Law Office of Shane W. Surrette Legal Blog

Getting charged with OUI or DUI in Massachusetts can have stiff penalties.  For a first time offender in Massachusetts, these penalties can range from jail time, fines, license suspension, and mandated substance abuse treatment programs.  If you have a minor in the...

Drug trafficking is a serious crime that can carry stiff penalties.  If you are charged with drug trafficking, it is critical that you seek proper legal representation immediately.  By working with an experienced criminal defense trial attorney, your chances of a fair...

Firearm and gun charges can lead to jail time

Being charged with assault and battery can result in a fine, probation, or up to 2 1/2 years in prison.

The breathalyzer test is a device that measures the amount of alcohol in the air you breathe out.  These tests are oftentimes administered by police officers when someone is suspected of OUI or DUI.  Typically, the results of these tests can go up as soon as 15...

What are sobriety checkpoints and what to do if you find yourself in one

Is buzzed driving drunk driving?  This is a common question I am faced with regularly, both personally and professionally.  The simple answer to this question is yes, buzzed driving is drunk driving. Many people will be at a party and consume a few alcoholic...

There are three elements that the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in an under the influence DUI trial in Massachusetts.  The three elements include: Operation of a Motor Vehicle; On a public way; While under the influence of intoxicating liquor. The amount of alcohol required to prove DUI varies from person to person.  If you are charged with…

In order to proceed on an operating under the influence of alcohol charge in Massachusetts, one element that the Commonwealth must prove is operation. Operation has its own definition under the law.  Operation of a motor vehicle occurs whenever a person: Is in a vehicle; & Intentionally manipulates a mechanical or electrical part of the vehicle; Which alone or in…

In Lunn v. Commonwealth, SJC 12276, (2017), it was held that Mass. law does not allow court officials to hold an individual solely on the basis of a civil immigration detainer, beyond the time the individual would be entitled to be released from state custody.  For example: If you post bail on your state case; Are subject to a civil immigration…