Proven Legal Protection in OUI Cases by the Best OUI Attorney in MA, NH, and ME

Our practice includes hundreds of drunk driving defense cases in three (3) states each year. Operating Under the Influence (OUI) is the common acronym for Massachusetts and Maine drunk or impaired driving charges. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is the common acronym for NH drunk or impaired driving charges.

The practice in each state is vastly different based on the methods available in each respective case to resolve a case.

New Hampshire is very much a negotiation based defense practice. The Prosecutors in New Hampshire are given significant discretion to resolve cases without a guilty plea to the original criminal DUI charge in appropriate circumstances. The most effective way to resolve a DUI case in NH is to prepare each and every case as if it will proceed to trial. All relevant Motions to Suppress Evidence should always be filed and prepared for presentation to the Court. That always leads to a meaningful discussion with the Prosecutor about the posture of the case at trial. A Motion may seek to excluded chemical testing, breath or blood. A Motion may challenge the stop of a motor vehicle, or the ability of the police to request a driver to exit a vehicle for field sobriety testing. A Motion may also challenge the admissibility of a particular field sobriety test or tests, based on custody and implied consent. Lastly, exclusion of statements or admissions that are made in violation of Miranda protections. When a case is vigorously prepared and defended, positive negotiated outcomes follow. It is very common for a negotiated disposition in NH to result in a dismissal of the criminal DUI charge in exchange for a plea to a new civil violation of Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving or more rarely, a lesser moving violation. The administrative license suspension (ALS) through the NH DMV is also part of almost every negotiated disposition. It is very common for the maximum DUI charge, whether it be 2nd offense or Aggravated to be resolved with a plea to a lesser DUI charge. If your lawyer is not prepared to try a case, especially a difficult one to verdict, you will not obtain a positive negotiated outcome as an option in New Hampshire.

In Maine, Prosecutors also have significant discretion to resolve OUI charges by negotiated pleas. A meaningful option in Maine is the “Deferred Disposition.” This option requires an initial guilty plea, usually to the charged OUI offense, but with sentencing deferred for a period of time with conditions such as counseling, safe driver course, community service, supervision fees, abstinence from drugs and alcohol and good behavior. In Maine, a defendant is never convicted of any crime until sentenced by the Court. The successful completion of a deferred disposition does not result in sentencing by the Court on the charged OUI. It is not a conviction and therefor may result in an outright dismissal of the OUI after the plea is vacated or a plea to a lesser offense such as Driving to Endanger. Many aggravating enhancements such as prior offenses or high breath test results are often eliminated/stricken as part of a plea agreement to avoid mandatory jail sentences.

Massachusetts Prosecutors, rarely if ever, amend or change the original OUI charge that issues at arraignment. It is almost literally set in stone from the outset. Further, Massachusetts enforces a “lifetime lookback” for charging subsequent offenses. It is common for a person’s prior OUI history from thirty (30) or even forty (40) years ago to be used to increase an OUI offense to a 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th offense. There a very few options in Massachusetts short of trial. That is especially true for subsequent lifetime offenders where the choice is go to trial or go to jail following a felony conviction. Thousands of Massachusetts OUI 1st offenders decide to make an admission to the OUI charge and receive a “continuance without a finding, or CWOF.” They are told it is not a “conviction,” which is true under Mass Law. However, the OUI CWOF disposition is the first offense for the remainder of the driver’s life because of the assignment to the alcohol education course by the sentencing Court. There is no difference between a guilty finding and a CWOF if there is ever a 2nd offense. Both count forever as a first offense. That is why many of our cases proceed to trial and verdict in Massachusetts without any meaningful ability to reduce or negotiate outcomes.

