2024
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Our Recommended Top 18
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Boston DUI Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Providers
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Featured Provider
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (6)
- 5.0 (3)
(6)Why choose this provider?
Serpa Law Office is a criminal law firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, that deals with DUI cases. It aims to collate and collect evidence to represent clients accurately and effectively at trial, helping them to keep their driving license record, criminal record, and freedom intact. Highly esteemed among DWI lawyer in Boston, founding attorney Joe Serpa has over two decades of legal experience, is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and can provide services in both Spanish and English.
- 24/7
- Reckless Driving
- Injury Representation
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Serpa - Principal | Active | 29 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.8 (4)
Why choose this provider?
Founded in 2015, The Law Offices of Keren Goldenberg is a criminal defense law firm serving clients in the Boston, Massachusetts, metro area. The firm handles a variety of motor vehicle offense matters, including operating under the influence cases. The firm defends clients against the possible penalties of probation, jail time, fees, and suspension of drivers' licenses. Founding attorney Keren Goldenberg is a member of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Keren Goldenberg - Principal | Active | 20 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 5.0 (192)
Why choose this provider?
All Tickets Gone is a legal practice serving clients in Boston. The firm concentrates on handling cases concerning traffic violations, including DUI or DWI. It represents the accused people and helps them fight their traffic tickets or penalties. It also helps clients navigate the criminal justice system. The firm's attorney, Inna Rifman, initially practiced both traffic and criminal law matters and later decided to concentrate on traffic law cases to provide comprehensive representation for her clients. Rifman has handled over 600 cases throughout her career.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 5.0 (41)
- Yelp
- 5.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
Matthew W. Peterson, DUI attorney in Boston, serves the legal needs of clients facing drunk-driving and other related charges. Mr. Peterson formulates the best possible strategy to put clients in the best position for good outcomes with their cases. In addition to DUI, OUI, and other driving crimes, the practice takes on domestic relations and domestic violence, family law, drug offenses, immigration law, and criminal appeals cases. The firm offers free consultations upon request.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Peterson - Principal | Active | 6 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Urbelis Law LLC is a criminal defense firm that serves clients in Boston and the surrounding areas. It aims to reduce the impact of DUI charges on clients who face driver's license loss, fines, increased motor vehicle insurance premiums, and jail time. To determine the appropriate defense strategy, its attorneys analyze clients' backgrounds and driving histories. Urbelis Law is also an experienced Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles practitioner. Founding attorney Benjamin P. Urbelis has represented clients in state and federal courts for the last 13 years.
Why choose this provider?
Bisson Law helps resolve the DUI cases of clients in Boston and the surrounding areas. It represents individuals facing criminal charges due to being under the influence of alcohol, depressants, drugs, and vapor of glue while driving. In addition, it defends the rights of people involved in protesting, probation violations, drug offenses, assault and battery, employment discrimination, and restraining orders. The law firm's attorney, Barry J. Bisson, is also licensed to practice law in New York.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Barry Bisson - Principal | Active | 11 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
For over 20 years, FitzGerald Law Company in Boston has been providing consultations and representation to clients in a broad range of areas, including personal injury, immigration, and criminal defense. Cases handled by the firm's criminal defense team include DUI and related offenses such as refusal to take a breathalyzer test, underage drinking and driving, reckless driving, and DUI-caused manslaughter. The firm is headed by Desmond P. FitzGerald, a criminal defense attorney who served as counsel to the Colombian Consulate for New England.
- DUI Defense
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (5)
Why choose this provider?
Riccio Law in Quincy, Massachusetts, represents clients charged with DUI and OUI. It also has offices in Quincy and Attleboro and serves clients throughout Norfolk, Bristol, Suffolk, and all surrounding counties. Mr. Riccio uses his experience as a prosecutor to defend clients' constitutional rights in court and challenge evidence obtained by arresting officers. Attorneys try to have charges thrown out before arraignment to prevent a criminal record or have charges reduced or dismissed in court.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Riccio - Principal | Active | 13 yrs |
| Anthony Riccio - Principal / Owner | Active | 13 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The office of Attorney Joseph J. Higgins is located in Hanover, Massachusetts, and serves clients within the Boston metro area. The only cases handled by this office are DUI/DWI/OUI related. It works with all levels of offender, from first to third, on fighting charges or making a plea bargain. The office also handles license suspension hearings. Mr. Higgins is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Joseph Higgins - Principal | Active | 15 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Joseph Goldberg-Giuliano Attorney at Law provides criminal defense representation to clients in Boston and the surrounding communities. Since its opening in 2008, the firm has defended scores of criminal cases, where the majority resulted in outright dismissal. Its founder, Joseph Goldberg-Giuliano, handles minor misdemeanors to serious felonies, including DUI, assault, drug-related crimes, and restraining orders. He assists DUI offenders in establishing a strong defense by conducting a thorough investigation of field sobriety and breathalyzer tests and other evidence.
