MEET THE ATTORNEYS
To get to know each of our team members better, please click a name below:
Irwin M. Pollack
Maria Rivera-Ortiz
Andy P. Miller
Clarissa Wright
Joseph E. Filippetti
Diana Cortes
Mandy M. Hebert
Patrick Grogan
Robin Rose-Buxton
If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged for a Massachusetts OUI/DUI, you need to seek immediate help. A
DUI Lawyer needs to help you — you can't face it alone.
Don't wait to see what's going to happen before seeking advice from a DUI Defense Attorney. If you wait, it may be too late and your fate will be decided for you.
When you retain our law firm, you're hiring a team of lawyers, paralegals, experts and investigators who collaborate to recognize legal issues, develop defense strategies and work together for the best result.
Irwin M. Pollack
Attorney Irwin M. Pollack is the Founder and Lead Attorney of the Massachusetts DUI Defense Group. He is focused and committed toward providing aggressive and experienced representation at each of the firm's
local offices across the state. His motto of "All Cases, All Hours, All Courts" explains the firm's determination, drive, and accountability in obtaining the best possible result for its clients.
Mr. Pollack travels to the firm's offices in Norwood, Plymouth, Woburn, Springfield and Worcester defending repeat and
out-of-town DUI/OUI offenders against
field sobriety and
breathalyzer tests,
breath test refusals, and other
Melanie's Law-related charges. He appears on behalf of his clients throughout the Massachusetts
DUI court process — at arraignments, pre-trial hearings, motion hearings and even trials.
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
The first choice of almost anyone in trouble is Maria Rivera-Ortiz — if you can get her. Maria redefines the word "busy" — she spends as much time in court as anybody in Central or Western Massachusetts. Attorney Rivera-Ortiz has steadily ascended through the ranks of the firm aggressively defending clients through her motions and trial practice. As a Senior Attorney, Maria Rivera-Ortiz and her team have built the reputation amongst Judges and prosecutors as fearless but fair and highly-skilled trial advocates.
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.
Andy P. Miller
Attorney Andy P. Miller represents clients charged with DUI-related offenses in Essex, Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth counties, and all over Cape Cod.
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
A former Prosecutor from the District Attorney's Office, Clarissa Wright is no stranger to the courtroom. Based out of our Springfield office, Clarissa routinely practices in the Springfield District Court,
Eastern Hampshire District Court,
Greenfield District Court,
Northampton District Court,
Dudley District Court, and
Worcester District Court
.
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 blistering 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.
Joseph E. Filippetti
Joseph Filippetti is a former state prosecutor who now provides experienced and aggressive defense representation in the areas of operating under the influence, boating under the influence, and issues relating to breath test refusals and field sobriety tests. While much of Joe’s casework revolves Under-21 OUI cases, ignition interlock devices, and prior charges from out-of-state, no matter what the charge, Mr. Filippetti’s experience allows him to immediately identify those cases where motions to dismiss and suppress should be filed in, as well as those cases that must go to trial.
Recognized as a go-to authority in several areas of criminal law defense, Mr. Filippetti has also written for legal publications, appeared on television programs, and served as a member of the adjunct faculty at the Massachusetts School of Law. As an adjunct professor, he has served as a coach of the school's highly successful Black Law Student Association's Mock Trial Team which has place nationally three of the past five years.
Attorney Filippetti is a graduate of Anna Maria College where he played soccer and baseball, and his JD in 2004 from the Massachusetts School of Law. He is licensed to practice in both Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Diana Cortes
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Throughout the Southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island legal communities, Attorney Diana Cortes is recognized as a rising star and strong advocate – both inside and outside the courtroom. Whether persuasive negotiation or aggressive litigation is required to resolve your case, Diana knows how to protect your interests.
Whether you were charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, Diana stands ready to provide you with the zealous defense representation you need. Whether you've been arrested on DUI charges, drug charges, a theft crime or simple assault, there are defenses and issues surrounding the subjectivity, accuracy, and credibility of the arresting officer. While she understands how you might consider it an impossible situation, with Attorney Cortes at the helm of your defense, there is no such thing as hopeless. Fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese, Diana maintains a constant focus on providing cost-effective services to her clients, seeking always to promote positive legal outcomes in the least expensive manner.
