis
- Forensic Pathology
- Ballistics/Firearms training
- Arson/Fire Science training
- Fingerprint Analysis
- Criminal Street Gangs
- Reid technique/ Confessions
- Hasbro Hospital Child Protection Team
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
Recent Blog Posts
What to Do If Your Son or Daughter Is Arrested for a Rhode Island Drug Offense
Is Rhode Island’s High-Capacity Magazine Ban Constitutional?
Extreme Risk Protection Orders
How Cellphone Technology and Geolocation Data Can Impact a Murder Case
Top 5 Signs Your Criminal Defense Lawyer Has Your Back
Recommendations
- Kara is the best attorney in state of Rhode Island. Front start to finish she fought for me. She goes above and beyond and cares about her clients. I can not say enough and I highly recommend her to anyone and everyone. She is a fighter in and out of the courtroom. She helped me get my life back ...
- The best attorney ever! Best work hands down. Your in great hands if you have Kara!
- I am home today because of Kara Manosh. i've been home for over 10 days now since I was found not guilty because of the hard work that Kara did. When it was time to go to trial, she smoke the assistant attorney general. I owe this woman my life she went above and beyond defend me. She did not hol...
- Within the first moment of speaking with Elizabeth on the phone, and then meeting Kara, there was an instant connection that put me at ease. The professionalism, dedication, and knowledge they encompass made me feel confident that I would get the outcome I so justly deserved. They fight so hard f...
- I highly recommend Kara Manosh. Her professionalism and expertise is completely impressive. Not only does she truly care about her clients, she is extremely transparent and manages her clients expectations. She's a realist, yet genuine and works very hard fighting for her clients. I can't say eno...
- If you need someone that will not see you, your family or loved one as just a number Mrs Kara Manosh and her firm are way to go. The kindness , care and diligence this firm provided and continues to provide restores my faith in criminal defense attorneys . I will forever be greatly.
- Kara Hoopis-Manosh is an amazing lawyer! I highly recommend, she did so much for me to make sure I could get through my court dates and all while being a single parent! She did wonders to help me through both of my cases even to the point of getting one dismissed and I finished the other within 2...
- I'm very grateful with my lawyer Kara ...... she defend me since day one, never giving up, did a great job in my case, all charges were dismissed. I recommend her 100 %
- Kara is my first call when anything goes wrong. She is very professional and an amazing person, whose commitment to her clients is like no other. Her response time, answering the clients questions, and needs is almost immediate. I would recommend her to anyone. She fights hard for her clients...
- Sometimes life's circumstances require navigating the particulars of our legal system and that journey is certainly made easier with Manosh Law. Like most, my legal needs required an experienced attorney who understood the details of my case and they related to governing laws. But I also needed a...
- Kara is the best. She guided me the whole way. She is a great lawyer but more a great person. I was a nervous wreck and she promised everything was fine... she was right and successful. I am telling you, call her. Best service possible.
- I normally don't write reviews but I felt I had to give credit to Kara. Unfortunately she's not the first lawyer I've worked with, but she's the best there is! She worked tirelessly on my case and really knows the law. She was so easy to get in touch with and treated me with respect.
- I called for help with some legal Advice and Kara was so easy to talk to, and answered every question I had. I can't thank her enough. She is someone you want on your side.
- I was introduced to Kara after several other firms wouldn't take my case or even return my phone calls. She stood by my side and won the case for me. I am so happy this is behind me now, and would recommend her to anyone.
- I was extremely pleased with the results of my case. She was professional, honest and answered all of my questions and phone calls promptly. I recommend this firm to any of my friends or Family who need help.
- I was charged with a rape case and knew I was completely innocent but the DA would not drop the charge. Kara took my case and we went to trial and won. She always believed in me and made me feel confident we could beat the case. She was prepared and asked every question that needed to be asked...
- For 23 years I was fighting against the state of Rhode Island to clear my name for charge I was wrongly convicted of and negligence of the attorney I had. For 23 years I was labeled a sex offender for a crime I was not guilty of. For 23 years I pleaded with probation officers and the attorney who...
- I would and have recommended Kara to others. She has done great thing to help me and would move mountains. She has always answered my calls, gotten the necessary information and will always be truthful, honest and let's not forget kind. She is the best and only attorney you will need when you nee...
- Kara Manosh is a wonderful attorney, very caring and considerate and very professional. I highly recommend her.