- Drugs
- DUI Defense
Why choose this provider?
Founded in 2012, Simons Law Office is located in Boston and Salem, Massachusetts. The law firm handles complex and high-stakes criminal defense cases, including DUIs and traffic violations. The firm represents clients accused of operating a vehicle under the influence (OUI), speeding, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. The firm’s knowledgeable DUI attorneys in Boston have been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Joseph Simons - Founder | Active | 12 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Lefteris K. Travayiakis is a law firm serving Boston and the rest of the state. Travayiakis has a well-established career in handling DUI and OUI cases as well as motor vehicle crimes. He also provides legal representation to clients involved in misdemeanor cases and major felonies. Travayiakis has attended trials held in superior and district courts. He is also a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Lefteris Travayiakis - Principal | Active | 22 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Rubin & Pomerleau PC Attorneys at Law is a Boston law firm that focuses on cases in the scope of immigration, criminal defense, and appellate law in the metro. The firm is operated by partners Jeffrey B. Rubin and Todd C. Pomerleau, who have over 30 years of combined legal experience. The firm takes on driving under the influence cases involving alcohol and/or drug intoxication. It also deals with drug possession cases and violent crimes. Services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese are available.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey Rubin - Partner | Active | 26 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Caselden Law is a firm that caters to the legal needs of clients in Boston and its surrounding neighborhoods. It offers representation to individuals who have been charged with DUI, OUI, DWI, or drunk driving offenses. The law office also provides legal counsel on other criminal defense cases, such as traffic citations, assault and battery with dangerous weapons, drug crimes, and disorderly conduct. Its attorney, Ryan Caselden, served in the United States Air Force Reserve as a staff sergeant.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Caselden - Principal | Active | 13 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (2)
Why choose this provider?
O'Brien Law Boston, PC, advocates for the rights of individuals in the local metro and nearby locations. It handles an array of criminal law matters, including DUI or OUI cases. The law office helps defendants settle different types of mandatory penalties resulting from drunk and drugged driving. It also takes on cases related to drug trafficking, fraud, murder, rape, and domestic assault and battery. Founder Francis O'Brien has been practicing criminal law for more than 25 years.
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Francis O’brien - Founding Partner | Active | 38 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (8)
Why choose this provider?
Kelly M. Cusack, Attorney at Law, represents clients in the Boston metro. She handles criminal defense cases and advocates for individuals charged with DUI, OUI, or DWI. Cusack challenges breathalyzer test results to help clients avoid penalties, including fees and driver's license suspension. She also deals with individuals charged with other crimes, like home invasion, shoplifting, and robbery. Cusack once worked as a public defender in Barnstable County. She has over a decade of legal experience and is admitted to practice in New Hampshire.
- DWI
- DUI Defense
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Michael St. Louis provides legal services in the Boston metro. It represents defendants of criminal cases, including DUI/OUI charges, theft crimes, and drug offenses. Michael St. Louis assists clients in challenging their charges with an aim of achieving the best possible outcome, both emotionally and financially. He also strives to reach early resolutions for his clients through favorable settlements. Additionally, he handles divorce, employment law, and personal injury matters. St. Louis is also licensed to practice law in Connecticut.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Michael St. louis - Principal | Active | 13 yrs |
| Michael St. louis - Principal | Active | 13 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
Law Office of Michael J. Carroll protects the rights of people in and around Boston. It provides legal counsel and representation to individuals facing criminal charges for DUI or OUI. The firm helps defendants create strategies to prevent mandatory penalties. It also serves clients dealing with assault, theft, drug, and domestic violence cases. Additionally, it caters to personal injury victims and helps them recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Founding partner Michael Carroll also practices in Rhode Island.