If a Massachusetts driver is arrested and charged in Maine or NH with a DUI 1st, with no history in the last ten years, the MA RMV will still impose lifetime lookback administrative sanctions on a reciprocal suspension. A plea to an OUI 1st in Maine or a DUI 1st in NH, can trigger a two (2), eight (8), ten (10) or lifetime suspension of a Massachusetts Driver’s license, depending on the prior history of drunk driving offenses maintained by the MA RMV.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIOctober, 2024

Police stop vehicle for multiple moving violations, speeding and attaching wrong plates. Young driver admits to consuming “one drink” at a family gathering. Police note open “buzz ball” container in vehicle. Driver participates in field sobriety tests roadside amongst four officers and heavy traffic flow. Defense challenges validity of field tests and uses booking video to show client’s clear speech, balance and appropriate behavior at station. Not Guilty verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUISeptember, 2024

Police respond to report of erratic operator on rural road. Driver is found in driveway executing three point turn. Officer notes odor of alcohol, slurred speech and driver’s confusion about her location. Ultimately police admit driver claimed she was lost and driving slowly and hesitantly trying to activated GPS. Defense challenges field sobriety tests and uses booking video to show driver’s apparent good balance and sober demeanor

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIJuly, 2024

Driver stopped for minor marked lanes violation. Officer notes slow speech, an odor of alcohol and unsteadiness. Arrest follows field sobriety testing roadside. Defense excludes post arrest breath test evidence due to improper testing procedures and challenges field sobriety testing validity at trial. Booking video utilized to display client’s apparent sobriety at station. Not Guilty verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIJune, 2024

Police respond to report of male outside of vehicle unable to stand and injured while falling from truck. Police note odor of alcohol, slurred speech and inability to stand or walk. Driver is transported from scene to hospital without standard field sobriety testing. Defense focuses on lack of evidence of operation, as civilian 911 reporting party did not appear as witness and reasonable doubt regarding cause of driver’s incapacity, medical versus alcohol. Not Guilty verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIMay, 2024

Police respond to scene of single car accident with alleged driver found in street unresponsive next to car. Prosecution does not obtain medical records and civilian witnesses fail to appear to testify. Lack of evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt operation of vehicle. Not Guilty Verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIMay, 2024

Police stop driver in early morning hours for speeding. Driver admits to consuming a few beers at friend’s house and he’s simply trying to get home. Police note odor of alcohol, glassy eyes and slurred speech. Driver has difficulty with standard field sobriety tests including walk and turn and one leg stand. Defense challenges the validity of tests on slope of hill in freezing temperatures. Booking video shows driver’s demeanor, behavior and movements consistent with sobriety. Not Guilty Verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIMay, 2024

Driver stopped on highway following report of erratic operation. Police note odor of alcohol and red/glassy eyes. Police struggle to communicate with driver due to language barrier. Arrest follows disjointed field sobriety sequence. BWC footage of arrest sequence is never produced to defense. Dismissal denied by Court, but Jury allowed to draw negative inference with loss of video evidence. Not Guilty Verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUI Serious Bodily InjuryMay, 2024

Police respond to four way intersection collision. Witnesses claim driver ran stop sign and t-boned second vehicle. Passenger in second vehicle suffers head injury and ultimately is transported to Boston due to pregnancy and possible complications. Driver refuses to participate in field sobriety test and post arrest breath test, both of which are no admissible in MA OUI prosecution. Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage is helpful to defense. Not guilty verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIMarch, 2024

Driver stopped for speeding. Admits to police that he had two (2) drinks at Chinese restaurant following work. Driver participates in field sobriety tests roadside but refuses post arrest breath test. Defense focuses on fairness of fields sobriety tests for this given driver and his behavior consistent with sobriety throughout police contact. Not guilty verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict Maine OUI chargeFebruary, 2024

Deputy stops driver of truck for speeding. Out of State operator tells officer he is leading team of workers to their rental as they are in the area installing utility lines. Driver admits to having 2 drinks after work. Officer notes an odor of alcohol, but no slurred speech. Defense utilizes video footage of roadside encounter and filed sobriety tests during cross examination. Not guilty verdict following trial.

Maine OUI Drug Charge DismissedFebruary, 2024

Driver stopped while returning to her motel from local convenience store. Store clerk reported strange behavior consistent with intoxication. Driver struggles with field sobriety tests but claims she’s only tired and taking only her prescribed medications. Driver is 0.00 for alcohol on breath test. Post arrest Drug Recognition Evaluator opines driver is impaired by benzodiazepines among other substances. Prosecutor dismisses all charges when state conducted blood test shows no controlled substances in her system.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIFebruary, 2024

Young driver is found asleep at wheel of running vehicle at traffic signal at 4:00 a.m. Police note odor of alcohol and glassy red eyes. Driver refuses to participate in field sobriety testing or post arrest beath test. Both refusal decisions are not admissible in Massachusetts OUI prosecution. Defense argues behavior and demeanor are consistent with fatigue and tiredness not alcohol impairment. Not Guilty verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIJanuary, 2024

