OUI Defense Lawyer in Beverly

Facing an OUI Charge in Massachusetts

An OUI charge in Massachusetts can affect your license, your record, and your future in ways that are not always obvious at first. If you were recently arrested in Beverly or on the North Shore, you may be trying to make sense of paperwork, deadlines, and a court date that is already on the calendar. It can feel as if one night is suddenly threatening your job, your schooling, and your reputation.

At Gelb & Gelb LLP, we represent people who are dealing with OUI and other criminal charges and who need steady guidance, not judgment. Our firm is based in Beverly, and we have been practicing law in Massachusetts since 1987. Our attorneys have handled more than 150 trials collectively, so we understand what is at stake when the Commonwealth brings a criminal charge.

Whether this is your first experience with the criminal courts or you have prior history, we work to explain your options clearly and to build a strategy that reflects your goals. The following information is intended to help you understand the process and how our team approaches OUI defense, so you can decide whether we are the right fit for you.

Why Choose Our OUI Defense Team

Choosing an attorney after an OUI arrest is often a quick decision made under pressure. Many people feel they are being treated like a case number rather than a person. Our firm is deliberately structured as a boutique practice so we can devote meaningful time and attention to each client. We get to know your background, your concerns, and what matters most to you, whether that is keeping a professional license, protecting a clean record, or minimizing disruption at home.

Our attorneys have handled more than 150 trials in Massachusetts courts. This experience matters in OUI cases because the choices you make early in the process are shaped by what is likely to happen if the case goes to trial. We have stood in front of judges and juries throughout the Commonwealth, and we draw on that courtroom experience when we evaluate the strength of the evidence and when we advise you on whether to litigate or seek a negotiated outcome.

We are also recognized by independent rating organizations, including listings in Super Lawyers and a strong Avvo rating. These acknowledgments reflect our work on complex matters and our commitment to high standards of advocacy. At the same time, our focus remains on what you experience day to day during your case, including whether your questions are answered, whether you know what to expect at the next hearing, and whether you feel fully prepared.

OUI cases often involve detailed evidence, including police reports, field sobriety evaluations, breath test records, and sometimes cruiser or body camera video. Our firm regularly works with complex factual and electronic material in litigation. This background helps us review the evidence in your OUI case carefully and identify issues that may not be obvious at first glance, such as how the stop was conducted or whether testing procedures followed legal requirements.

Above all, we place a premium on transparency and ethics. We strive to give you candid assessments instead of easy answers. That includes explaining the strengths and weaknesses we see in the case and outlining realistic paths forward, so you can make informed decisions at each step.

What Happens After an OUI Arrest

Understanding the process can reduce some of the anxiety that comes after an OUI arrest. In Massachusetts, an arrest is typically followed by booking and release, often with paperwork that includes a court date for an arraignment in the appropriate district court. The specific court generally depends on where the incident occurred, and we can help you confirm where you will appear.

At the arraignment, the court formally reads the charge and enters a plea, usually not guilty at this early stage. Conditions of release may be set, which can include orders to stay alcohol free or to comply with other terms. Many people are understandably nervous about walking into court for the first time. Our attorneys prepare clients for what will happen in that session, where to go, who will be present, and how long it is likely to take.

Separate from the court process, an OUI arrest can trigger action by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. There may be an immediate or near immediate license suspension, particularly if a breath test result is over the legal limit or if a test is refused. Deadlines to request certain RMV hearings can be short, sometimes measured in days instead of weeks.

We help clients understand how the RMV and court processes interact. This can include discussing whether a hardship license might be available later in the case and what conditions could apply. For someone living or working in Beverly, loss of a license may affect the ability to commute on the North Shore, care for family members, or attend classes. Knowing the possible timelines and options can help you plan for the coming weeks and months.

Once the arraignment is complete, the case often moves into a period of pretrial conferences and potential motion hearings. During this time, the prosecution typically provides discovery materials such as police reports and test records. We use this stage to analyze the evidence, identify legal issues, and begin discussing strategy with you in detail. Throughout this process, we aim to keep you informed so no hearing arrives as a surprise.

How We Approach OUI Defense Cases

No two OUI cases are identical. The facts surrounding the stop, interaction with the officer, and any testing can vary widely. Our approach begins with a careful review of all available information. We look at the reason for the traffic stop, what the officer observed, how field sobriety tests were administered, and whether a breath or blood test was requested or completed.

Because we regularly handle matters involving complex evidence, we pay close attention to the technical details in OUI cases. This can mean examining cruiser or body camera footage when available, reviewing the calibration and maintenance records associated with breath testing equipment, and comparing the written reports to what can be seen or heard on recordings. We also consider whether the officer’s instructions and evaluations followed accepted procedures under Massachusetts law.

At the same time, we focus on your broader circumstances. An OUI charge can affect nurses, teachers, commercial drivers, students, and many other professionals differently. We discuss how the case might impact your employment, professional licensing, or academic status, and we factor those concerns into our recommendations. Our goal is to align legal strategy with your personal and professional priorities.

