DUIMeet The Attorneys
The first time clients meet with Attorney Pollack, he analyzes the facts of their case, gives his opinion about it, and discusses how he and the attorneys would likely approach it. As the meeting progresses, clients learn how he champions their rights.
Interestingly enough, Attorney Pollack emphasizes how whether or not you are guilty of drunk driving is one of the least important factors in your case. That's mainly because the exclusionary rule - a Massachusetts rule of law - protects the most important and precious of our civil liberties: the right to be free from unreasonable stops, seizure, search and arrest. If you've been a victim of an unlawful police stop, you want Attorney Pollack at your side. Unless the police have operated under the strict rules that prevent them from stopping and arresting you without a proper legal basis, he'll file a Motion to Suppress, thus excluding the evidence from being used in Court.
Dedicating much of his practice to protecting the rights of underage drivers and first time offenders accused of making their first big mistake, Attorney Pollack is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, National Academy of Criminal Lawyers, and National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), which meets annually at Harvard University to fortify the knowledge and skills of its members and collaborate on DUI Defense issues. Members of NCDD are comprised of the most experienced and qualified DUI Attorneys around North America. Irwin Pollack has also been retained as an adjunct faculty member by the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover.
Clients speak in awe of Attorney Pollack's availability: "I'm available around the clock", he says. "I'd rather hear about a problem Saturday night at 2 a.m. than an emergency on a Monday morning."
Attorney Pollack won't run up the hours, either. A ball of energy, he puts on his case, and moves on. Problem solved, on to the next one.
Maria Rivera-Ortiz
Some DUI lawyers take a wait-and-see approach, stalling until the first court date or until they receive the police reports. Not Attorney Rivera-Ortiz. She takes an aggressive, proactive approach to each case believing there's no time to waste. When she meets clients for the first time, she emphasizes how the story of their day is a key factor in successfully defending their case. Within seconds, she'll ask, "What did you eat that day…where did you go…where were you coming from…what did you have to drink?" Too often, decent people are portrayed in the courtroom as anti-social, law-breaking monsters, and Maria's humanizing touch can be very helpful to level the playing field.
The hidden costs and stiff penalties to a DUI conviction are harsh, so when Attorney Rivera-Ortiz isn't in District Court or at a Registry Hearing, she's likely attending a national conference relating to the latest cases and scientific literature on alcohol-related driving offenses.
Attorney Rivera-Ortiz' clients love her, as she understands what her clients want, knows how to get results, and is committed to helping them get their lives back.
Amazingly, with all that Maria has going on she still finds time to represent family law matters in the Probate and Family Court.
Christopher J. Phelan
Some clients are likely to retain Attorney Phelan immediately following their DUI arrest, while others typically wait until the aggressive tactics from the District Attorney's office give them no other choice but to retain an attorney. Chris's mantra is "never give up" and he insists that, although DUI charges are serious and can carry heavy penalties, being charged with a DUI does not necessarily mean that you will be convicted.
"I think of myself as a firefighter", insists Phelan. "I find out where the problem is, and then I go attack it," he says. This South Shore resident is easy to talk to, and his approach to solving problems is sensible: he first finds out what clients have done, and then develops a strategy to help them accomplish their goals. His team averages over 100 calls a week, they screen their cases carefully and routinely reject close to one-third.
Well aware that law enforcement is not perfect and sometimes makes mistakes, when clients first meet with Chris he typically reviews the police report and the steps which were used to conduct the breathalyzer and field sobriety tests. If invalid, he then shows how the officer's testimony can be discredited.
Andy P. Miller
Everything about Andy Miller cries out "intimidator". If you're in a tough spot and you believe the best defense is a good offense, he's the guy you want. He tirelessly torments prosecutors with his relentless pursuit of justice for his client. The District Attorney's office dreads having to deal with Miller and the numerous pre-trial motions and lengthy evidentiary hearings he routinely files on behalf of his client.
While Andy typically builds great working relationships with Judges, probation officers and court staff, he remains committed to holding the Commonwealth of Massachusetts accountable to proving each and every element of the DUI-related crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecution can't prove how his client operated a motor vehicle, on a public way, while under the influence of an intoxicating liquor or drug Attorney Miller may proceed by filing a Motion to Suppress Evidence on the grounds that his client were unconstitutionally stopped or that there was an unconstitutional search and seizure.
His rates tend to run a little shy of those general practice lawyers from the boutique firms, and some say he's overextended as a result. Others point to his impeccable client service – he's like the family doctor who still makes house calls!
Attorney Miller also attends Registry of Motor Vehicle (RMV) Hearings, fights through the paperwork in procuring his client's Hardship License, or acts as a zealous advocate with divorce or paternity matters in the Probate and Family Court.
Clarissa Wright
Attorney Wright doesn't just take on new clients, she devotes herself to them. It starts with her thorough review and investigation of the facts from each case, the client's history and goals, legal issues and defenses. She'll even go as far as investigating the condition of her client's motor vehicle, their medical condition, the weather and road conditions at the time of the arrest.
On any given day, Clarissa will advocate on behalf of first time and repeat offenders, focusing her efforts on challenging the evidence - be it field sobriety tests, the breathalyzer, or the constitutionality of the initial police stop.
Given her impeccable trial techniques, some question whether she picked-up a copy of the District Attorney's Playbook while serving as a Prosecutor. Those who testify literally sweat through Clarissa's intense cross-examination.
Attorney Wright emphasizes the emotional aspect of each case and goes beyond focusing on the law by itself. She builds sympathy for her client. For that she is avidly sought by those charged with alcohol-related crimes hoping to avoid stiff penalties and the need for a Hardship license.
When The Massachusetts DUI Group is defending OUI matters relating to boating, drugs, or out-of-state drivers, Attorney Wright assists both our Boston DUI Defense Attorneys and North Shore DUI Defense Attorneys.
