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.
5.0 /5.0
195 Client Reviews
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Joseph John Higgins III
also known as Joseph Higgins, Joe Higgins
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About Joseph
Biography
Joseph J. Higgins is a partner at the Law Offices of Milligan & Higgins, a criminal defense firm based out of Rockland, Massachusetts. Mr. Higgins specializes in representing those charged with Drunk Driving (OUI/DUI/DWI). He obtained his undergraduate degree from Connecticut College in 2006 and his juris doctorate degree from Suffolk University Law School in 2009. While in law school, Mr. Higgins interned for an associate justice of the Superior Court and one of the most successful personal injury law firms in New England. After the bar exam, Mr. Higgins began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Plymouth County, where he prosecuted hundreds of drunk driving cases each year. It was during his time as a prosecutor that Mr. Higgins developed an interest in OUI/DUI/DWI law and realized that his trial skills could be best utilized by defending those charged with these crimes.
Since 2012, Attorney Higgins has appeared in over 60 Massachusetts district court in defense of his clients. On cases that he takes to trial, nearly 90 percent result in a Not Guilty verdict. Over the course of his career, Mr. Higgins has developed a reputation amongst other lawyers, judges and court personnel as being a smart, skillful and talented trial attorney. He has been recognized by both The National College for DUI Defense and the DUI Defense Lawyers’ Association for his commitment to OUI/DUI/DWI law. Super Lawyers Magazine has also identified Mr. Higgins “Rising Star” in DUI/DWI Defense.
A large percentage of Mr. Higgins' practice involves driver's license issues. He regularly appears before the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and the Division of Insurance Board of Appeals (BOA) on behalf of his clients to address license suspensions and Hardship License requests.
Awards/Distinctions:
2013 - 2025 Clients’ Choice DUI—Avvo
2024 - 2025 Martindale-Hubble Client Champion Platinum Award
2014 - 2023 Rising Star—Super Lawyers Magazine
2014 Rising Star---Boston Magazine 2014 “10 Best” Client Satisfaction Award
American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
Top 40 Under 40—American Society of Legal Advocates
Top 40 Under 40—National Trial Lawyers
Experienced, skillful, and personalized representation in defending your OUI, DUI, DWI case.
Experienced, skillful, and personalized representation in defending your OUI, DUI, DWI case.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
DUI and DWI
100%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
9
Licenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 16 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Joseph online.
Joseph John Higgins III's Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (174)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (137)
Advocacy (102)
Recommendation (80)
Professionalism (72)
Practice Area Knowledge (60)
Responsiveness (56)
General Knowledge (50)
Communication Style (49)
Character & Conduct (36)
Trustworthiness (22)
Compassion (21)
Cost of Services (17)
Punctuality (10)
Staff & Support (4)
Free Consultations (1)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 56 - 60 of 60 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | April 07, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Peerless Representation.
I hired Joe to handle an OUI matter. He handled my case with the utmost candor, empathy, expertise. During my ordeal I was overwhelmed with concerns that he addressed both day and night via phone, email and text. I would recommend Joe without reservation.
Posted by brandydevin | April 18, 2013 | DUI & DWI
Excellent Attorney
I would rate Attorney Higgins 10 stars if I could. From the first email I sent him, I received a prompt response and he even met me over the weekend despite his plans. He is professional, knowledgeable, successful in what he does and maintained contact with me through out making sure I knew what was ...
Posted by Joseph Mattison | October 31, 2012 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Joe did a great job!
Joe was great helping assist with my traffic violation. Joe's patience explaining the process, advice regarding the violation, and legal knowledge made the experience painless. I plan on using Joe again and will recommend him.
Posted by anonymous | June 14, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Did he do anything?
A few years ago, I was charged with my 2nd OUI case, my lawyer, Joe Higgins knew that I was able to appeal my chemical refusal test but did not educate me the consequences of not appealing. That would mean 3 years automatic with no hardship if you don’t appeal within the given days that they grant yo...
Joseph Higgins
Replied last June 14, 2019Dear Former, Existing, and Potential clients: I am unsure of the identity of the person who wrote this negative review, but it is certainly not reflective of the quality of service that my office provides. My entire law practice is devoted to OUI defense and Registry of Motor Vehicles matters. I advise all of my clients as to their options, the consequences of exercising such, and the associated driver's license ramifications. I do that now, and most definitely did that a few years ago when I represented this individual. I take my reputation very seriously and conduct myself and my business with it in mind. I am open to any questions or concerns and can be reached directly on my cell phone at (508) 930-4273. Regards, Joe Higgins
Posted by anonymous | November 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Review
Joe Higgins is a great OUI attorney. I highly respect his knowledge and advice in that area. Years back I hired Joe for a traffic violation matter. He consulted me and told me he would send someone from his team to attend my hearing. He gave me a price and I paid. He sent an Attorney Ganey to repres...
