About Christopher S.

Christopher S — Gontarz practices criminal law in Newport, Rhode Island. He has a diverse legal background, with experience in DUI & DWI, appeals and appellate work, and domestic violence cases. His firm, Lynch & Pine, is well-regarded in the community for handling complex criminal matters. Gontarz has served clients across various jurisdictions, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and federal courts, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court. He earned his J.D. from New England Law | Boston in 1984, following a robust academic journey that began with a B.S.

in Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University in 1969. He also holds an M.S. in Administration of Justice from American University, obtained in 1975. This foundation gave him a knowledge of the legal system and its intricacies. Gontarz's legal career spans several decades, beginning as a police officer in 1976. He transitioned to the legal field, serving as a Special Assistant Attorney General in 1985 and later as a prosecutor in 1988. His experience in law enforcement informs his criminal defense practice.

This lets the attorney approach cases with a unique perspective. He has held various leadership roles, including Treasurer and Secretary of the Rhode Island Bar Association, and has been an active member of multiple legal associations. His involvement in the legal community is extensive. Gontarz is a member of the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the American Bar Association, where he is recognized as a Fellow. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Tides Family Services and Martin de Porres in New York City. His commitment to legal education is evident through his participation on the advisory board of Roger Williams University School of Justice. Gontarz has been recognized for his contributions to the legal field, including serving as a Commissioner and holding various positions within the Rhode Island Bar Association.

His dedication to the profession is matched by his commitment to community service, as evidenced by his past presidency of the Newport County Bar Association. He continues to advocate for justice and uphold the rule of law in all his endeavors. With a experience and a commitment to his clients, Christopher S. Gontarz remains a prominent figure in criminal law in Rhode Island. His extensive background and active participation in the legal community underscore his dedication to the field and the clients he serves.

Education

New England Law | Boston

J.D. (1984) | Law

1981

American University

M.S. (1975) | Administration of Justice

1973

Salve Regina University

B.S. (1972) | Administration of Justice

1969

Experience

Treasurer

Rhode Island Bar Association
2022

Secretary

Rhode Island Bar Association
2021

has membership

Rhode Island Senate Criminal Discovery Commission
2019

Commissioner

Rhode Island Supreme Court Judicial Tenure and Discipline Commision
2015

has membership

Task Force to Develop Polices for Electronically Recording Custial Interrogations
2011

has membership

Rhode Island Supreme Court Ethics Advisory Panel
2009

Prosecutor

Rhode Island Ethics Commission
1988

Special Assistant Lawyer General

Rhode Island Department of Lawyer General
1985

Police Officer

Portsmouth Police Department
1976

Accepted Jurisdictions

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

Court Admissions

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

Types of Cases Handled

Criminal Law DUI & DWI Appeals & Appellate Domestic Violence

Professional Associations

Association of Professional Responsiblity Lawyers

has membership 2018 - Current

The American Law Institute

has membership 2017 - Current

Rhode Island Bar Assocaition

House of Delegates Executive Committee 2014 - Current

American Bar Foundation

Life Fellow 2014 - Current

Massachusetts Bar Association

has membership 2009 - Current

New York Athletic Club

has membership 2009 - Current

St. Thomas More Society

Board of Directors 1998 - Current

The Federalist Society

has membership 1998 - Current

Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

has membership 1994 - Current

Rhode Island State Bar

has membership 1984 - Current

Rhode Island Bar Association

House of Delegates 1984 - Current

American Bar Association

Fellow 1984 - Current

NewYork City Bar Association

has membership 2012 - 2014

New York City Bar Association

has membership 2012 - 2014

Tides Family Services

Chairman, Board of Directors 2005 - 2013

Martin de Porres, New York City

Board of Directors 2009 - 2012

Newport County Bar Association

Past President 1984 - 2007

Roger Williams University School of Justice Advisory Board

Board has membership 1998 - 2003

Office Locations

Main Office

 26 Washington Square Newport RI 02840