• May 29, 2025 at 9:00 pm by Steven Topazio

Being pulled over for suspected drunk driving in Massachusetts is a stressful and serious situation. The choices you make in these critical moments can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Below, we provide the following essential guidance on how to handle a DUI stop while protecting your rights. Remain Calm and Pull Over Safely As soon as you see the flashing lights, safely pull over to the side of the road. Use your turn read More

• May 15, 2025 at 6:36 pm by Steven Topazio

A Terry stop, named after the landmark Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio (1968), allows police officers to briefly detain and frisk individuals if they have reasonable suspicion that the person is engaged in criminal activity. While this legal doctrine is a critical tool in law enforcement, it also presents significant challenges and potential legal pitfalls. The Core Issue: Subjectivity of Reasonable Suspicion The biggest problem with a police officer conducting a Terry stop is read More

• May 6, 2025 at 5:08 pm by Steven Topazio

How to Beat Assault and Battery Charges in Massachusetts Facing assault and battery charges in Massachusetts can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. However, with the right legal strategy, you may be able to fight these charges and protect your future. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I want to share key defense strategies to help you understand your read More

• March 28, 2025 at 8:16 pm by Steven Topazio

A criminal conviction in Massachusetts can have severe and lasting consequences that impact nearly every aspect of your life. Understanding these consequences is crucial to making informed legal decisions. As an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney, I want to highlight the key repercussions of a conviction and why having skilled legal representation is essential. Criminal Record and Background Checks A conviction results in a permanent criminal record, which can be accessed by employers, landlords, and read More

• March 17, 2025 at 10:41 pm by Steven Topazio

Driving under the influence (DUI) or operating under the influence (OUI) in Massachusetts carries serious legal consequences. Whether you are facing charges or want to understand the law, knowing your rights and the potential penalties is crucial. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I want to provide insight into Massachusetts OUI laws and how legal representation can help protect your future. What is an OUI in Massachusetts? In Massachusetts, OUI (Operating Under the Influence) is read More

• March 3, 2025 at 11:29 pm by Steven Topazio

Being arrested can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Whether you are facing a minor charge or a serious felony, knowing your rights and the proper steps to take can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. As a seasoned Massachusetts criminal defense attorney, I want to provide you with crucial information on what to do if you find yourself under arrest. Stay Calm and Composed Being arrested is stressful, but it’s read More

• February 19, 2025 at 8:07 pm by Steven Topazio

When facing drug-related charges in Massachusetts, it is crucial to understand the difference between drug possession and drug distribution. The severity of penalties varies significantly between these charges, and knowing your legal rights can make a substantial difference in your case. As an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney, I want to provide clarity on these distinctions and the potential legal consequences you may face. What is Drug Possession? Drug possession in Massachusetts refers to having read More

• February 13, 2025 at 7:17 pm by Steven Topazio

A criminal record can create significant barriers to employment, housing, education, and even personal relationships. In Massachusetts, however, you may have the opportunity to seal your criminal records and move forward without the burden of past mistakes. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I want to highlight the importance of sealing criminal records and how it can help you achieve a fresh start. What Does It Mean to Seal a Criminal Record? Sealing criminal records read More

• January 31, 2025 at 7:18 pm by Steven Topazio

In Massachusetts, trafficking in drugs (or also commonly referred to as drug trafficking) refers to the illegal possession, distribution, or manufacture of large quantities of controlled substances, such as heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, and prescription opioids, with the intent to sell. Drug trafficking is considered a serious offense, distinct from simple possession or smaller-scale drug crimes, due to the quantity of drugs involved. Massachusetts law sets specific thresholds for the amount of a controlled substance read More