FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about the criminal process in Massachusetts. For advice about your specific case, call for a free consultation.
General criminal defense questions
I've been arrested. What should I do first?
Exercise your right to remain silent and your right to a lawyer. Do not try to explain your way out of it — politely decline to answer questions until you have counsel, and call an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Do I really need a lawyer for a criminal charge?
Yes. Even a "minor" criminal charge can carry jail exposure, a permanent record, and collateral consequences for employment, housing, licensing, and immigration. An experienced attorney can often achieve outcomes — dismissal, diversion, suppression — that are not available to someone representing themselves.
How much does it cost to talk to Attorney Reinhardt?
The initial consultation is free and confidential. You can call to discuss your situation and get an honest assessment before deciding anything.
Will a criminal charge stay on my record?
It depends on the outcome. Dismissals, diversions, and certain dispositions may keep a conviction off your record, and many Massachusetts records are later eligible for sealing. Protecting your record is a core goal of the defense.
Can my record be sealed in Massachusetts?
Often, yes. Massachusetts law allows many criminal records (CORI) to be sealed after a waiting period, and some to be expunged in narrower circumstances. We can advise whether you qualify.
OUI / DWI questions
What happens if I refuse the breathalyzer?
Refusing triggers an automatic RMV license suspension, but the refusal generally cannot be used as evidence of guilt at trial. Whether refusal helped or hurt depends on your history and the facts — we can assess your specific situation.
How long will my license be suspended after an OUI?
It varies with the offense number, whether you refused testing, and the disposition. First offenses often allow a shorter suspension and possible hardship license through a 24D disposition. We address both the court case and the RMV consequences.
What are the penalties for a first-offense OUI?
A first offense is a criminal charge that can carry jail, fines, and a license suspension, but many first offenses resolve through the 24D program — probation, a fine, and an alcohol-education course — with a reduced suspension. The right outcome depends on the facts of your case.
My OUI involved a breath test from 2011 to 2019. Does that matter?
It may. Documented failures in Massachusetts breath-test evidence during that period led to many results being excluded and many defendants becoming eligible for new trials or other relief. Bring your paperwork and we will review whether it affects your case.
Still have questions?
Every case is different. Call for a free, confidential answer to your specific situation.