In Massachusetts, driving while intoxicated is known as Operating Under the Influence (OUI). Other states use the term Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Regardless of the name, drunk driving laws are broad, covering a wide range of situations. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you have the right to contest the charges with a number of potential defenses that may lessen the penalty, obtain a favorable plea, or even have the case against you dismissed.

Penalties for a drunk driving conviction can vary greatly, depending on the number of prior offenses, the defendant’s blood alcohol level, any injuries to others, and other circumstances. In addition to potential jail time, penalties may include a driver’s license suspension period, probation, fines, drug and alcohol highway safety school or other substance abuse treatment programs, and community service.

I have dedicated a significant part of my practice to defending people charged with drunk driving in Massachusetts. I defend cases that include:

• Multiple OUIs
• License Suspension
• DMV Hearings
• Out-of-State OUI
• OUI Penalties
• Chemical BAC Tests
• Commercial Driver OUI
• Field Sobriety Tests

In the state of Massachusetts, it is illegal to drive a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.08 or higher. This limit is lower for drivers under age 21 and drivers of commercial vehicles. Those caught driving with BAC levels that surpass this number are charged with an OUI, which can lead to serious penalties.

The OUI laws in Massachusetts are continually evolving and are extremely complicated. If you have been charged with an OUI, please contact me for a free consultation to explain your options. I am very knowledgeable about the state guidelines and have extensive courtroom experience to help you prevent a bad decision from destroying the rest of your life.

Motor vehicle violations can have serious consequences that can lead to loss of license, serious fines, or jail time.

• Criminal motor vehicle offenses can be charged as misdemeanors, which carry a penalty of up to two and one-half years in the house of corrections, or as felonies, which can carry much longer sentences in the house of corrections or state prison.
• In addition to jail time, vehicular offenses may result in suspension or revocation of your driver’s license and substantially higher insurance premiums.
• Motor vehicle violations may impact your livelihood and you may be unable to apply for certain kinds of employment, or you may lose your current job if it involves the use of a company car or a commercial license.

Many situations may lead to the loss of one’s driver’s license. Regardless of your situation, it may be possible to fight for the right to retain your driver’s license and continue driving while you deal with the criminal issues you may be facing.

If you have been charged with a vehicular crime, you should seek legal representation as soon as possible. I can help you understand your options, motor vehicle regulations, and may be able to persuade prosecutors to charge you with a less serious traffic offense, or not to charge you at all. I not only defend my clients in court, but also before the registry of motor vehicles.

If you have been arrested or charged with a drug crime in Connecticut or Massachusetts, it is important to immediately contact a lawyer who can serve as your advocate. Even low-level charges, such as distribution of marijuana, can have severe consequences. The stakes are even higher for possessing or selling more serious drugs. You could be facing lengthy community service, stiff fines, probation, or jail time, especially if you have a record of prior convictions.

As experienced legal counsel, I can work on your behalf to potentially get drug charges reduced or dismissed and possibly have convictions expunged from a permanent criminal record. After gaining an in-depth understanding of your situation, together we will evaluate your options and create the best strategy. I am also skilled in challenging illegal searches and seizures in order to exclude evidence that the police may have improperly seized, which could also lead to getting your charges reduced or thrown out.

If you are facing a charge for theft, larceny, or shoplifting, a good defense attorney is crucial. There are various degrees of larceny, depending upon the value and type of items stolen, as well as the methods used in the commission of the crime.

I can help you understand the severity of the crime and evaluate the possible penalties associated with the charge. I can then negotiate on your behalf to potentially reduce the charges or get a lesser sentence.

Here are some key definitions to help you understand the distinctions:

• Theft: encompasses all crimes of larceny, and is considered taking anything which has value, which belongs to another person, without consent. It can also include taking things through fraudulent conduct, representation, or practices. Theft can include the intent to permanently derive someone of something that is his or hers. There are numerous theft-related crimes, including shoplifting, burglary, embezzlement, and larceny (see below).

• Larceny: this commonly charged crime is considered the intentional and unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of the property permanently. Larceny can be committed by force, by threat of force, or by fraud. The charges of petty theft versus grand theft are determined by the value of what was taken. In Massachusetts, most theft-related crimes are charged as larcenies.

There are a number of factors that influence penalties, which may include jail time, probation, or payment of restitution.

There are strict laws within each state that regulate firearms and other weapons. Massachusetts has some of the harshest gun laws in the country. Gun and weapon laws cover a wide range of areas including:

• Possession – it may be legal to possess a weapon but there may be restrictions.
• Licensing – guns must be properly licensed.
• Carrying – each state has different laws for carrying weapons
• Transporting – issues arise regarding transporting guns and weapons across state lines and within the state.
• Use – there are strict prohibitions as to when a weapon may be used.
• Sale – the sale of weapons, particularly firearms, are subject to state and federal laws.
• Manufacturing – weapons manufacturing laws may be strict, yet simultaneously unclear.
• Importation – in order to import weapons, specific laws must be followed.

If you have been arrested for possession of a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm or any type of felony firearm violation, I can assist you in understanding the violation in order to formulate the best line of defense.

Note: Be warned that most Massachusetts District Attorneys treat gun crimes with either a zero tolerance or low-tolerance policy. This means that if you have broken the gun laws, or if you have used a firearm while committing a crime, odds are that the authorities will seek a lengthy jail sentence if you are convicted. I have a great deal of experience in this area and can provide valuable counsel to assist you with your case.

There is a wide range of white-collar crimes. While some types of crimes may seem to be initially straightforward, these types of cases are rarely simple and charges may violate federal and/or state statutes or regulations.

Some of the most common include:

• Embezzlement
• Money laundering
• Forgery
• Bribery
• Bankruptcy fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Mail fraud
• Healthcare fraud
• Medicaid or Medicare fraud
• Securities fraud
• Theft of trade secrets
• Identity theft

A conviction for a white-collar crime can lead to serious consequences, including fines, prison sentence, or both. An individual with no prior record may be able to receive probation or a reduced sentence. There may also be a civil case filed against a person, requiring that he or she pay restitution to those who were harmed by the crime.

It is essential to have a lawyer on your side who represents your interests, and not those of a company, employer, or union.

If you are involved in a domestic violence case, I can zealously work to effectively and accurately present your case to ensure a positive outcome for you and your loved ones. Domestic violence cases are treated differently than other criminal cases and such family law hearings are, in fact, mini-trials. You must take all necessary measures to be fully and effectively prepared.

Domestic violence charges cover a wide range of conduct, including spousal abuse and child endangerment. Any threatening or violent act, even if the accused did not intend to harm or compromise the safety and security of the victim, could be grounds for prosecution. Domestic violence charges can impact divorce proceedings, custody arrangements, division of property, and your employment.

If you are facing a domestic violence charge, obtaining counsel from an experienced and successful lawyer is critical.