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    <title type="text">Law Office of Shane W. Surrette</title>
    <subtitle type="text">Law Office of Shane W. Surrette</subtitle>

    <updated>2026-06-12T22:27:25Z</updated>

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        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>by Law Office of Shane W. Surrette</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Defense Attorney Shane Surrette Gives Opening Statement in Double Murder Trial]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2026/06/defense-attorney-shane-surrette-gives-opening-statement-in-double-murder-trial/" />
            <id>https://www.swslawoffice.com/?p=46789</id>
            <updated>2026-06-12T22:27:25Z</updated>
            <published>2026-06-12T22:23:27Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Shane Surrette gives opening remarks at Christopher Burns' double murder trial]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2026/06/defense-attorney-shane-surrette-gives-opening-statement-in-double-murder-trial/"><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/defense-attorney-shane-surrette-gives-an-opening-statement-on-the-first-day-of-christopher-burns-murder-trial-at-worcester/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjY6bmV3c21sX01UMVVTQVRPREFZMjkxMTg3NTI" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="size-full wp-image-46788 aligncenter" src="/wp-content/uploads/sites/1502946/2026/06/shane.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="201" />  </a>

Defense attorney Shane Surrette gives an opening statement on the first day of Christopher Burns' murder trial at Worcester Superior Court on Tuesday, June 2.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>by Law Office of Shane W. Surrette</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Firearm Laws In Massachusetts]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2025/11/firearm-laws-in-massachusetts/" />
            <id>https://www.swslawoffice.com/?p=46783</id>
            <updated>2025-11-07T21:44:07Z</updated>
            <published>2025-11-07T21:44:07Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[If you are licensed to carry firearms in another state and you move to Massachusetts, you will need to comply with the Massachusetts gun laws.  For instance, you will have to seek a license or FID card in Massachusetts in order to be in possession of a firearm in Massachusetts. It is important to understand that having a license to…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2025/11/firearm-laws-in-massachusetts/"><![CDATA[<p style="font-weight: 400;">If you are licensed to carry firearms in another state and you move to Massachusetts, you will need to comply with the Massachusetts gun laws.  For instance, you will have to seek a license or FID card in Massachusetts in order to be in possession of a firearm in Massachusetts.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">It is important to understand that having a license to carry in another state is insufficient for firearm possession in Massachusetts. What may be legal in another state could immediately subject you to an 18 month minimum mandatory sentence in Massachusetts.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Insufficient knowledge of the firearms laws in Massachusetts is also not a defense.  It is important to consult with a criminal attorney who handles firearm cases regularly.</p>]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>by Law Office of Shane W. Surrette</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[OUI: Difference Between Portable Breathalyzer &#038; Infrared Breathalyzer]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2025/02/oui-difference-between-portable-breathalyzer-infrared-breathalyzer/" />
            <id>https://www.swslawoffice.com/?p=46775</id>
            <updated>2025-06-11T15:57:33Z</updated>
            <published>2025-02-23T19:03:03Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[If you are stopped under suspicion of operating under the influence of liquor in MA, you are likely to be offered field sobriety tests.  Additionally, in most instances, you will be asked on scene to blow into a portable breathalyzer device. It is important to know that the portable breathalyzer device that is often given at the time of the…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2025/02/oui-difference-between-portable-breathalyzer-infrared-breathalyzer/"><![CDATA[<p style="font-weight: 400;">If you are stopped under suspicion of operating under the influence of liquor in MA, you are likely to be offered field sobriety tests.  Additionally, in most instances, you will be asked on scene to blow into a portable breathalyzer device.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">It is important to know that the portable breathalyzer device that is often given at the time of the stop is different than the infrared test that is given at the police station or place of detention.  The portable test result is inadmissible in court, but it is utilized by police in their determination as to whether there is probable cause to make an arrest.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The breath test that is given at the station is the evidentiary test that the Commonwealth will attempt to introduce at trial.  When you are faced with such a charge, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.</p>]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>by Law Office of Shane W. Surrette</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[OUI Drugs:  Impossible to Prove?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2025/02/oui-drugs-impossible-to-prove/" />
            <id>https://www.swslawoffice.com/?p=46774</id>
            <updated>2025-02-18T11:21:30Z</updated>
