There are a variety of penalties. Typically, a first offender can expect one (1) year of probation with a license suspension for 45-90 days and a 16 week mandatory drug and alcohol education program. The administrative penalties in Massachusetts allows the license loss to be up to one (1) year. There is a potential for […]

A first offense OUI is a misdemeanor, but it can turn into a felony if either it is a 3rd offense or higher; or it involves death or serious bodily injury. The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is that felonies can be indicted and brought to the Superior Court where the jail sentence […]

What happens if you fail a breathalyzer test when you are arrested for operating under the influence? What type of a penalty would you get if your blood alcohol test is .08 or greater; if you under 21 and your blood alcohol test is .02 or greater; answer is that your license will be suspended […]

There has been a lot of recent publicity about domestic violence in sports. In many ways these high profile examples of domestic violence reflect a broader societal problem. How does the judicial system deal with allegations of domestic violence?  The courts have had a difficult time addressing allegations of domestic abuse. In the criminal courts […]

In guardianships of a minor there is a legal process where a child under the age of 18 is not in his/her parents care. In Massachusetts a Judge can give custody and care of that child to a guardian if a couple of things occur. 1. If the parents give permission; or the court finds […]

Many people may have heard of a Guardian Ad Litem, but are not sure exactly what it does. What a GAL does is that it provides information and helps assist the Court in disputes relating to family or probate matters. There are different categories of a GAL; including an Investigator; Evaluator; and a “Next Friend”. […]

Where do you begin in a guardianship? You have to determine that guardianship and it is a legal process for adults who have been diagnosed with a medical condition and are unable to make or communicate effective decisions about their everyday care; health and/or safety. A Massachusetts Judge can appoint a guardian to make some […]

A Separation Agreement itself can include a provision in terms of how to modify or change the Separation Agreement when both parties agree, so that you do not need to actually have to go to court, but there are downsides as well. For example, the parties can change the Agreement by putting a new provision […]