Police respond to report of hit and run collision where vehicle left scene after side swipe collision. Driver is found short distance away with missing side mirror on passenger side. Arrest follows field sobriety tests. Defense excludes .12 post arrest breath test for failure to comply with proper testing sequence. Booking video also utilized to show driver’s sober behavior at station. Maine OUI charge successfully deferred and dismissed to Driving to Endanger. Lifetime lookback consequences of Melanie’s Law avoided for MA resident/license holder Jan 2024

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUI 2nd ChargeJanuary, 2024

Police find vehicle based on multiple reports of driver leaving plaza, hitting pole and rock and leaving license plate behind at scene. Driver refuses to participate in field sobriety testing and post arrest breath test. Civilian reporting witnesses fail to appear at trial and most damaging testimony is excluded at trial as hearsay. Not guilty verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIDecember, 2023

Police respond to report of driver passed out, asleep or having seizure in drive thru of McDonald’s. Driver is initially interviewed by 1st officer on scene. 2nd Officer on scene requests driver participate in field sobriety testing after he refuses medical treatment from EMS/Fire units. He notes slurred speech, glassy eyes and an odor of alcohol, also the driver’s apparent confusion as to his exact location. Driver ultimately refuses to take field sobriety tests or post arrest breath test. Defense ensures refusal evidence will not be admitted at trial, offer’s booking video as evidence and confirms through civilian 911 reporting witness that he thought it was a medical emergency/seizure. Not guilty verdict following jury trial. Lifetime look back consequences of Melanie’s Law avoided. Enhanced chemical test refusal suspension vacated.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIDecember, 2023

Police follow driver coming off highway onto municipal streets. Officer notes vehicle traveling on wrong side of road and observes damage to front passenger side when vehicle makes wide turn. After traffic stop officer sees fresh vomit on side of truck outside driver’s window and detects strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech and glassy/bloodshot eyes. Arrest follows roadside fields sobriety tests. Booking process is aided by on call Portuguese interpreter. Defense challenges field sobriety test instructions without interpreter and uses booking video to depict driver’s apparent sober demeanor and behavior. Not Guilty verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIDecember, 2023

Police respond to report of vehicle off roadway at DPW access ramp on highway in early afternoon in clear, dry weather. Driver appears highly agitated and upset about his damaged vehicle and explains that he was trying to turn around off highway to get to NH from Boston. He denies drinking that day, only the night before. Eventually, police suspect impairment by alcohol given client’s unusual statements and behavior. Defendant consents to filed sobriety tests and is arrested. Defense utilizes portions of body worn camera footage to challenge validity of field sobriety tests and unusual OUI investigation. Not guilty verdict following jury trial. Lifetime lookback consequences of Melanie’s Law avoided. Enhanced chemical test refusal suspension vacated.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUI ChargeDecember, 2023

Driver seized by police sitting as gas pumps after a manager of local entertainment facility reported him as a drunk patron refusing to accept Uber ride. Driver arrested after filed sobriety tests and submits to post arrest breath test of .16. Defense excludes breath test evidence prior to trial, utilizes civilian witness’ testimony to benefit defendant and introduces helpful portions booking audio/video recording. Not guilty verdict following jury trial.

MA OUI Conviction (1985) VacatedOctober, 2020

MA resident facing new 2019 DUI 1st Offense charge in New Hampshire. Counsel advises client that guilty finding in NH will trigger eight (8) year loss of Massachusetts driver’s license as 3rd lifetime offender under Melanie’s Law Lifetime Lookback provision. Client has prior OUI findings in MA in 1985 and 1992. Motion to Vacate 1985 OUI conviction allowed by Court in 2020. Defense files and argues Motion to Vacate due to client’s unknowing and involuntary plea in 1985. Supporting affidavit from client establishes that he was 21 years old at time of plea, which was same morning as his arrest, and he proceeded on the advice of a police prosecutor “to pay a fine and get it over with” without the advice of an his own attorney or an understanding of the charge, his rights and the consequences of his plea.