            <published>2025-02-18T11:21:30Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Mass. General Laws chapter 90 section 24(1)(a)(1) provides in relevant part, “whoever operates a motor vehicle on a public way while under the influence of marijuana, narcotic drugs, depressants, or stimulant substances, shall be punished.” A recurring issue in these cases is proof that the operator was under the influence of a particular substance, as well as whether the substance…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2025/02/oui-drugs-impossible-to-prove/"><![CDATA[<p style="font-weight: 400;">Mass. General Laws chapter 90 section 24(1)(a)(1) provides in relevant part, “whoever operates a motor vehicle on a public way while under the influence of marijuana, narcotic drugs, depressants, or stimulant substances, shall be punished.”</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">A recurring issue in these cases is proof that the operator was under the influence of a particular substance, as well as whether the substance qualifies under the statute.  Often times, without a blood test and accompanying expert testimony, it is impossible to determine whether or not the operator was under the influence of a particular drug.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">When faced with such a charge it is important to retain a criminal defense attorney with experience in representing those accused of OUI Drugs.  Contact Attorney Shane W. Surrette today for a free consultation.</p>]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>by shanesurrette</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[What is an Immediate Threat License Suspension?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2024/09/what-is-an-immediate-threat-license-suspension/" />
            <id>https://www.swslawoffice.com/?p=46772</id>
            <updated>2024-09-09T15:21:40Z</updated>
            <published>2024-09-09T15:21:40Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Mass. General Laws Chapter 90 section 22 allows the Registry of Motor Vehicles to take the license of anyone it believes to be an immediate threat to public safety.   The standard is whether the registrar has reason to believe that continuing operation will be so seriously improper as to constitute an immediate threat to public safety. This is often seen…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2024/09/what-is-an-immediate-threat-license-suspension/"><![CDATA[<p style="font-weight: 400;">Mass. General Laws Chapter 90 section 22 allows the Registry of Motor Vehicles to take the license of anyone it believes to be an immediate threat to public safety.   The standard is whether the registrar has reason to believe that continuing operation will be so seriously improper as to constitute an immediate threat to public safety.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">This is often seen in circumstances where the police file an immediate threat of an operator’s license pursuant to an arrest for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.  The problem with this type of license suspension is that the registry will often require various conditions prior to reinstating a person’s license.  Often times, a substance abuse evaluation will be required before the registry reinstates a person’s license in these circumstances.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">If you or someone you know has had their license taken as an immediate threat, contact an attorney who regularly handles these suspensions.  Contact Attorney Shane Surrette today.</p>]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>by shanesurrette</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Is it Worth it to Hire an Attorney for a Traffic Charge?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2024/07/is-it-worth-it-to-hire-an-attorney-for-a-traffic-charge/" />
            <id>https://www.swslawoffice.com/?p=46771</id>
            <updated>2024-07-30T13:35:17Z</updated>
            <published>2024-07-30T13:35:17Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, are an unfortunate part of life for drivers across Massachusetts.  Speeding tickets in particular can be costly.  In addition to the speeding fine itself, drivers also have to pay for increased car insurance premiums and other fees if they are found responsible. I receive many phone calls every month about speeding tickets and if…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2024/07/is-it-worth-it-to-hire-an-attorney-for-a-traffic-charge/"><![CDATA[<p style="font-weight: 400;">Traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, are an unfortunate part of life for drivers across Massachusetts.  Speeding tickets in particular can be costly.  In addition to the speeding fine itself, drivers also have to pay for increased car insurance premiums and other fees if they are found responsible.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">I receive many phone calls every month about speeding tickets and if it is worth it to hire an attorney to dispute the violation.  It is in every driver’s best interest to hire an attorney to help fight these violations.  Your chances of getting a better result increase with legal representation.  Over time, the additional insurance premiums and other fees end up costing a fortune.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">As an accomplished criminal defense attorney with over 20 years’ of trial court experience, I am happy to assist you with your traffic charges.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The fee to represent drivers on traffic violations is currently $1,000.  While this may seem like a large amount of money initially, you will save significantly more in the future by not having these marks on your driving record, leading to increased insurance premiums.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Please contact Worcester criminal defense attorney Shane W. Surrette for further information.</p>]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>by shanesurrette</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Worcester Lawyer: Felony Convictions Start a Long Process for Trump]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2024/06/worcester-lawyer-felony-convictions-start-a-long-process-for-trump/" />
            <id>https://www.swslawoffice.com/?p=46769</id>
            <updated>2024-06-01T17:16:11Z</updated>
            <published>2024-06-01T17:16:11Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Felony convictions begin long criminal process.]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2024/06/worcester-lawyer-felony-convictions-start-a-long-process-for-trump/"><![CDATA[<a href="https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/news/2024/05/31/trump-conviction-worcester-lawyer-053124?cid=share_clip" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-46770 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/sites/1502946/2024/06/34862ABC-0411-4478-887C-808B86636EA1_4_5005_c.jpeg" alt="" width="204" height="192" /></a>

