DUI Checkpoints: What are They and What to Do?

DUI checkpoints in Massachusetts are part of an ongoing campaign of efforts, conducted by law enforcement and the state government, against drunk driving. The intention is to reduce drunk driving accidents without conducting unwarranted searches, which would compromise citizens’ constitutional rights. Read on to learn more about what OUI/DUI checkpoints are and what’s expected of you if you’re ever stopped at one.

Read More

Do I Need a Lawyer If I Plan to Plead Guilty to OUI in Massachusetts?

It may seem as though an OUI/DUI case is cut and dry if you intend to plead guilty; a lawyer may seem superfluous. The reality is that no matter how you intend to plead, it’s in your best interest to always have legal representation for OUI/DUI charges. There are a few reasons why.

Read More

Are Breathalyzers Accurate?

The Massachusetts legal system has had a fraught relationship with breathalyzers for years that has prompted many to question if breathalyzers are accurate. However, the answer to the question “are breathalyzers accurate” isn’t straightforward. The short answer is: breathalyzer test accuracy depends on the circumstances. In theory, they should be perfectly accurate. In practice, the full answer is more complicated than that.

Read More

How Does an OUI Affect Your Auto Insurance?

A conviction for operating a vehicle under the influence, more commonly referred to as an OUI or a DUI, has a variety of consequences. The administrative penalties include license suspension and license reinstatement fees. The criminal penalties include fines, jail time, and ignition interlock device installation. But outside of the legally-imposed repercussions of an OUI, there are other potential consequences that people typically aren’t aware of until they’re dealing with it themselves.

Read More

Is an OUI a Felony in Massachusetts?

A felony is the most serious kind of crime with which a person can be charged. Because felonies are so serious, they come with mandatory prison sentences. DUI and OUI laws vary from state to state, so the categorization of OUI charges as either a misdemeanor or a felony can depend on your location. So is an OUI a felony in Massachusetts? The answer is: it depends.

Read More

The Community Caretaking Doctrine in Commonwealth vs. Sargsyan

It’s common knowledge that police officers are not able to search for evidence of criminal activity without a warrant. The Fourth Amendment outlines this limitation in order to protect the rights of citizens. However, there are exceptions to this limitation, one of which is the community caretaking doctrine.

Read More

How to Use Avvo to Find a DUI Lawyer

Finding a lawyer is a daunting task and it’s one you often have to deal with during an already stressful time. You want the best representation possible, but there are so many factors to consider. So, how do you go about choosing a lawyer? One option is to use an online lawyer directory like Avvo.

Read More

How to Use Super Lawyers to Find a DUI Lawyer in MA

Finding an attorney can be an overwhelming task. When you’re dealing with a difficult legal situation, such as a OUI/DUI charge, you’re going to be stressed and in search of a well-reviewed lawyer who has the experience to guide you through the complicated legal process and who will work hard to ensure you get the best outcome possible on your case. It’s important to know what resources are available to you while looking for a lawyer. One useful option to leverage in your search is the website Super Lawyers.

Read More

What's the Difference Between a DUI vs. Reckless Driving Charges?

In the state of Massachusetts, reckless driving charges and DUI charges are not the same offense and have some unique features.

Read More

Why Are Some DUI Cases Dismissed?

Not all DUI cases make it to trial before the matter is resolved in a favorable way. A dismissal can be authorized by either the prosecutor or the judge that is presiding over the case before the trial even starts. Either way, the end result is the same: You’re free to move on with your life with no trial, no sentence, and no conviction or criminal record remaining from the incident.

Read More