Maine OUI Charge DismissedSeptember, 2020

Massachusetts driver stopped for center line encroachment as she passes police cruiser just prior to 1:00 a.m. Cruiser mounted video depicts the driving, stop, roadside encounter and field sobriety testing. Post arrest breath test results in .10 BAC. Defense files and argues Motion to Suppress alleging cruiser video does not depict a clear lane violation. Motion denied by Court. Defense requests jury trial date and that Prosecutor make available State’s Breath Test technician/expert to allow confrontation on reliability and accuracy of breath test results. Defense also prepared to present video evidence to rebut alleged impairment. OUI charge dismissed prior to trial with plea to lesser non-OUI offense. No impact under Massachusetts’ Melanie’s Law Lifetime Lookback.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUI Drugs ChargeMarch, 2020

LAST JURY TRIAL IN MASSACHUSETTS BEFORE COVID Police stop driver for speeding violation. Officer claims he smells odor of burnt marijuana coming from vehicle as it passes his location before stop. When driver lowers window officer struck by overwhelming odor of marijuana and he notes driver’s slow movements and delayed speech. Officer arrests driver for OUI Drugs following field sobriety tests. Defense limits police testimony to observations only, not allowing any opinion on the issue of impairment by MJ. Not Guilty verdict following jury trial.

MA OUI Charge DismissedMarch, 2020

Police stop driver for speeding violation. Officer notes slurred speech, odor of alcohol and bloodshot/glassy eyes. Driver initially refuses to answer any questions but ultimately exits for field sobriety tests. Post arrest breath test of .20 excluded by defense. Prosecution is unable to go forward on four consecutive trial dates, despite repeated claims to Court that arresting officer has left department for federal job, but will return to testify at trial. Defense repeatedly demands trial or dismissal. OUI Charge dismissed for lack of prosecution.

MA OUI Charge DismissedFebruary, 2020

Police respond to call for driver leaving scene of minor traffic accident. Based on reporting party description of vehicle and plate, client is found at home. She admits to just arriving home and having a glass of wine at work, but continually denies hitting another car or leaving scene of accident. Driver arrested after field sobriety tests and submits to post arrest breath test .24. Defense requests trial, but Prosecution/police fail to produce booking video. On 3rd trial date, video still not produced and civilian witness not available to testify. Court grants defense Motion to Dismiss as sanction for failure to produce booking video and lack of prosecution.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUI ChargeDecember, 2019

Driver stopped for lanes violation by officer working special detail for “Driver Sober, Get Pulled Over” program. Driver admits to having two drinks and politely participates in field sobriety tests which are less than perfect given her age and overall nervousness. Post arrest breath test .09. Defense excludes breath test evidence prior to trial and utilizes booking video to show client’s apparent sobriety, demeanor, distress and overall nervousness throughout entire process. Not Guilty verdict following trial.

MA OUI Plea vacated OUI Charge DismissedDecember, 2019

MA resident facing OUI 2nd charge following single car accident. Defense obtains record of prior conviction where driver appeared “Pro se” without a lawyer at his arraignment and entered admission to OUI 1st Offense. Client unaware that breath test evidence .17 was inadmissible at the time and he was otherwise completely unaware of the defenses he had available to challenge this OUI 1st charge. Defense Motion to Vacate Plea allowed, OUI 1st charge ultimately dismissed outright, converting pending OUI 2nd charge to a true OUI 1st.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUINovember, 2019

Police follow driver for approximately 2 miles noting several encroachments on double yellow line and outside fog line. Driver admits to having several drinks at local tavern, but refuses field sobriety tests. Post arrest breath test .16 BrAc is excluded by defense. Refusal of Field Sobriety Tests not admissible in MA. Not guilty verdict following trial.

MA OUI Charge DismissedNovember, 2019

Police stop driver for drifting in lanes on highway. She admits to having glass of wine at family party, but she left after argument with her mother. Police allege she fails field sobriety tests and she refused post arrest breath test. Barracks equipped with video recording of booking process, but police fail to preserve and save recording for trial. Defense requests instruction from Court that Jury can draw adverse inference against government for failure tor preserve tape. OUI charge dismissed by prosecution after jury selection.

