Facing DUI (OUI/DWI) charges in Boston is a serious matter with potential consequences including criminal penalties, license suspension, ignition‑interlock requirements, and lasting effects on your record. Whether it’s your first OUI or a repeat offense, hiring an experienced attorney who specializes in DUI defense in Massachusetts can make a significant difference in outcomes. Below is a curated analysis of the top 5 DUI attorneys in Boston, including a comparison table, firm profiles, online reputation insights, industry information, and final recommendations.
Comparison Table
| Firm (🔗) | Driving Directions | Fees | Experience | Specialties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🔗 Michael DelSignore Law | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 Contingency or flat-fee—call for details | 💼 Over 200 Avvo reviews, nationally quoted OUI author | ✔️ OUI/DUI defense ✔️ Challenging breath & field tests ✔️ RMV hearings & hardship licenses |
| 🔗 Urbelis Law (Benjamin P. Urbelis) | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 Typically contingency; some flat-fee options | 💼 “Not Guilty” verdicts in over 80 % of jury trials | ✔️ OUI/DUI defense ✔️ Trials & appeals ✔️ License suspension appeals |
| 🔗 Law Offices of Stephen Neyman, P.C. | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 Flat-fee or contingency based on case type | 💼 25+ years criminal defense and DUI law | ✔️ Breathalyzer/sobriety test challenges ✔️ RMV administrative defense ✔️ Personalized, 24 /7 access |
| 🔗 Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 Contingency or flat rate; free consult | 💼 Firm known for trial verdicts and RMV appeals | ✔️ OUI/DUI defense ✔️ RMV Board of Appeal hearings ✔️ Trial & high-stakes OUI cases |
| 🔗 DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 Contingency; emergency availability | 💼 Founders are former prosecutors and seasoned defenders | ✔️ Massachusetts OUI/DUI defense ✔️ License reinstatement & hardship petitions ✔️ Appeals at all court levels |
Firm Profiles
🔗 Michael DelSignore Law
Serving: Boston metro and statewide Massachusetts.
Specialties:
✔️ Operating under the influence (OUI/DUI) defense
✔️ Challenging breathalyzer and field sobriety test results
✔️ RMV hearings, hardship license petitions, CWOF negotiations
Experience: Attorney Michael DelSignore is an author and Massachusetts OUI defense trainer who has been quoted extensively in Boston Globe, Herald, Boston 25, and other outlets. His firm has over 190 Avvo reviews with consistent top ratings. (delsignoredefense.com, Urbelis Law, Stephen Neyman, Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP, DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C.)
Fees: Offers both contingency arrangements and flat-fee cases, depending on complexity.
🔗 Urbelis Law (Benjamin P. Urbelis)
Serving: Boston, Suffolk County, state appellate courts, and federal cases.
Specialties:
✔️ DUI/OUI trial defense and appeal strategy
✔️ License suspension appeals and RMV Board of Appeal
✔️ Not-guilty verdicts in over 80 % of jury cases (MW Peterson Law)
Experience: The firm is known for strong trial results and a high referral rate from past clients.
Fees: Typically contingency-based; some flat-fee options available.
🔗 Law Offices of Stephen Neyman, P.C.
Serving: Boston and Greater Suffolk County.
Specialties:
✔️ Challenging breathalyzer and field sobriety outcomes
✔️ Administrative RMV hearings and license-suspension appeals
✔️ Personalized support including 24/7 client access
Experience: Attorney Stephen Neyman brings 25+ years of criminal and DUI defense. Clients frequently note his accessibility—some say he gave them his personal cell phone. (Stephen Neyman)
Fees: Offers flat-fee packages or contingency depending on case details.
🔗 Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP
Serving: Boston and broader Massachusetts (Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk counties, and surrounding regions). (Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP)
Specialties:
✔️ Drunk driving and operating under the influence (OUI) criminal defense
✔️ RMV Board of Appeal hearings and hardship license processes
✔️ High-stakes and trial-ready OUI cases
Experience: Zalkind Duncan is well-established, with many trial verdicts and appellate wins reported. Clients value their compassion and responsiveness. (Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP, milliganhiggins.com)
Fees: Free initial consultation; both contingency and flat-fee arrangements.