Worcester criminal defense lawyer Shane W. Surrette was recently interviewed by Spectrum News on the recent criminal convictions of former president Donald Trump.  Read the article <a href="https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/news/2024/05/31/trump-conviction-worcester-lawyer-053124?cid=share_clip" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a>]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>by shanesurrette</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Carrying a Firearm Without a License]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2024/04/carrying-a-firearm-without-a-license/" />
            <id>https://www.swslawoffice.com/?p=46768</id>
            <updated>2024-04-09T17:17:55Z</updated>
            <published>2024-04-09T17:17:55Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Penalties for carrying a firearm without a license.]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2024/04/carrying-a-firearm-without-a-license/"><![CDATA[<p style="font-weight: 400;">Carrying a firearm outside of your home or work without a license carries a significant penalty in Massachusetts.  The charge mandates a minimum mandatory sentence of 18 months to the House of Correction.  This sentence cannot be suspended or reduced to less than 18 months.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Until recently, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts didn’t have to prove lack of licensure in its case at trial.  The law in this area has changed and now the government must prove lack of licensure in its case in chief.  The law is still unsettled at this time as to how the Commonwealth must prove that the accused lacks a proper firearm license.  This will likely be up for debate before the appellate courts in MA.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">If you or someone you know is charged with carrying a firearm without a license, it is important to contact a criminal defense attorney with experience in this area.  Contact Worcester criminal defense Attorney Shane W. Surrette today.</p>]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>by shanesurrette</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Breathalyzer:  Admissible or Not?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2023/11/breathalyzer-admissible-or-not/" />
            <id>https://www.swslawoffice.com/?p=46767</id>
            <updated>2023-11-17T20:59:28Z</updated>
            <published>2023-11-17T20:59:28Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[The admissibility of the breathalyzer test in the state of Massachusetts changes regularly.  For those not familiar with the breath test, this is a test given to those suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol.  The test is given at the police station once you have been arrested for OUI. As the time of this writing, breathalyzer tests…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2023/11/breathalyzer-admissible-or-not/"><![CDATA[The admissibility of the breathalyzer test in the state of Massachusetts changes regularly.  For those not familiar with the breath test, this is a test given to those suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol.  The test is given at the police station once you have been arrested for OUI.

As the time of this writing, breathalyzer tests are routinely being admitted in evidence in criminal OUI trials.  The admissibility of the test depends, however, on whether certain mandated procedures have been followed.

If you have taken a breath test while under the suspicion on OUI, it is important to have a highly skilled and experienced defense attorney who is able to review the evidence with you.  In some cases, an experienced OUI attorney can file motions to seek exclusions of such results.  This would eliminate damaging evidence that could be used against you in an OUI trial.

If you have any questions about the breathalyzer test, OUI drugs, or OUI alcohol reach out to Worcester criminal defense attorney Shane W. Surrette.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>by shanesurrette</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[OUI/DUI Penalties in Massachusetts:  First Time Offender]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2023/07/oui-dui-penalties-in-massachusetts-first-time-offender/" />
            <id>https://www.swslawoffice.com/?p=46766</id>
            <updated>2023-07-23T10:23:44Z</updated>
            <published>2023-07-23T10:23:44Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[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 car, or if you are found carrying drugs or firearms at the time of the arrest, the potential…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.swslawoffice.com/blog/2023/07/oui-dui-penalties-in-massachusetts-first-time-offender/"><![CDATA[<p style="font-weight: 400;">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 car, or if you are found carrying drugs or firearms at the time of the arrest, the potential penalties are even worse.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">For these reasons, it is critical that you obtain legal representation from an experienced criminal defense trial attorney from the beginning.  A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer will examine the evidence immediately to determine what steps need to be taken to protect your rights.  Oftentimes they are able to throw out evidence that could potentially lead to a conviction.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Attorney Shane W. Surrette has proudly represented clients in the Worcester County area for the past 20 years.  Attorney Surrette has vigorously defended clients who are charged with OUI/DUI with favorable results.  Call Attorney Surrette today for a free consultation to discuss your options.</p>]]></content>
						        </entry>
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