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Take Action To Protect Yourself From OUI/DUI Charges

An arrest for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OUI) can happen to anyone. It doesn’t mean you have a drinking problem. In fact, quite often it’s the social drinker or occasional drinker who had a few glasses of champagne at a wedding or a few drinks with dinner who gets pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving.

Whatever the circumstances, the potential consequences of an OUI (commonly knowns as DUI) are very serious. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner you can begin protecting your rights and your privilege to drive. Schedule your free initial consultation today by contacting my Framingham OUI/DUI defense firm online or calling 508-319-1641 to discuss your options. You can also see some of my OUI case results.

Aggressive Defense Is The Smart Response After An OUI/DUI Arrest

Drunk driving charges happen to people of all ages and social classes. I have represented working professionals, high school and college students, blue-collar workers, retirees and homemakers. Whether this is your first OUI arrest or a repeat offense, it is not a matter of shame. Rather, it is an important legal challenge that requires a prompt and intelligent response.

It is important to begin an effective OUI defense as soon as possible. If I represent you in a drunk driving case, for your sake, I need to get started right away:

  • Working to preserve evidence, such as obtaining videotaped records from police before they are taped over
  • Scrutinizing Breathalyzer results, if applicable, including examining maintenance records of the machine
  • Evaluating the manner and method by which you were stopped, whether by a traffic stop or at a sobriety checkpoint
  • Analyzing how field sobriety tests were administered
  • Determining what your greatest concerns are and taking action appropriately (such as working to protect your professional license as well as your driver’s license)
  • Analyzing your situation to determine whether pursuing a hardship license is an appropriate goal if your license has been suspended or revoked

When you contact me, we can work together to protect your driving privileges and prevent the damaging effects of a criminal record with as little long-term effect as possible.

Protecting Your Driver’s License, Your Freedom And Your Future

Remember that OUI/DUI charges are much more serious than traffic tickets. Your driver’s license could be suspended or revoked. It is generally difficult for individuals in the Middlesex County, Suffolk County and Norfolk County areas to get around without a car. While residents of Boston proper may use the bus, public transportation can be cumbersome and inadequate for MetroWest residents.

If you rely on your ability to drive to get to work, take care of your family and go about your daily routine, an OUI conviction can drastically alter your lifestyle. An aggressive defense may be your best hope.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Charges

I, attorney David B. Zirlen, can represent you in court if you are facing drunk driving charges. Massachusetts drunk driving laws are complex. As a criminal defense attorney, I have educated countless clients on their legal rights. Here is a collection of questions clients have asked me:

What should I do immediately after being arrested for an OUI/DUI?

If you are arrested for an OUI/DUI, it is important to protect yourself. Remain calm and comply with any instructions the officers give you so that you do not compound your charges – but immediately exercise your right to remain silent. Vocalize your intention to do so and provide no further statements except for the required identifying information, such as your name and address.

Then, clearly express your desire to speak with an attorney. Do not answer any further questions until you have legal representation.

How long does an OUI/DUI stay on my record in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, an OUI/DUI conviction can stay on a criminal record permanently, unless you successfully petition to have the record expunged or sealed. Massachusetts also has a lifetime “lookback” period, so any prior conviction will always be considered during sentencing if you ever face conviction again in the future. You can petition the court to remove the conviction from your driving record, however, after 10 years.

The long-term damage to your criminal and driving record is one of the many reasons it is so important to fight an OUI/DUI charge with experienced legal guidance.

Is it possible to get an OUI/DUI charge dismissed or reduced?

Yes. In Massachusetts, it is possible to dismiss or reduce criminal charges for an OUI/DUI.

An OUI/DUI charge could lead to fines and incarceration. However, a strong legal defense strategy can minimize penalties to probation, license suspension or community service. In some cases, there may be evidence that leads to a dismissed OUI/DUI charge.

To reduce or dismiss charges, a strong criminal defense strategy is needed. There are several defense strategies when handling an OUI/DUI charge, including proving there was an unlawful traffic stop or police search or field sobriety test errors. My goal as your attorney is to challenge an OUI/DUI charge and protect your rights.

Schedule A Consultation With Me, DUI Attorney David B. Zirlen

My experience as a former prosecutor and my more than 25 years of experience as a Natick OUI attorney have given me knowledge and tools that I can put to work for you. I represent people throughout the MetroWest, Greater Boston and statewide. Call 508-319-1641 or send an email message to schedule a free initial consultation.