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Carroll - Principal | Active | 15 yrs |
Compare our Top DUI Lawyers
| Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serpa Law Office | 20 Park Plz Ste 400, Boston, MA02116 | View More | ||
| The Law Offices of Keren Goldenberg | 97 Central St Ste 403, Lowell, MA01852 | View More | ||
| All Tickets Gone | 1359 Hanco*ck Street, Suite 7, Quincy, MA02169 | View More | ||
| Matthew W. Peterson | 45 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA02108 | View More | ||
| Urbelis Law LLC | 50 Milk Street, Boston, MA02109 | View More | ||
| Bisson Law | 75 Arlington Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA02116 | View More | ||
| FitzGerald Law Company | 185 Devonshire Street, Suite 601, Boston, MA02110 | View More | ||
| Riccio Law | 234 Copeland St Ste 230, Quincy, MA02169 | View More | ||
| Attorney Joseph J. Higgins | 269 Hanover Street Building 1, Hanover, MA02339 | View More | ||
| Joseph Goldberg-Giuliano Attorney at Law | 1 Constitution Warf, Ste. 320, Boston, MA02129 | View More | ||
| Simons Law Office | 1 International Place Suite 1400, Boston, MA02110 | View More | ||
| Law Offices of Lefteris K. Travayiakis | 1842 Centre Street, Boston, MA02132 | View More | ||
| Rubin & Pomerleau PC Attorneys at Law | Two Center Plaza, Suite 520, Boston, MA02108 | View More | ||
| Caselden Law | 111 Rice Street, Cambridge, MA02140 | View More | ||
| O’Brien Law Boston, PC | Suite 602 10 Tremont St, Boston, MA02108 | View More | ||
| Kelly M. Cusack Attorney at Law | 580 High Street, Unit 5, Dedham, MA02026 | View More | ||
| Law Offices of Michael St. Louis | One Pemberton Square, Boston, MA02108 | View More | ||
| Law Office of Michael J. Carroll | 22 Parsonage St, Ste 132, Providence, RI02903 | View More |
FAQs
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Boston, Massachusetts?
617-343-4500 is the non-emergency line of the police in Boston.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Boston, Massachusetts?
The city keeps public government records at 1 City Hall Square, Room 615, Boston, MA 02201. The Boston Police Headquarters is at One Schroeder Plaza, Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120.
What are the penalties in Boston for refusing to take a breath test after being arrested for DUI?
Suspects in Boston who are arrested for DUI face an immediate license suspension regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. Driving privileges will be revoked for 180 days for the first refusal and five years for the third. If the individual refuses testing for the fourth time, his or her license will be suspended for life.
Can police in Boston stop a driver on the basis of a hunch for DUI?
No, police in Boston cannot stop a driver for a suspected DUI on the basis of a hunch. A traffic stop requires probable cause, which is a reasonable suspicion that the driver is intoxicated. To be reasonable, cops must back up their gut instincts with observable behaviors such as erratic driving and the smell of alcohol on one's breath.
In a three-car crash in Boston, who has the best chance of defending against a drunk driving charge: a commercial driver with a blood alcohol level of 0.05%, an adult with a value of 0.06%, and an 18-year-old with a value of 0.03%?
Based solely on these blood alcohol test results, the adult driver with a value of 0.06% has the best chance of avoiding a DUI charge because the amount is less than the legal limit of 0.08% for people aged 21 and up. The commercial driver is in trouble because his profession has a limit of 0.04%. The 18-year-old has a low chance of acquittal because the youth threshold is 0.02%.
Can a driver in Boston conclusively claim innocence in a DUI charge if the blood alcohol level is below the legal limit?
No, the Boston driver whose blood alcohol level was below the legal limit cannot be acquitted conclusively because alcohol is not the only substance that can cause intoxication. The metro's drunk driving laws are broad and include the use of drugs that can impair driving ability. Even perfectly legal medications, such as cold tablets, may interact with low doses of beer and severely impair an individual.
What procedures should a DUI suspect in Boston expect following an arrest?
A DUI suspect arrested in Boston will be arraigned in court to hear the formal prosecution charges and enter a plea. Bail may be posted for provisional liberty. At a later date, the defendant and counsel will meet with the prosecutors to discuss plea deals and preliminary matters before facing the judge and jury. Following that, the trial will begin.
What does a DUI charge involve?
DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge applied to someone who is suspected of operating their vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs and/or alcohol. Every state in the U.S. has a law on the books that bans driving while intoxicated; however, the specific criteria may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some states, a driver with blood alcohol content (BAC) in excess of 0.08% can be brought up on DUI charges while other states set a higher threshold or increase the severity of charges in accordance with the level of intoxication. In some cases, DUI is determined not via testing but by behavior; drivers who are intoxicated to the point of impairment and who cannot safely operate their vehicle may be arrested on suspicion of DUI.
