A Law Practice Focused on Criminal Defense and OUI Charges
At the Fitchburg, Massachusetts, law office of Steven W. Panagiotes, Attorney at Law, my entire criminal defense practice is focused on representing people who have been accused of drunk driving. I have nearly 20 years of experience and the in-depth knowledge it takes to help my clients achieve positive results in these cases.
Throughout my career, I have established a reputation for excellence. I take most of my OUI cases to trial and the results have been very favorable. To learn more about OUI law in Massachusetts and my legal services, please follow the links below:
- OUI and vehicular homicide: In Massachusetts, drunk driving is technically defined as "operating a vehicle while under the influence," better known as "OUI." I handle a full range of crimes related to OUI, including serious felonies like vehicular homicide.
- Underage drunk driving: I skillfully represent people under the age of 21 who have been accused of drunk driving. For them, a conviction can have lasting consequences such as jeopardizing career and educational opportunities.
- OUI/DUI roadblocks: Many Massachusetts drunk driving arrests begin with police roadblocks. If you have been arrested at one, I can help - law enforcement must follow proper procedures when establishing these checkpoints.
- OUI penalties: The penalties for OUI depend on several factors, including your prior record, your blood alcohol content (BAC) and whether others were involved.
- Melanie's law: Melanie's law, passed in 2005, has increased the penalties for drunk driving in Massachusetts and provides for additional consequences like an enhancement for drunk driving with children under 14 in the vehicle or requiring ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders.
- Breathalyzers: I have in-depth knowledge of breathalyzer machines. They are notoriously inaccurate and often falsely report that a driver was over the .08 limit when they were not. The results of alcohol breath testing can also be skewed by improper administration, improper calibration/maintenance and some medical conditions.
- Field sobriety tests: As an experienced lawyer, I have lectured and taught classes on field sobriety tests, and I am fully aware of the procedures that must be followed to properly administer them. I also understand how these tests can easily be misinterpreted and are subjective in the eyes of the administering officer.
- Know your rights: When you have been accused of operating a vehicle under the influence in Massachusetts, it is important to know your rights. I can help you understand them, making sure that you are protected.
- Protecting your driver's license: In addition to helping clients fight criminal charges, I also handle administrative hearings that address civil penalties like driver's license suspension following an arrest.
Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Representation
While the focus of my practice is on OUI defense, I also provide criminal defense for individuals facing murder, rape, kidnapping and other serious criminal charges. In addition, I also represent individuals in personal injury cases on occasion.
Arrested for OUI? Don't Just Trust the Advertisements.
You cannot just trust an advertisement to help you find an attorney who achieves the best possible results. I have a reputation among other attorneys, former clients and legal professionals as being an effective and skilled advocate for clients facing criminal OUI charges and related administrative issues.
Contact Steven W. Panagiotes, Attorney at Law, by calling 978-342-4444 to schedule a free and confidential consultation about the charges you face. You could also contact me online.