🔗 DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C.
Serving: Boston, Norfolk, Plymouth counties, and statewide court systems.
Specialties:
✔️ Massachusetts OUI/DUI defense trials
✔️ License reinstatement & hardship petitions at RMV
✔️ Appeals in district, superior, and appellate courts
Experience: Attorneys DeGiacomo and Mikhlin are former prosecutors turned defense attorneys, offering insider insight into prosecution strategies. Open 24/7 for emergencies and court deadlines. (DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., thefernandezfirm.com)
Fees: Contingency-based; they handle urgent cases at short notice.
Reddit Mentions & Client Reviews
While Reddit posts about DUI attorneys in Boston are less specific than personal injury forums, general advice often stresses the importance of specialized, local experience and avoiding impersonal referral mills.
On Avvo, Michael DelSignore has over 200 reviews and consistently high ratings. James M. Milligan Jr. of Milligan & Higgins also appears frequently in reviews, with clients citing strong outcomes:
“If you are looking for a highly skilled DUI lawyer in MA, I highly recommend James. … He charged me a flat rate up front … I was found not guilty.” (milliganhiggins.com)
These testimonials underscore that clients expect accessibility, legal knowledge, trial readiness, and respect.
Industry Insights for DUI Defense in Massachusetts
Legal Nuances and Terminology
Massachusetts uses the term OUI (Operating Under the Influence), which is equivalent to DUI and overlaps with DWI definitions. Legal blood alcohol limits are 0.08% for adults; for drivers under 21, any BAC over 0.02% triggers charges. Refusing a breathalyzer often leads to a 180-day license suspension, while failing a test triggers 30-day suspension. (criminal.altmanllp.com)
RMV Board of Appeal & Hardship Licenses
Separate proceedings at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) take place immediately after arrest and before criminal court. Skilled attorneys will navigate these administrative hearings to minimize suspension and secure hardship (limited) licenses.
Contingency vs Flat Fee
Some DUI defense firms charge flat fees (especially early intervention and RMV hearings), while others work contingency or hybrid models. Ask whether case costs (expert witnesses, filing fees) are deducted from settlement or billed separately.
Statute of Limitations & Court Deadlines
While criminal charges don’t expire quickly, prompt action is essential. RMV hearings must occur within days; evidence like breath tubes or video may be destroyed if not preserved early. Consulting an attorney right away ensures timely filings.
Trial Experience Matters
Many DUI cases are eligible for trial. Firms like DelSignore, Neyman, and Urbelis regularly win not-guilty verdicts. If prosecutors offer plea bargains, firms experienced with trial leverage may negotiate better outcomes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dealing with an OUI charge in Boston, you don’t want to leave your future to chance. The firm you choose matters for preserving your license, minimizing criminal exposure, and protecting your rights.
Recap of our top picks:
- Michael DelSignore Law – Known for media recognition, authored OUI training, and strong client satisfaction
- Urbelis Law (Benjamin P. Urbelis) – High trial success rate and strong appellate experience
- Stephen Neyman, P.C. – Personalized access, breath test expertise, 25+ years experience
- Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP – Established Boston firm with RMV and trial expertise
- DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. – Former prosecutors delivering aggressive defense and RMV/hour‑of‑need support
Reach out to two or three firms for a free consultation. Have your arrest report, ignition interlock consideration, medical records, and witness statements ready. Ask about whether they’ll challenge field sobriety tests, support an RMV hearing, seek evidence suppression, or challenge calibration of breath testing instruments.
In the fast-paced world of DUI defense, choosing lawyers who communicate clearly, act quickly, and deeply understand Massachusetts law can be your best chance at a positive resolution.
Sources:
(thefernandezfirm.com, Justia, delsignoredefense.com, Urbelis Law, Stephen Neyman, Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP, DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C.)
(Urbelis Law)
(Stephen Neyman)
(Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP)
(DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C.)
(milliganhiggins.com)
(criminal.altmanllp.com, edenrafferty.com)