
DUI Lawyer in Atttleboro, MA
DUI Lawyer in Attleboro, MA
A lot of people arrested for OUI in Massachusetts assume the breath test result tells the whole story. It does not. The test is one piece of evidence, and in Massachusetts, the rules governing how that evidence gets used are strict. If you are searching for a DUI lawyer in Attleboro, MA, understanding what holds a charge together and what can unravel it matters from day one.
What the Breath Test Does and Does Not Prove
How Breathalyzer Evidence Works in Massachusetts OUI Cases
Massachusetts charges OUI under M.G.L. c. 90, § 24, with a per se BAC threshold of .08 for most adult drivers. But the breath test equipment must be properly calibrated, the officer has to follow the approved observation period, and the results must be handled correctly before they can come in as evidence.
Massachusetts has had documented issues with breathalyzer certification, and courts have excluded test results where proper protocols were not followed. We review the testing records, the officer’s training history, and the circumstances of the stop. A DUI lawyer in Attleboro, MA, who knows how to challenge this evidence can shift the weight of the case significantly.
Field Sobriety Tests and What They Show
Field sobriety tests are presented as objective measures of impairment. They are not. Performance can be affected by road conditions, footwear, anxiety, or an unrelated medical condition. The officer’s scoring is subjective, and the written report may not capture everything that happened during the stop. We compare the police report against any available cruiser or body camera footage; those two sources often tell different stories.
Two Separate Cases Running at the Same Time
Most people think of an OUI arrest as one legal problem. It is actually two. The criminal case moves through court while a separate administrative action at the RMV begins almost immediately.
If you took the breath test and registered at or above .08, the RMV suspends your license independent of anything the court does. If you refused, Massachusetts’ implied consent law triggers a 180-day suspension for a standard first refusal, separate from any court-ordered penalty. The two processes do not wait for each other, and that is usually where having a DUI lawyer in Attleboro, MA, early makes the biggest difference.
For eligible first offenders, the § 24D disposition can result in a license suspension of just 45 to 90 days rather than the longer suspension tied to a conviction. It is not available in every case. Prior OUI history or a serious injury in the incident can disqualify you, but when it applies, it changes the outcome meaningfully. A DUI lawyer in Attleboro, MA, can tell you quickly whether you qualify and what to expect at each stage.
Talk to Riccio Law Before Your Next Court Date
Riccio Law defends clients facing OUI and DUI charges throughout Massachusetts. Attorney Anthony Riccio is a former prosecutor with over 14 years of trial experience who understands how the state builds these cases and where they can be challenged.
Call (617) 404-8878 or reach us online. We are available 24/7.