ME OUI Drugs Charge DismissedNovember, 2019

Police stop vehicle for marked lanes violations. Driver is underage with several passengers between 18-21. Officer notes strong odor of recently burnt marijuana. Driver admits he and passengers were “hot boxing” joint just before stop. Smoking joint with windows up. Young driver does remarkably well on field sobriety tests and post arrest Drug Recognition Evaluation (DRE) screen, as depicted on booking video. Defense prepared to challenge whether opinion of marijuana impairment and DRE evaluation are admissible. OUI Drugs charge dismissed prior to trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUI ChargeOctober, 2019

Driver stopped by police in early morning hours for speeding violation. Officer notes odor of alcohol emanating from driver and his glassy/bloodshot eyes. Officer inquires about destination and whereabouts. Driver admits to having a few beers earlier at his friend’s house, hours earlier and states he his headed home. Driver refuses to submit to field sobriety tests and post arrest breath test. Refusal evidence is not admissible at trial in Massachusetts. Not guilty finding verdict following trial.

Application for OUI Drugs Charge dismissedOctober, 2019

Police respond to vehicle stopped in travel lane of road. Driver appears to be passed out and possibly suffering overdose on narcotics. Police try to speak to driver, but he is incoherent and non-responsive, falling in and out of consciousness. Driver is ultimately transported to hospital for medical evaluation and police decide to issue summons for OUI Drugs Charge. Defense prevails on Clerk/Magistrate to deny application for criminal OUI Drugs charge due to lack of admissible evidence of impairment.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIOctober, 2019

Police respond to scene of single car crash but driver not with vehicle. Civilian witness reports driver left scene on foot. Damaged truck matches earlier reports of impaired driver at convenience store and fast food drive through. Client is found at home short time later approximately 1 mile from crash scene. Refuses field sobriety tests, but makes several damaging statements to police. Post arrest breath test .12 is excluded as evidence by defense, as are several statements for Miranda violations. Not guilty verdict following trial. Enhanced penalties under lifetime look back provision of Melanie’s Law avoided.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUISeptember, 2019

Police stop driver for speeding violation in early evening. Driver denies drinking that day, but later admits that he had a vodka drink when he woke up. Driver explains he works nights into morning hours as a DJ and is currently on his way to gig. Arrest follows field sobriety testing. Inventory search of car discloses a few Gatorade bottles partially full of alcohol/Gatorade mixture and vodka bottle. Client admits he drinks after his shifts end. Defense excludes breath test evidence .17 and utilizes both cruiser and booking video to argue defendant’s apparent sobriety. Not Guilty verdict following trial. Enhanced penalties under lifetime lookback provisions of Melanie’s Law avoided.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUI ChargeFebruary, 2019

Police respond to scene of single car crash. Only person on scene is found outside of damaged vehicle placing beer cans into a backpack. Police immediately recognize young man is injured and he is ultimately transferred to the hospital by ambulance for the treatment of injuries, including a fractured leg. Police due note an odor of alcohol, red/glassy eyes and slurred speech. Client refuses requested blood test at hospital. Government does not seek Judicial Order/Warrant for medical records. Trial concludes with Not Guilty verdict.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIJanuary, 2019

Police respond to scene of single car crash finding pickup truck in roadway after it struck rock wall. Police note strong odor of alcohol and driver’s difficulty with balance. Client refuses field sobriety tests and the post arrest breath test. Refusal evidence inadmissible in MA. Although driver admitted to being driver of truck and no other persons on scene, evidence at trial does not include admission and further lacks evidence tying client to vehicle and its’ operation. No percipient witness to crash. Prosecution fails to establish “operation” beyond a reasonable doubt. Not Guilty verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUI ChargeJanuary, 2019

Police respond to single car crash that was initially reported to and investigated by neighboring NH police. Crash occurs on the border. MA police arrive to find single young man on scene, yelling, bleeding heavily from head wound and otherwise refusing medical treatment or to cooperate with police. Driver is arrested and forced to hospital via ambulance where his blood is seized for medical purposes, against his will. Warrant issued for .16 blood evidence. Defense prevails at trial because prosecution lacks admissible evidence to establish client was actually driving car. The uncorroborated admission to driving alone is legally insufficient. Not Guilty verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUI ChargeJanuary, 2019

