Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.0 /5.0
205 Client Reviews
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James M. Milligan Jr.
also known as Jay
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About James
Biography
Attorney James Milligan
Managing Partner of Milligan & Higgins
Board Certified Massachusetts Drunk Driving Defense Attorney
Attorney James Milligan over his 28 year career stands as one of Massachusetts' most distinguished and accomplished OUI defense attorneys, bringing unparalleled expertise and a proven track record to every case. With consistently impressive trial results, Attorney Milligan tries well over 60 OUI cases annually, maintaining an exceptional 90% acquittal rate that demonstrates his mastery of drunk driving defense.
As one of only two Board Certified OUI lawyers in Massachusetts, Attorney Milligan possesses specialized credentials that set him apart in the field. His expertise is further evidenced by his role as chair of the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education statewide OUI seminar, a position he has held for 19 years, where he educates fellow attorneys on the intricacies of OUI defense.
This exceptional success rate reflects his thorough preparation, comprehensive understanding of OUI law, and skilled courtroom advocacy. Widely recognized as one of the foremost experts in the OUI field throughout Massachusetts, Attorney Milligan is respected by colleagues and peers as a thorough and meticulously prepared attorney. His extensive knowledge of drunk driving defense law (OUI, DWI, DUI) and seasoned trial experience have earned him a reputation as a go-to attorney for complex OUI cases.
Attorney Milligan handles more drunk driving cases annually than most attorneys encounter in their entire careers, providing him with invaluable real-world experience across all types of OUI situations. His extensive trial experience spans courts throughout the Commonwealth, giving him comprehensive knowledge of local procedures and judicial preferences.
As an active member of prestigious legal organizations including the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) and DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA), Attorney Milligan remains at the forefront of developments in OUI defense law and maintains the highest professional standards.
Whether facing a first-time OUI charge or a complex repeat offense, clients can trust Attorney Milligan's proven expertise, exceptional trial skills, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for every case.
Don't take another chance. You need proven and powerful drunk driving representation. Free Case Eval
Massachusetts Board Certified Drunk Driving Defense Attorney. Proven and Powerful Results.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
90%
29 years
Criminal Defense
5%
Other
5%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
13
Licenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 27 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Milligan & Higgins
(781) 878-6550
Fax
300 Ledgewood Place, Suite 201, Rockland, MA, 02370
milliganhiggins.com/Attorney James Milligan
100 Independence Drive, Suite 7 #481, Hyannis, MA, 02601
milliganhiggins.com/Online Presence
Other places you can find James online.
James M. Milligan Jr.'s Reviews
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Case Results (172)
Advocacy (114)
Recommendation (99)
Practice Area Knowledge (79)
Professionalism (76)
Responsiveness (60)
Communication Style (58)
General Knowledge (56)
Character & Conduct (41)
Trustworthiness (32)
Compassion (21)
Staff & Support (19)
Cost of Services (16)
Punctuality (5)
Free Consultations (1)
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Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Administrative Law
Posted by anonymous | July 15, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law
Quick response and great service - that's what I got with Jay and his team
Jay and his team (Joe and Karen) were a huge help in protecting my driver's license. I needed fast help dealing with the RMV on an out-of-state suspension issue from two years ago. Jay answered his phone on a holiday and put the wheels in motion to act fast on my behalf. Less than a week later it was...
Posted by Mark | April 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law
Jay was able to get my license back 2 and a half years early.
Jays office was very helpful in allowing me to acquire my license back early. They were great abiut answering all my questions and bringing me through the process. They also had great suggestions about things that I could do that would help me get a favorable ruling at the hearing. I was able to re...
Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2012 | Administrative Law
License reinstatement
Mr. Milligan was instrumental in my case as he was able to assist me with reinstatement of my driver's license. Not only was he efficient, responsive, and knowledgeable, but he kept me very well informed throughout the duration of the case. Mr. Milligan's background and experience with RMV affairs al...
Posted by Donna | January 05, 2012 | Administrative Law
we recommend this lawyer to everyone
Hello, my son lives in California and needed to handle a situation in Mass. He was not in the position to fly there and handle it. A friend of mine referred Mr. Milligan and from that phone call on made my son's life so much less stressful. Att. Milligan took the bull by the horns and followed thr...
Posted by anonymous | May 23, 2011 | Administrative Law
James Milligan review
When i got arrested for DUI i was recommended by a police officer friend to call Jay. The officer said he was great at what he does which is DUI and dealing with the RMV. He was right! The RMV decided to take my license for 3 years with no exceptions. Jay worked hard and got it back in 6 weeks. ...
James M. Milligan Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Milligan has an exceptional reputation in the Area of DUI Defense in Massachusetts. I would highly recommend his services."