What's the difference between DUI, DWI, and OVI?
The terms driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) are all legal phrases that refer to the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs (illegal or prescription), alcohol, or both. These terms are largely interchangeable though some states use only one acronym in their statutes for the sake of clarity. There are also other acronyms occasionally substituted for DUI, such as DWAI (driving while ability impaired), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), and DUII-CS (driving under the influence of intoxicants: controlled substances).
How long does a DUI stay on your record?
In addition to the more immediate penalties that come with a DUI conviction, this costly mistake can have other consequences. DUIs stay on your driving record for years with the exact length of time differing from state to state — the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, tracks DUIs for 10 years and may use that information to determine things like license eligibility. In Alabama, DUIs stay on the record for five years while in Alaska they're permanent. In states that use point systems to track driving infractions, DUI points may stay on the record far longer than the DUI itself.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost?
The cost of a DUI lawyer depends largely on three things: geographic area, the lawyer's experience, and whether the case is settled quickly with a plea or ends up going to trial. Attorneys may charge a flat rate, more commonly used for simple cases that are likely to wrap up quickly, or they may charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the case requires a lot of pretrial preparations and court time. Ultimately, a DUI lawyer could cost as little as $700 or bill in excess of $4,000.
How do I choose a DUI attorney?
Finding the right DUI lawyer is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing a suspended license and minimizing fees and other penalties. To choose the right one:
- Look for attorneys experienced in DUI case law
- Ask for referrals from family and friends
- Check the internet for reviews, keeping in mind that no two DUI cases are exactly alike
- Meet with prospective lawyers (many offer free consultations) to hear their perspective on the case and see whether their personality feels like a good fit
- Ask whether the lawyer will be the primary representative or if the case could be passed to an associate and how many clients the lawyer/firm represents at one time
- Discuss billing options — the difference between an hourly rate and flat fee can be considerable
What happens when you get a DUI?
Individuals detained on suspicion of a DUI are typically taken to jail, their vehicles impounded, and either held on bail or processed and released pending a court date. That initial court appearance is a chance to enter a plea; it's a good idea to retain legal representation prior to this hearing so they have an opportunity to argue for reduced charges or even dismissal.
Drunk driving charges are often enough to warrant a suspended license pending the outcome of the case. A DUI conviction could mean losing that license entirely as well as paying fines, court costs, and DMV fees and paying for treatment or other intervention programs as instructed by the court — perhaps even completing jail time. These penalties tend to be less severe for first-time offenders and increase significantly thereafter.
Can I contest a DUI without a lawyer?
While it's possible to contest a DUI without a lawyer present, case law is complex, and navigating those laws can be tricky. A DUI lawyer can't guarantee a positive outcome, but they are in a far better position to make crucial moves, such as challenging the legality of the original traffic stop, questioning the officer-led sobriety tests, and introducing evidence that could lead to an exoneration. In short, it's tempting to save money by going it alone, but the consequences could be costly. Before deciding against a lawyer, take advantage of a free consultation and weigh their recommendations. If budget is a factor, there are court-appointed public defenders who may take on the case.
How much does a DUI cost?
DUIs are expensive. In addition to attorney fees that often run the gamut from $700 to over $4,000, there may also be bail costs, court-ordered fines, alcohol education courses, traffic school, DMV fees, the cost of increased insurance rate, fees associated with recovering an impounded car, and the possibility of paying for a court-ordered ignition interlock device. All together, the average cost of a DUI sits at around $6,500 not counting peripheral expenses, such as alternate transportation while unable to drive and lost income due to court dates and incarceration.
When does a DUI become a felony?
Driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor unless the DUI meets certain state-specific criteria such as:
- It's not the first offense. Anyone arrested for DUI who has been convicted of driving under the influence previously may be charged with a felony, depending on the length of time since the last conviction.
- The offender was driving without a license. Getting a DUI with a license that has been suspended, revoked, or restricted is a felony in many states.
- The DUI resulted in someone else's injury or death. Some states cite bodily harm as one of the reasons to change a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony.
How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?
Since car insurance rates are based on driving history and projected risk, it stands to reason that a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates. How much those rates go up depends on the state. In Colorado, insurance rates jump around 18% following a DUI conviction while North Carolina sees a median rate increase of more than 300%. To put that in further perspective, consider New Jersey; the state's average insurance rate is $1,419, but the average rate with DUI increases 132% to $3,292.
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