Police stop driver in early morning hours for speeding violation. Police are off put by driver’s refusal to speak with them and refusal to participate in field sobriety testing. Driver admits to one drink, and only agrees to field sobriety testing after his wife pleads with him to cooperate. Police note odor of alcohol, slurred speech and glassy eyes and the driver’s escalating belligerent behavior and language. Defense challenges validity of field sobriety tests and police version of events. Not Guilty verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUI ChargeJanuary, 2019

Police respond to citizen cell phone 911 report of erratic operator displaying lane control issues. Police find vehicle and observe it driving over skip line straddling two lanes. Police make motor vehicle stop and note driver’s eyes are glassy/bloodshot and she has odor of alcohol coming from breath. Driver admits to consuming two vodka drinks at dinner. Driver attempts field sobriety tests despite telling police about multiple leg injuries. Post arrest breath test .15 is excluded as evidence by the defense prior to trial. Defense introduces certified medical records to document leg injuries. Booking video utilized to defense advantage as well. Not Guilty Verdict following trial. Lifetime Lookback effects of Melanie’s Law avoided.

MA OUI Complaint Application DismissedJanuary, 2019

Police officer monitoring traffic takes note of late model vehicle allegedly speeding on Main thoroughfare, but he is unable to initiate motor vehicle stop due to his current roadway position with another stop. Approximately one (1) hour later the same officer is called to assist with a domestic issue and the report of the wife being highly intoxicated. The responding officer recognizes the car in the driveway and the wife as being the same driver he saw earlier. There is evidence that she consumed wine at home and is highly intoxicated. Defense prevails on Clerk/Magistrate to deny application for OUI criminal complaint, due to lack of probable cause that driver was impaired earlier when officer observed her driving.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUI ChargeJanuary, 2019

Police respond to report of possibly intoxicated driver made by tow truck driver that assists in giving driver a jump start of his car. Although police immediately identify the reported car moving away from scene, they follow, without stopping, for approximately 2.5 miles, noting only minor speed deviations and drifting “within” his lane. Driver admits to two drinks at show with his wife. Police allege driver has odor of alcohol and slurred speech and performs less than perfectly on ABC test. He does not take one leg stand test or walk and turn test due to artificial hip and knee problems. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test and refusal of portable breath test not admissible in Massachusetts OUI prosecution. Not Guilty verdict following trial.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIDecember, 2018

Police come upon disabled vehicle in break down lane of highway. Driver indicates he is OK and is simply waiting for AAA. Police note odor of alcohol, slurred speech and glassy/bloodshot eyes. Driver’s account of hit and run accident does not match what officers see for damage. Driver arrested following field sobriety testing. Post arrest .15 breath test excluded by defense. Cross examination of arresting officer focuses on nature of field sobriety tests and driver’s actual passing performance on parts of these roadside examinations. Not Guilty verdict following trial. Lifetime Lookback enhanced penalties under Melanie’s Law avoided.

Not Guilty MA OUI ChargeDecember, 2018

Police on early morning stationary patrol notice passing vehicle slow, turn and park behind cruiser. Driver exits and approaches officer asking for directions. Officer notes odor of alcohol and slurred speech and asks driver to return to his car. When back up arrives police put driver through field sobriety tests and make arrest. Breath test at station .28 is excluded by the defense. Booking video footage does not support police allegation that driver is unsteady. Empty nips in driver’s car cannot be used as evidence because officer that made inventory search of car post arrest is not called as witness. Not Guilty verdict following trial. Lifetime lookback enhanced penalties of Melanie’s Law avoided.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUIDecember, 2018

Police respond to numerous reports of erratic operator making unsafe lane changes on highway. Driver stopped on offramp and appears extremely unsteady on his feet, with odor of alcohol and slurred speech. Post arrest breath test .11 is excluded by the defense. Search of vehicle discloses open wine containers, but officer who conducted inventory search is not called as witness at trial. Defense focuses on difficulty of field sobriety tests in breakdown lane of highway at rush hour and lack of video/audio recording of booking process. Not Guilty verdict following trial. Lifetime lookback enhanced penalties of Melanie’s Law avoided.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUINovember, 2018

Police stop to investigate motorcycle stopped on side of road. Driver is laying on grass near bike waiting for AAA and informs police the bike broke down. Civilian witness testifies that he attempted to help the driver and actually called AAA for him, providing the exact location. Police find driver to be confused about his actual whereabouts and he emits a strong odor of alcohol. Field sobriety tests result in client’s arrest. Post arrest breath test of .21 is excluded by the defense. Medical records offered by defense to substantiate client’s claim of bad knees. Not Guilty Verdict after trial. Lifetime lookback enhanced penalties under Melanie’s Law avoided.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUINovember, 2018

