Drunk Driving Defense Lawyers

So you had a drink or two and were driving? That is not a crime!

Drunk driving in Massachusetts is only a crime when you drink so much alcohol that your ability to drive safely is reduced.

That is what the law says, but DUI defense lawyers Murat Erkan and Ryan Sullivan have seen that police will arrest anyone they even suspect has been drinking before getting into their car and driving. Their reasoning? “Let the courts sort out what is what.” Makes sense for them: they get overtime for court appearances, people plea cases that bring the department revenue, and the newspaper prints the arrest log, not the won at trial results. End result: police have an incentive to make as many DUI arrests as they can.

Your incentive? Having two highly skilled and expert attorneys to help you in your navigate the challenging waters of DWI charges in Massachusetts. We know firsthand how daunting it can be to face an OUI charge (as it is called in Massachusetts), whether it’s your first time or a repeat offense.

Click here to see some results from our past drunk driving cases

Many cases that other attorneys suggested they enter a plea, but who left the courthouse driving their own car because of a victory by Murat and Ryan.

What should I do when the police pull me over?

Say nothing and remain silent. If you had anything to drink, the officer is going to try and build a case against you. What many people think will be a fair investigation is in reality a process of gathering enough evidence against you to make a DUI arrest. The things they are looking for are field sobriety tests – designed to create evidence against you in court. May seem like you have to comply, right? Wrong! Take the advice of Murat and Ryan, you have a right to refuse to perform tests, to refuse to say anything/ That is because you have a Constitutional right to refuse to provide evidence against you that can be used in court. So do just that: say nothing.

Be polite, be nice, be friendly even. Just also be silent and not answer questions or participate in any tests.

What will happen if you refuse to perform the tests?

You will probably be arrested. Its scary, we know. But that’s where we come in. After arrest, the officer will ask you to take a breath test. Refuse that too (it is your right to refuse!) and call Murat and Ryan. We will then help you and take care of the rest.

The officer will very likely arrest you.  If he does, he will ask you to take a chemical breathalyzer test.  Again, politely refuse to take this test.  Under the law, if you have a blood alcohol level of .08 or more, that is sufficient evidence to convict you of DUI.  

But what about my license? If I refuse the breathalyzer, will the police suspend my driver’s license.

That is unfortunately true. But there is a reason for that . . . people will enter a plea even when their chance of winning is extremely high. Take the advice of Murat and Ryan who have tried hundreds of DUI cases with tremendous successes. Without the evidence the officer is looking for, you will have an extremely high chance of winning if you are represented by skilled DUI defense attorneys like us. Most times after the case is won, we can get a client’s license returned to them before their suspension expires. You will be back on the road and with no prior offense on your record. From our perspective, it’s an all out win!

Understanding DUI Charges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts cities and towns are strict about enforcing drunk driving laws. Being arrested for a DUI can be intimidating, but knowing your rights and having skilled drunk driving defense lawyers on your side can make all the difference.

First-Time Offenses:

A first-time DUI charge is more than just a traffic offense. It comes with serious consequences, including license suspension, mandatory programs, increased insurance rates, significant penalties, and in some cases even jail. We understand the impact this can have on your life and will fight to minimize the repercussions. Often that is going to trial with you battle-tested lawyers helping you at every step.

Repeat Offenses:

Subsequent OUI charges carry even more severe penalties, including huge license suspensions, mandatory ignition interlock devices, inpatient treatment programs, and mandatory time behind bars in jail or prison. Third offenses and higher run the risk of felony convictions. Murat and Ryan have handled the simple and the extremely complex cases. We aggressively fight for you in court. We have developed the skills used to win cases and have a proven history of getting results.

Facing subsequent OUI charges can be daunting as they bring much harsher penalties. These include huge license suspensions, mandatory ignition interlock devices, inpatient treatment programs, and unavoidable jail or prison time. For third offenses and beyond, there’s the added risk of felony convictions. Murat and Ryan have the expertise to handle both straightforward and highly complex cases. We aggressively advocate for you in court, leveraging our developed skills and proven track record of success to fight for the best possible outcomes. We are happy to our experience to work for you.

Breath Test Refusal:

Refusing a breath test can sometimes strengthen your defense, but it also leads to license suspensions, from six months to life. We will guide you through your options and help you make informed decisions about your case.

No-Fix Law

DUI cases often fall under the “no-fix” law, which means any procedural error by the police could result in the dismissal of your case. We are meticulous in examining every aspect of your arrest to identify any such errors. We are experts at trying cases and convincing juries, but if we can win your case faster because the police failed to give you a citation, we can help you do that too!

Reach Out to Us

Ryan’s Story:

I’ve walked the path of both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. During my time as an assistant district attorney in various courts, including Lowell, Woburn, and Cambridge, I gained invaluable insights into the prosecution’s strategies. Now, I leverage that experience to vigorously defend our clients. Each DUI case is unique, and I approach every defense with a tailored strategy. My aim is to work harder than the prosecution, analyzing every detail to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Murat’s Story:

I’ve dedicated my career to defending individuals facing criminal charges. I understand the immense pressure and uncertainty that comes with a DUI arrest. My approach is deeply personal and client-focused. I believe in the power of a strong defense and the importance of being thoroughly prepared. Together, Ryan and I bring a comprehensive perspective to each case, ensuring that we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice.

Facing a DUI charge is stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us so we can discuss how we can help you. We are conveniently located in Abdover, MA, and ready to provide the defense you need.

For answers to some other frequently asked questions in OUI cases, click here.