Mandy M. Hebert
No matter where you face charges in Western Massachusetts – Springfield, Pittsfield, Chicopee, or Greenfield – Attorney Mandy Hebert is well-known throughout the courts and is unique in her ability to find solutions for hard cases and alternatives to jail sentences. In addition to her exceptional criminal defense talent, she also has broad experience dealing with the RMV and license problems.
It isn’t every day that you can buy the services of a law enforcement officer – legally. Mandy Hebert isn’t a police officer or special investigator anymore, but there are few who ever practice law like Mandy does, so her clients get a unique opportunity to get inside the minds of how law enforcement thinks. Hebert’s insights about her former colleagues and the District Attorney is a part of her knowledge.
Attorney Hebert attended Assumption College and received her Juris Doctorate degree from the Massachusetts School of Law in Andover.
Patrick Grogan
Attorney Patrick Grogan is a former prosecutor with an impressive five year track record at the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office. During that time, he was assigned to the Framingham District Court, Malden District Court, Cambridge District Court, Newton District Court, and Woburn District Court handling many different crimes from misdemeanor motor vehicle offenses, restraining order violations and weapons violations, to felony assaults, larcenies and drug crimes.
Known as a pit bull litigator who can handle any matter, Attorney Grogan focuses on every detail beginning from the arraignment, through motion hearings to the trial itself. His experience as a prosecutor allows him unique insight into the prosecution's theory of a criminal case. He can quickly identify the weaknesses in the government's case and use his own experience to both develop strategies and prove these weaknesses to both judges and juries.
When it comes to defending Boston OUI charges, Taunton DUI arrests, or even Plymouth drunk driving charges, Attorney Grogan defends clients on first, second, or third offenses. He regularly obtains police reports, lab reports, maintenance history of the breath machine, and other evidence in an effort to get charges reduced or dismissed.
No matter which court Attorney Grogan is in, he builds upon his excellent reputation with court personnel and judges and is determined to fight for every client's best interest. If your case goes to trial, Attorney Grogan's record of trial success can be invaluable. He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and Suffolk University Law School.
Robin Rose-Buxton
Massachusetts Criminal Defense lawyer and Worcester County DUI Defense Attorney Robin Rose-Buxton handles a wide range of criminal matters — from misdemeanors to felonies — including the most complex drug charges, theft crimes, crimes against the person, and white collar crimes.
If you're facing drunk driving charges, Robin has experience fighting all kinds of Worcester OUI and Boston-area DUI cases. Nothing is more intimidating than facing a judge and getting hammered by the prosecutor when the Commonwealth is pouring unlimited resources into prosecuting your case. If you've been arrested and charged with a crime, you need a tough defense attorney like Robin Buxton.
Whether it's a first, second, or third offense, Attorney Buxton appears before each of the Central Massachusetts and Boston-North Shore courts, including the Worcester, Dudley, Fitchburg, Concord, Ayer, Woburn, Lowell, Lawrence, Lynn, and Newburyport District Courts.
Beyond OUI's, Attorney Buxton has extensive experience successfully defending clients accused of serious drug charges. Whether you've been arrested for possession of cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or ecstasy, or trafficking heroin or crystal meth, you can count on Robin Buxton to bring in highly-regarded experts to strengthen your case. She makes sure that illegally-gotten evidence is suppressed. And she'll get you the best possible results.
From the minute Robin is retained by a client, she goes to work to stop criminal charges from ever being filed. Even though the police officer may have his or her side of the story, Attorney Buxton is known for having hers. If it's early enough, she and our other Boston Criminal Defense attorneys meet with the A.D.A. to present our side of the story, our evidence, and our own information.
Attorney Buxton is a UMASS-Lowell graduate, she worked at the Middlesex District Attorney's Office as a Juvenile Resource Coordinator, and early-on clerked for the Honorable Bonnie H. McLeod-Mancuso in the Malden District and Suffolk Superior Courts.
Paralegals, Legal Assistants, and Staff
We wouldn't be surprised if you heard Judges, prosecutors, court staff, or even our own clients speak of our support team. We're confident they know more about Massachusetts laws relating to breath test refusals, the newest laws stemming from
Melanie's Law that relate to
child endangerment, getting an
OUI on a suspended license, or the requirements and consequences associated with
Ignition Interlock Devices.
Each team member helps clients understand how to deal with the Registry hearings, and guides them through the legal maze of the
DUI court process.