Throughout the case, we emphasize communication. We explain the choices you face at key decision points, such as whether to litigate motions, pursue a negotiated resolution, or proceed to trial. We provide our analysis of the risks and potential benefits of each path, but we recognize that the decision ultimately belongs to you. Our role is to ensure that you understand the options clearly before you decide.

Ways our team can assist in an OUI case include:

• Reviewing discovery materials and identifying legal and factual issues that may affect the case.
• Advising you about court appearances and attending hearings with you in the appropriate district court.
• Explaining potential consequences, including license suspensions, and discussing possible options under Massachusetts law.
• Preparing you for testimony or statements in court when necessary, and outlining what to expect.
• Providing candid guidance about the relative strength of the evidence from a trial perspective.

Because our attorneys have extensive trial experience, we are comfortable preparing OUI cases for hearings and, when appropriate, for trial. Even when a case does not ultimately go before a jury, this preparation helps us evaluate the prosecution’s position and can inform discussions about resolution. For clients in Beverly and nearby communities, having a team that is familiar with both the courtroom and the underlying evidence is an important part of building a defense.

Consequences and Options in Massachusetts OUI

Several different types of consequences can arise from an OUI conviction or a related disposition in Massachusetts. These often include license suspensions of varying lengths, fines, probation conditions, and mandatory participation in alcohol education or treatment programs. The specific outcomes can depend on factors such as whether this is considered a first offense, any prior OUI history, and details of the current case.

For many people in Beverly, the most immediate concern is the ability to drive to work, school, or family commitments on the North Shore. A suspension can make daily life more complicated, and increased insurance costs can add financial pressure. In some situations, hardship licensing may be available after certain conditions are met, but eligibility depends on the statute that applies and on individual circumstances. We discuss these issues with clients so they understand what may be available and what steps might be required.

A criminal record for OUI can also carry longer term effects. This can include consequences for certain professional licenses, employment opportunities, and background checks. Some clients are particularly concerned about how a record might affect teaching, healthcare, or other regulated fields. We take time to understand which of these issues are most important for you, and we discuss how different case outcomes might influence them.

When you work with our firm, we evaluate options that might include litigating contested issues, seeking dismissal of certain aspects where appropriate, or exploring available alternative dispositions. Each path involves different risks and possible benefits, and none is right for every case. We explain how the law applies to your situation so you can weigh these choices carefully.

Throughout this process, we strive to protect your driving privileges, criminal record, and future opportunities as much as the legal framework allows. While no attorney can promise a particular result, we can commit to a thorough review of the facts, honest communication, and a strategy tailored to what matters most to you here in Beverly and the surrounding area.

Talk With a Beverly OUI Attorney

If you are facing an upcoming arraignment, pretrial date, or RMV issue after an OUI arrest in Beverly, you do not need to navigate these steps alone. Speaking with our team allows you to ask questions, understand the procedural timeline, and hear how we would approach a case with facts similar to yours. We take time to listen and to gather the information needed to give meaningful guidance.

During an initial discussion, we typically review the circumstances of the stop and arrest, the paperwork you received, and any immediate deadlines that may apply. We then explain what to expect at the next court appearance and how our attorneys can assist you if you choose to move forward with Gelb & Gelb LLP. Our aim is to provide clear information, not pressure, so you can decide whether we are the right oui lawyer Beverly for your needs.

As a firm based in Beverly, we assist people from the North Shore who are facing OUI and related charges. Our attorneys bring decades of practice, substantial trial experience, and a focus on ethical, transparent communication. If you are searching for guidance from an experienced oui attorney Beverly, we invite you to contact us to discuss your situation.

Call (877) 867-0034 to speak with our team about your OUI charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my license after an OUI arrest?

A license suspension is common after an OUI arrest, particularly if a breath test is over the legal limit or refused. The length and type of suspension depend on several factors. We can review your paperwork, explain Registry of Motor Vehicles rules, and discuss possible next steps.

What happens at my first court date in Beverly?

Your first court date is usually an arraignment in the appropriate district court. The charge is read, a plea is entered, and release conditions may be set. We attend with you, explain the process in advance, and help you know what to expect.

Do I need a lawyer for a first OUI offense?

Even a first OUI can bring criminal and license consequences that affect your future. Having a lawyer helps you understand the evidence, potential penalties, and available options. Our attorneys draw on significant trial experience when advising clients about first offense OUI cases.

How will your firm handle my OUI case?

We start by gathering and reviewing discovery, including reports and any available video or test records. We analyze legal issues, explain the likely range of outcomes, and discuss your priorities. Then we work with you to choose a strategy and prepare for each hearing.

How quickly should I contact an OUI lawyer?

It is wise to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an OUI arrest. Court dates and RMV deadlines can arrive quickly. Early advice allows us to evaluate your situation, identify time sensitive issues, and help you prepare for the first hearings.