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

Scott W. Niemisto  

Amy Huff  

Anthony Rao

Katie Donovan Smith

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. 

Scott W. Niemisto

Formerly with the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and the Cape and the Islands District Attorney's Office, Attorney Scott W. Niemisto has prosecuted a high volume of OUI cases and a vast assortment of other criminal matters including possession of drugs and other controlled substances, theft, sex offenses, and Massachusetts probation violations. 

When arrested for a first or second OUI, the shock, anxiety and multitude of concerns racing through your mind can be stifling.  Scott is known for providing the highest level of knowledge, artistry and understanding in this difficult time of your life.  Following a Massachusetts drunk driving arrest, Attorney Niemisto is sought after for his concise and accurate information on all levels of the court proceedings.  Additionally, the attention to detail that Scott puts into each case is respected by many.  His first priority is to focus on the details of your case such as what you ate just prior to your arrest and the specifics about the clothes you were wearing - all with an eye toward having your case dismissed or your charges lessened.

Scott maintains strong trial skills by thoroughly preparing for a trial, maintaining knowledge of past and recent court decisions, and maintaining involvement within the legal community.  He leaves no rock unturned as he files motions once discovering the details of your arrest, including how your constitutional rights were violated when the police officer pulled your car over, interacted with you at the scene, administered field sobriety tests, and administered the breathalyzer. 

Massachusetts criminal attorney Scott W. Niemisto believes that unlawful seizure and search is threatening to not only you, but to the privacy of all Massachusetts drivers.  If he finds that any unlawful procedures were used by law enforcement in your Massachusetts criminal case, he will seek to have that evidence thrown out immediately.

Attorney Niemisto completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and his post-graduate work at New England School of Law. 

Amy Huff

Attorney Amy Huff represents Massachusetts OUI matters and defends those accused of operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, narcotic drugs, depressants or stimulant substances along the South Shore, South Coast and all over Cape Cod.  Additionally, Amy provides aggressive defense strategies for clients at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles when it comes to Hardship Licenses, ignition interlock devices, the first-offender Massachusetts 24D Program, and matters specific to operators under the age of 21 years old as set forth in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 24.

Attorney Huff also assists clients with matters related to their Massachusetts DUI such as breath test refusals, failed field sobriety tests, charges of Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, or probation violations.

Anthony Rao

Anthony Rao joined The Massachusetts DUI Defense Group following an impressive legal career serving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a child support enforcer in both the Essex County and Middlesex County Probate Courts. 

With deep-rooted experience of knowing how a prosecutor thinks, Attorney Rao uses this to his clients’ advantage.  No other attorney at our firm is more of a zealous advocate for holding the District Attorney’s office to their high burden of proving each element of an OUI case to the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard that is required by law.

Prior to working at DOR, Anthony Rao worked at the law firm of Messing, Rudavsky & Weliky in Boston.   He is a Suffolk University Law School graduate where he was both recognized and honored for his superb oral advocacy and trial skills.

Katie Donovan Smith

Katie Smith joined the Massachusetts Law Group, P.C. following an impressive track record prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases for the Vermont State Attorney’s Office.  Having tackled nearly every type of crime – everything from drunken driving cases to murder – Katie is becoming known as a pit bull litigator who pulls out all the stops every time she formulates effective defense strategies and tirelessly defends her clients.

Attorney Smith’s experience as a former prosecutor works to her advantage.  Her excellent reputation with law enforcement, prosecutors and judges gives her the ability to negotiate the very best possible settlements for her clients.  Even when cases go to trial, Katie has the insight of what happens behind the scenes and conducts her own independent investigation that often includes going out to the scene, interviewing witnesses, and asking the key questions that dig deeper into the elements of the particular crime – all with the goal of having the charges get dismissed or reduced. 

Ms. Smith is a graduate of Villanova University and Suffolk University Law School.  She practices law in both Massachusetts and Vermont.

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.