Driver is involved in rear end collision on busy thoroughfare at 6:00 p.m. in evening. Admits to police he had “a couple” after work. Driver refuses field sobriety testing and is arrested. Police cite accident, odor of alcohol, “clumsy” walking and admission to drinking as grounds for arrest. Post arrest breath test of .08 is excluded by defense. Refusal evidence not admissible in MA. Not Guilty Verdict following trial.

Not Guilty MA OUI ChargeOctober, 2018

Police stop driver after he reportedly side swiped another car on the highway and proceeded to drive several miles without stopping. Other vehicle follows client until police make stop. Driver participates in field sobriety tests and claims he didn’t realize his car “clipped mirrors” with the other car. Post arrest breath test. 12 is excluded by the defense. Booking video utilized to display the client’s demeanor, speech, balance, cognition and behavior. Not Guilty Verdict following trial.

MA OUI Charge DismissedOctober, 2018

Police stop driver for speeding in early morning hours. Officer notes odor of alcohol and driver’s glassy bloodshot eyes. Driver participates in field sobriety tests and police allege she fails horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) and walk and turn test, but passes one leg stand test. Portable Breath test (PBT) is .11. HGN and PBT are not admissible in MA. Defense excludes post arrest breath test of .09. OUI charge dismissed on day of trial for lack of prosecution.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUISeptember, 2018

Driver stopped on highway for several lane changes without signaling and drooping his speed well below the posted limit causing other cars to slow. Officer notes the driver is excitedly claiming he’s never had a ticket and that he’s chewing gum, presumably to cover the odor of alcohol. Driver admits to having a few beers. Client does well on portions of field sobriety tests, but blow .099 on Portable Breath Test (PBT). He is arrestee and submits to post arrest breath test of .10. Defense excludes post arrest test and PBT is not admissible in MA. Not Guilty verdict following trial.

MA OUI Charge DismissedSeptember, 2018

Police respond to single car accident to find truck crashed through wrought iron fence. Client is found walking back towards the scene several minutes after the crash. He admits to drinking at his house where he is coming from and also earlier while golfing. Client admits to being the driver and is arrested for OUI charge. At trial Prosecution lack sufficient evidence to corroborate driver’s admission that he was the driver, as independent witness that called in crash was not identified. OUI Charge dismissed for lack of Prosecution at trial date.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUISeptember, 2018

Driver reports to elementary school for afternoon pickup of his children. He is told by school staff to return with another vehicle equipped with adequate seating for kids. School staff call police to await his return because they detected an odor of alcohol from driver/dad. Police arrest driver upon his return and find an open container containing alcohol in his personal vehicle and his glassy/bloodshot eyes. Driver refuses to take filed sobriety tests. Defense calls civilian witness/family member that responded to scene and finds driver upset, but not intoxicated. Booking video shows driver balanced, well behaved, cooperative and using his medicated eye drops to treat red, itchy eyes, as prescribed in his medical records. Refusal evidence not admissible in MA. Not Guilty verdict following trial.

Not Guilty MA OUI ChargeSeptember, 2018

Police respond to single car crash to find pickup truck disabled and damage along highway jersey barrier. Driver admits to drinking earlier and claims he was cut off by a “black” car that left scene. Defense challenges validity of field sobriety tests in cold, wet, interior breakdown lane of highway and offer pictures of damage to truck to substantiate black paint transfer by another vehicle. First trial results in hung jury and a declared mistrial. Not Guilty verdict following 2nd trial.

MA OUI Drugs Charge DismissedDecember, 2017

Police respond to multiple 911 calls of driver weaving across highway lanes and finally crashing into inside guardrail and snow bank. Police find driver outside of damaged car trying to re-enter vehicle and leave. Driver is reported to be confused, lethargic and argumentative, but there is no evidence of alcohol impairment. Police suspect, based on driver’s pinpoint pupils that he is impaired by some controlled substance. Defense files Motion in Limine to exclude any unfounded opinion evidence regarding impairment by any substance, other than alcohol. Government did not disclose an expert witness qualified to state such an opinion. Prosecution agrees to dismiss OUI Drugs Charge on trial date.

