At Rightful Legal, Attorney Tracy Paulsen provides fierce, focused, and compassionate criminal defense representation for individuals throughout Massachusetts. In addition to serving clients in Bristol County and other local communities, we also accept criminal cases in Norfolk County, Middlesex County, Plymouth County and throughout Massachusetts. Whether you’re facing motor vehicle criminal charge, a misdemeanor shoplifting charge, a felony DUI offense, or a complex case involving license suspension or speeding tickets, the consequences of a criminal conviction can change the course of your life. That’s why it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable and dedicated advocate by your side.
Massachusetts criminal statutes are strict, and the penalties for even minor violations can be surprisingly severe. From a clerk magistrate hearing or arraignment to trial, Attorney Tracy Paulsen will guide you through every phase of the criminal justice process. We handle a wide array of criminal charges, including but not limited to:
A DUI (also referred to as OUI—Operating Under the Influence—in Massachusetts) is one of the most commonly charged offenses. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
Many people believe that if they fail a breathalyzer or field sobriety test, they are automatically guilty. This is far from true. Breath test machines can be unreliable, field sobriety tests are subjective, and police officers often make procedural errors during the arrest. At Rightful Legal, we scrutinize every element of your case, including:
Attorney Paulsen will review police reports, dashcam footage, and lab results to challenge weak or inconsistent evidence. She will also negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges where possible. If your rights were violated, she’ll fight to have the evidence suppressed and the charges dismissed.
For first-time offenders, there may be opportunities for alternative sentencing, including participation in an alcohol education program in exchange for reduced penalties. For repeat offenders, a strategic and aggressive defense is even more critical due to the mandatory minimum penalties and longer license suspensions involved. Attorney Paulsen will work for the optimal resolution for your case and situation, and take your case to trial and fight for a not guilty verdict.
Shoplifting may seem like a minor offense, but in Massachusetts, even a small mistake can lead to a criminal record that affects your job prospects, education, and housing opportunities. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 30A, shoplifting is classified as larceny and is punishable by fines and jail time, depending on the value of the stolen property and the number of prior offenses.
A first-time shoplifting charge involving property valued under $250 may result in a fine of up to $250. However, repeated offenses or theft involving higher-value items can quickly escalate the consequences, potentially leading to incarceration and a permanent criminal record.
Attorney Paulsen understands how important it is to avoid a conviction—especially for young people or those with no prior criminal history. In most cases, we are able to avoid having the complaint issued against you at a clerk magistrate hearing, so the charge does not appear on your record or in background checks, affecting employment or housing. In extenuating circumstances, we can secure pre-trial diversion, continued without a finding (CWOF) resolutions, or outright dismissal, depending on the facts. Our goal is to resolve the case in a way that protects your reputation and avoids long-term damage.
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Although speeding tickets may appear straightforward, they can lead to serious complications, especially if they accumulate over time. Multiple traffic violations can result in increased insurance premiums, hefty fines, license suspensions, or even a criminal charge if reckless driving or endangerment is involved.
In Massachusetts, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) keeps track of your driving history and assigns “surchargeable points” for traffic violations. If you accumulate three surchargeable offenses within two years, you will be required to complete a driver retraining program. More severe infractions or repeat offenses can result in a suspended license and categorization as a habitual traffic offender (HTO). If you’ve received three major moving violations—or any combination of twelve major and minor traffic offenses—within five years, the Massachusetts RMV can suspend or revoke your driver’s license or learner’s permit for up to four years. These violations don’t have to occur in Massachusetts; out-of-state offenses count too.
At Rightful Legal, we represent drivers ticketed for speeding, reckless driving, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of damaged property, lane violations, failure to stop, and more. In some cases, we can challenge the validity of radar or LIDAR speed detection. In others, we argue for a dismissal based on procedural errors or unclear signage. Our goal is to prevent the ticket from affecting your record or insurance.
Whether from an OUI, excessive traffic violations, failure to pay fines, or medical restrictions, a license suspension can significantly affect your life. Without a valid driver’s license, simple daily tasks—commuting to work, driving your children to school, running errands, attending medical appointments—can become stressful or impossible.
Massachusetts law permits the suspension of licenses for a wide range of reasons, including refusal to take a breath test, being found guilty of certain crimes, or accumulating too many surchargeable offenses. For example:
Attorney Paulsen assists clients in both preventing and reversing license suspensions. This may involve appealing the RMV’s decision to the Board of Appeals, petitioning for a hardship license, or navigating the reinstatement process after a suspension period ends. We guide clients through RMV hearings, court appeals, and other administrative steps necessary to regain driving privileges.
Every case is different, and at Rightful Legal, we believe in individualized defense strategies. We’ll begin by listening to your side of the story. Then, we’ll examine the evidence against you, assess possible constitutional violations, and determine the best course of action. In many cases, early intervention can lead to reduced charges or outright dismissal.
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Massachusetts criminal law is primarily governed by Chapter 265 and Chapter 266 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Chapter 265 addresses crimes against the person, including assault, battery, and domestic violence. Chapter 266 focuses on crimes against property, such as theft and shoplifting. Traffic-related offenses and OUI/DUI are covered under Chapter 90, which also outlines the laws governing license suspension and reinstatement.
For example, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24 outlines the penalties for operating under the influence. A first-offense OUI may result in up to 2.5 years in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, and a license suspension of up to one year. Subsequent offenses carry harsher penalties, including mandatory jail time and multi-year license suspensions.
Attorney Paulsen brings a deep familiarity with these laws, along with the local practices and procedures in Bristol County and Massachusetts courts. This knowledge allows her to spot procedural weaknesses, unlawful searches, or improperly obtained statements that may be used to challenge the prosecution’s case.
At Rightful Legal, we understand that being charged with a crime is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. You may be afraid, confused, or unsure of where to turn. We’re here to help.
Attorney Tracy Paulsen is known throughout Massachusetts for her tireless advocacy, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to protecting her clients. With a background that blends courtroom experience with compassionate client care, she works hard to ensure that each client is treated with dignity and respect regardless of the charges.
Whether you’re facing a first offense or you’re concerned about how a criminal charge might affect your immigration status, professional license, or family, we provide straightforward advice and a realistic outlook on your options. Our firm believes in proactive defense: investigating early, challenging everything, and negotiating skillfully while being fully prepared for trial.
Choosing a criminal defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Here’s why clients throughout Bristol County trust Attorney Tracy Paulsen:
From minor infractions to life-altering felony charges, we never forget what’s at stake. At Rightful Legal, we believe in second chances, and we fight hard to make sure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Bristol, Norfolk, Middlesex,Plymouth County or in Massachusetts, whether it’s a DUI, shoplifting offense, license suspension, or speeding ticket, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you involve an experienced attorney, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.Call Rightful Legal today to schedule a confidential consultation with Attorney Tracy Paulsen. We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and begin building a defense designed to protect your future no matter where in the region you’re facing charges.