Legal Blog

Drunk Driving (referred to as OUI, DUI, DWI, and OWI) is one of the most common criminal charges brought in Massachusetts. Under Massachusetts drunk driving law the charge is referred to as Operating Under the Influence (OUI), and that is the term that we shall use here. While actual drunken driving is a clear danger and a serious problem, many innocent drivers are swept up in the net cast by law enforcement. Many law abiding citizens face this criminal charge every year and need an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney to defend their rights. It is not a crime to drink and drive in Massachusetts. Rather, the crime of operating under the influence is comprised of the operation of a

Most Massachusetts OUI arrests begin with an evening or late night traffic stop by a Massachusetts police officer, usually for some other offense, such as speeding or crossing over a marked lane. As a result of the traffic stop, the officer comes face to face with the accused, and may smell alcohol. Often the accused is then asked to exit his or her vehicle, and perform some field sobriety tests, such as the finger to nose test, the one legged stand, and the nine step walk and turn test. At the end of these tests the officer forms the opinion that the driver was operating under the influence, and arrests the accused. The car is towed, and the accused is