Not Guilty Verdict NH DWI Drugs ChargeAugust, 2017

Police stop driver for speeding violation. Officer notes strange odor emanating from vehicle consistent with “Spice” and notes driver’s fingers are stained brown. Several Spice packets are strewn about interior of vehicle. Police engage driver in field sobriety testing and Drug Recognition (DRE) Exam. Defense challenges validity of DRE protocol without expert witness support. Not Guilty Verdict following trial.

NH DWI Drugs Charge DismissedMay, 2017

Police stop driver on highway following citizen cell phone report of hazardous operation and then observing her commit several marked lanes violation at approximately 9:00 a.m. Driver appears lethargic, with slurred speech and slowed reactions. Police allege she fails Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn and One Leg Stand tests, but she is 0.00 on roadside portable breath test (PBT). Driver refuses to submit to blood test but admits she takes several prescribed medications for anxiety and depression. DWI charge dismissed prior to trial.

Not Guilty Verdict NH DWI Drugs ChargeMay, 2017

Police stop driver for marked lanes violation. Same officer arrested same driver for identical charge weeks earlier. Police note driver’s belligerent irrational behavior and foul language at roadside. Driver is arrested following field sobriety tests for DWI Drugs and Disorderly Conduct. Raucous, belligerent and profane language continues through post arrest Drug Recognition Evaluation at station. State is unable to prove what substance, if any, the defendant is impaired by, as DRE testifies that he suspects cannabis, “Spice”, Central Nervous System Stimulants and/or Central Nervous System Depressants possibly impaired the driver. Not Guilty finding following trial.

MA OUI Drugs Charge DismissedFebruary, 2017

Driver pulls over when he sees blue lights behind him. Police actually targeting car in front of him. When police instruct him to leave he bumps into cruiser with his car. Police approach again, and now note odor of burnt marijuana. Driver admits to just smoking a joint after buying marijuana in city. Police tow driver’s car and make him wait for ride. No arrest made, but client later summonsed to Court to answer complaint charging OUI Drugs. Defense Motion to Dismiss charge granted by Court.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUI Drugs ChargeFebruary, 2017

Police stop driver during early afternoon when concerned citizen calls police to say driver is acting erratically in parking lot across the street from pharmacy. Car is stopped in middle of road when police arrive. Driver submits to field sobriety testing but is 0.00 on breath test. Police suspect she is under the influence of combination of prescribed drugs. Prosecution cannot prove impairment of any particular substance at trial. Not Guilty Verdict. Lifetime Lookback effects of Melanie’s Law avoided for this MA resident driver with prior Florida DWI.

Not Guilty Verdict MA OUI ChargeFebruary, 2017

Police respond to report of woman passed out/asleep behind wheel in rush hour traffic on Main Thoroughfare. First officer on scene notes driver is lethargic, confused and appears with glassy/bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. He does not note odor of alcohol. 2nd Officer makes same observations and determines driver failed field sobriety tests. Neither Officer notes odor of alcohol in testimony or relates driver’s symptoms to alcohol intoxication, only that she appears “impaired.” Defense Motion for Required Finding of Not Guilty at close of all Evidence Granted by Court.

What is the Bowser Law Difference?

Mike Bowser has unique experience and knowledge which he uses to protect his clients.

  • Mike Bowser is the only Board Certified DUI Defense Specialist who practices in MA, NH & ME. This means he had to pass rigorous examinations and interviews about his knowledge of DUI law to become certified.
  • Because he practices in all three states, Mike Bowser knows how to handle the complications that arise when you are charged as an out of state driver.
  • Clients who have hired Mike Bowser LOVE him! Take one look at his reviews and you will see why Mike Bowser is The Most Reviewed 5 Star DUI Defense Lawyer Practicing in MA, NH & ME!
  • He uses his deep understanding of forensic science to pick apart the evidence against you and looks for errors that he can challenge. He then carefully prepares your case with the goal of highlighting these issues and putting you in the best possible position.
  • He is a ruthless cross-examiner who is at home in the courtroom. Judges, prosecutors, and police officers often praise his professionalism and knowledge.

If you are facing a DUI charge, don’t delay. Call now to setup your
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(888) 526-9737