Arrested for DUI in Massachusetts? Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Are Ready to Fight for You
If you’ve been charged with Driving under the Influence (DUI) in Massachusetts, the consequences can be serious—but they don’t have to define your future. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we focus on defending individuals facing motor vehicle offenses, especially DUI charges. With offices conveniently located in Boston at 55 Union Street, Suite 400, and Salem at 15 Church Street, Suite 105, we provide strong legal support to clients across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties. Our team includes seasoned criminal defense attorneys and a former prosecutor who brings valuable insider knowledge to every case.
We are aware of the anxiety and stress that a DUI arrest can cause. Whether you’re from Boston, Brighton, West Roxbury, Chelsea, or nearby towns like Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Brookline, or Dedham, we are prepared to defend your rights and fight for your future.
What You Need to Know About DUI Charges in Massachusetts
It is against the law in Massachusetts to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24, a person can be charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI)—commonly referred to as DUI—if their Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or if their ability to drive is impaired by alcohol or drugs.
A first-time DUI charge may result in:
- Fines and fees
- A possible jail sentence
- License suspension
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
Repeat offenses or DUIs involving serious injuries can lead to enhanced penalties, including longer license suspensions, higher fines, and mandatory jail time.
How Our Criminal Defense Law Firm Builds Your DUI Defense
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, our approach is centered on detailed preparation, skilled negotiation, and aggressive courtroom representation. Our Massachusetts defense attorneys examine every aspect of your case, including:
Field Sobriety Tests
Officers often rely on Field Sobriety Tests to establish probable cause. These tests are subjective and often administered under poor conditions. We challenge the administration and interpretation of these tests when they are unreliable.
Breathalyzer Tests
If you submitted to a Breathalyzer Test, our team investigates whether the device was properly calibrated and maintained, and whether the officer was certified to administer it.
Blood Tests and Chemical Evidence
Chemical evidence must be collected, stored, and tested according to strict standards. If your blood test results were compromised or procedures were violated, we fight to suppress that evidence.
DUI Involving Serious Injury
If your DUI involved an accident that resulted in serious bodily injury, you may be facing enhanced charges. Under Massachusetts law, this can lead to felony charges, mandatory imprisonment, and long-term consequences. Our attorneys build a thorough defense strategy to contest causation, injury severity, and impairment allegations.
Why Choose the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson?
We are a trusted criminal defense law firm with a strong presence in Massachusetts. We don’t treat clients like numbers—we treat your case with the urgency and attention it deserves. Our team is known for:
- Local experience in Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk County courts
- A former prosecutor on staff who understands how cases are built
- Tailored strategies for complex DUI and motor vehicle offense charges
- Open, honest communication every step of the way
- A commitment to achieving the best possible result in your case
Whether you’re facing a first-time DUI or a complex case involving serious injury, our aggressive criminal defense attorneys are ready to help.
Serving Communities Across Eastern Massachusetts
Our criminal defense law firm proudly represents individuals across a wide range of communities in Eastern Massachusetts. Whether you’re facing charges in a city or a smaller town, we bring the same level of dedication and attention to every case. We regularly defend clients in, but not limited to following areas:
- Suffolk County – including Boston, Brighton, West Roxbury, and Chelsea
- Essex County – including Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, and Saugus
- Middlesex County – including Cambridge, Somerville, and Newton
- Norfolk County – including Brookline, Dedham, and Quincy
No matter where your case is being heard, we are ready to provide a strategic, effective defense tailored to your situation.
Contact Us Now to Set Up a Strategy Session
If you or a loved one has been charged with Driving under the Influence (DUI), do not delay. The sooner you get a skilled DUI defense attorney involved, the more options you may have to fight the charges. Contact the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson now to set up a confidential strategy session with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I refuse a Breathalyzer test in Massachusetts?
According to Massachusetts General Law, a licence suspension will be automatically imposed for rejecting a Breathalyser test. A 180-day licence suspension is possible for a first offence.
Can I still be charged with DUI if my BAC was under 0.08%?
Yes. If an officer believes your ability to operate a vehicle was impaired by alcohol or drugs, you can still be charged even with a BAC below 0.08%.
How long does a DUI stay on my record in Massachusetts?
A DUI conviction in Massachusetts stays on your criminal and driving record permanently. This can affect employment, insurance, and future legal outcomes.
Are Field Sobriety Tests mandatory?
You are not legally required to perform Field Sobriety Tests in Massachusetts. However, refusing may still lead to arrest based on other observations.
Do I need an attorney if this is my first DUI?
Yes. Even a first-time DUI can carry serious penalties, including license loss, fines, and a criminal record. A skilled DUI defense attorney can help you understand your options and protect your future.