"One of the best attorneys in the field. I had the pleasure of getting to know Attorney Milligan's skills when dealing with him as a prosecutor. He was always prepared, and presented all his clients' cases with a polished and distinguished presence. Highly recommended. GP"
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a very competent and skilled lawyer. He gets exceptional results"
"I endorse Attorney James “Jay” Milligan Jr. I first met Jay when I was a prosecutor in the Plymouth County DA's office. As opposing counsel, Attorney Milligan is a formidable opponent but always a professional. Jay was always the first attorney at the courthouse and was always prepared for trial. I now have the privilege of working with Attorney Milligan as a DUI Defense Attorney. Jay’s knowledge of the law and trial practice are unmatched in the field of Massachusetts DUI Defense and RMV Representation. Accordingly he is one of only a few attorneys in Massachusetts to be Board Certified in the field of Drunk Driving Defense. Attorney Milligan provides each client with the proven powerful drunk driving representation that only he can. He is a valued mentor to me and a passionate advocated for his clients. I highly endorse Attorney Jay Milligan."
"I have had the pleasure of working closely with Attorney Milligan, both during my time as a prosecutor and now as a fellow member of the OUI/DUI/DWI defense bar. For me to say that Jay "raises the bar" would be an understatement. His knowledge of the law, his commitment to the interests of his clients, and his work ethic go unmatched. He has a proven track record of success that is undoubtedly the product of his character, hard work, and devotion to the practice of law. I highly endorse Attorney Milligan and would recommend him to anyone facing a drunk driving charge."
"One of the best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Massachusetts. Gets amazing results for his clients. Very experienced, highly skilled and he genuinely cares about people. I have referred several clients to him in the past and he has achieved extraordinary results"
"I highly recommend Jay Milligan if you or a loved one has been charged with drunk driving. Jay is a diligent and conscientious lawyer, well-respected in the legal community."
"Attorney Milligan is a talented and competitive defense lawyer who truly goes to bat for his clients. I recently witnessed him first hand in a felony trial where it was clear the prosecutor was outmatched (Not Guilty verdict followed). I would recommend his services to anyone facing criminal prosecution in Massachusetts."
"I have had the honor of working with James "Jay" Milligan, Sr., on several matters that involve mutual clients due to the relative proximity of Maine to Massachusetts. Jay is the "go to guy" when it comes to issues involving the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. He is not only a strong and highly competent fighter for his clients in the courtroom, but also has a superior working knowledge of motor vehicles suspensions, how to fight them, how to beat them, and if need be, how to minimize them. Not only is he one of the top DUI\DWI Attorneys in the Commonwealth, he is also a compassionate and caring individual who works closely with clients and keeps their best interests at heart. If you have been charged with DUI/DWI or any motor vehicle crime in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Jay Milligan, Sr. can be counted on to fight for the citizen accused."
Joseph Higgins
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2012
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Preeminent Client Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
Preeminent Client Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Attorney, Attorney James Milligan Law Office
2000 - 2010
DUI OUI Attorney, Jones, Milligan & Geraghty
Associations
2010 - Present
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.Chair
2000 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2000 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
1998 - Present
Massachusetts Bar AssociationMember
1998 - Present
Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Commonwealth v. R.L. (Lynn District Court)
Not Guilty
Commonwealth v. P.H (Plymouth District Court)
Not Guilty
Commonwealth v. E.D – Quincy District Court
Not Guilty
Commonwealth v. R.L. (Lynn District Court)
Not Guilty
Commonwealth v. S.Y. – Wrentham Distric Court
Not Guilty
Education
1998
Massachusetts School of Law at Andover
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
Allegheny College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2010
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
Handling OUI Cases
2010
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
Massachusetts Auto Stops
2010
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
OUI Summit - Drunk Driving Defense
2009
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
Law and Science of Traffic Defense
2009
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
Massachusetts Auto Stops
2008
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
Litigating OUI Cases
2007
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
Criminal Law Practice Forum
2006
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
Criminal Law Conference
Publications
2010
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. ("MCLE")
Handling Massachusetts OUI Cases
2010
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. ("MCLE")
Massachusetts Auot Stops
2010
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE)
OUI Drunk Driving Defense
2008
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE)
Litigating OUI Cases
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I be charged with a dui when I was parked in my car with the keys in the ignition I didn't get arrested
06 Jan 2019
Q&A
Was given field sobriety test on a sloped rd with poor street lighting is that enough to surpress field sobriety test
25 Dec 2018
Q&A
Can a Cahill disposition be requested after an unsuccessful trial (guilty finding)
23 Feb 2015
Legal Guides
Video Legal Guide
What are the penalities for 1st Offense DUI OUI in Massachusetts
01 Mar 2012
Video Legal Guide
What is a CWOF in Massachusetts
01 Mar 2012
Legal Guide
Drinking and Driving Laws in Massachusetts
03 Feb 2011