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Framingham Drunk Driving Lawyers

• Dawley, Stephen: A criminal case usually begins by complaint or indictment. In some cases an individual is entitled to a hearing before a clerk to determine whether there is a sufficient basis for the issuance of a complaint. At the arraignment an initial plea is entered and, depending on the seriousness of the charge and the defendant's record, the judge decides the issue of bail. The court dates subsequent to the arraignment are typically the pre-trial conference date--at which time the prosecution will be required to provide certain information to defense counsel regarding the case--and dates for hearings on motions such as motions to dismiss or motions to suppress evidence. Eventually, if the case proceeds, every defendant must decide whether to enter a plea or to have a trial. If the case is tried a defendant has a Constitutional right to a jury trial but can, in most cases, choose a trial before a judge without a jury if it appears that is a better option. Representation at each stage of a criminal proceeding is of critical importance as uninformed decisions can have serious and irreversible consequences.
• John LaChance: Driving while intoxicated is a serious charge, especially in Massachusetts where each offense stays on your driving record permanently. Each consecutive DWI / OUI offense carries increasingly substantial fines and more potential jail time than the last. If you have failed a field sobriety test or your blood alcohol level has been recorded by a police breathalyzer as above .08, minimally you will have to deal with a suspended license and attendance of alcohol education classes. Massachusetts authorities frequently offer first-time offenders the opportunity to obtain a work license in exchange for a guilty plea. The opportunity of being allowed to drive to work often sounds tempting to clients but do not be fooled. This guilty plea will stay on your record forever, increasing your fines and potential jail time if you are to re-offend.
• Eileen Agness: You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
• Jesse Cohen: Having the best Massachusetts criminal defense attorney on your case makes a difference, and so does hiring a good criminal lawyer who knows the courts and counties of Massachusetts well.
• Alan Finkel: Whether you need a lawyer to defend you against drunk driving charges, or to represent you at a real estate closing, it is important to have an attorney with the experience to spot trouble before it is too late. Problems can arise quickly and your lawyer needs to understand where to look to find these problems and deal with them successfully.