Joseph Higgins
Replied last October 18, 2023Dear Former, Existing, and Potential Clients, I have reviewed my file notes and this negative review does not paint a full and complete picture of what actually transpired. The truth is, the client received a summons for a Clerk Magistrate's Hearing that did not work for my schedule. I was already committed to a trial matter in another court that day. I informed the client and his mother that it would have to be rescheduled in order for me to attend. Neither of them wanted the date to be changed. Accordingly, I afforded them the option to have an associate attorney conduct the hearing and that was the option they chose. At the hearing, the police department presented their allegations and the Clerk Magistrate appropriately found Probable Cause to issue the Criminal Complaint. Unhappy with this result, the client terminated my services immediately. He was subsequently arraigned on the charges and the case was disposed of post-arraignment. What is missing from this review is that I was very clear about my schedule and availability, and that I afforded the client and his mother options to address the scheduling conflict. It is also important for anyone reading this review to know that the standard of proof at a Clerk Magistrate's Hearing is one of "Probable Cause". Probable Cause is a very low standard, far less than what is required for someone to be convicted of a crime, "Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt." Also, at a Clerk Magistrate's Hearing, the determination is made solely based upon what is contained in the written police narrative. The proceeding is not the same as a trial. I strive to achieve success for all of my clients and I take my reputation very seriously. While I understand that not everyone will always be happy, I try to make that the exception to the rule. I am proud of the success that we have had over the years for our clients and I look forward to continuing that tradition. If anyone would like to discuss this negative review with me directly, I am available on my cell phone at 508-930-4273.
Joseph John Higgins III's Lawyer Endorsements
"Simply said, Joseph is an outstanding DUI attorney. Highly recommended!"
"It is my pleasure to endorse Attorney Joseph Higgins. I know Joe to be an accomplished and knowledgeable lawyer. I first met him when we worked together as prosecutors in the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office. It is once again my privilege to work with Joe as DUI Defense Attorneys. He is a zealous advocate for his clients and an experienced trial attorney. Joe has an undeniable skill in assisting his clients both in the courts as well as at the registry. I highly endorse Attorney Higgins as a both a coworker and a DUI Defense Attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is has a great deal of knowledge not only in DUI, but also in the complexities of the Registry of Motor Vehicles. I recommend him for all my clients who have DUI issues."
"Joe is a professional, results oriented lawyer who I would recommend to anyone. With over 150 jury trials, Joe is a skilled trial attorney and strong negotiator who achieves results in a cost-effective manner."
"Atty. Higgins is one of the brightest young lawyers in defending those accused with OUI/DUI/DWI. He has transitioned from the DA's Office into private practice seamlessly. He is committed to his client's best interests. Atty Higgins is hard working and always prepared. I am glad to have him in my office as he is truly an asset."
"Attorney Higgins and I have worked together on several matter over the last two years. He is extremely talented and an asset to the specialized field of DUI defense in MA. Joe has also helped several of my clients achieve successful outcomes at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Any time a client calls me with an RMV issue, I send them right to Joe and he is able to help the steer through the pitfalls of the RMV system. I highly endorse Attorney Joe Higgins."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney Higgins is a zealous advocate for his clients and maintains a vast knowledge base that benefits both clients and the legal community."
"I have had the privilege of knowing Attorney Higgins both personally and professionally and I have found him to be one of the most committed and compassionate criminal defense attorneys in Eastern Massachusetts. Attorney Higgins has the trial experience and skills necessary to be a strong advocate for your criminal matters and will provide you with the personal attention your case deserves."
"Joe is an energetic and driven attorney with substantial courtroom experience. It is my pleasure to endorse him."
"“Joe is an outstanding attorney with an incredible knowledge of the law, excellent trial skills and a network of friends and colleagues that he has developed over his years as an attorney that will be a tremendous benefit to his clients. Joe has the ability to understand the problem then work with all of the parties involved including clients, police officers, opposing attorneys, probation officers and court personnel to arrive at the best outcome for his clients. He is a talented and professional attorney with a history of success, exceptional intelligence and a warm personality that envelopes his clients in the knowledge that they have hired the right attorney to handle their problem. He has my highest recommendation and I look forward to continue working with him in his new practice.”"
David Flanagan
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Michael DeMarco
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Experience
Honors
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2019
Rising Star, New England Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
Superb Top Attorney DUI, Avvo
2016
Rising Star, New England Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Boston Magazine
2016
Client's Choice DUI, Avvo
2015
Superb Top Attorney DUI, Avvo
2015
Clients' Choice DUI, Avvo
2015
Rising Star, Boston Magazine
2015
Rising Star, New England Super Lawyers Magazine
2014
Top 40 Under 40, ASLA
2014
Superb Top Attorney DUI, Avvo
2014
Rising Star, Boston Magazine
2014
Rising Star, New England Super Lawyers Magazine
2014
Clients' Choice DUI, Avvo
2014
"10 Best" Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2014
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Partner, Milligan & Higgins
2013 - 2014
OUI DUI Attorney, The Law Office of James M. Milligan, Jr.
2012 - 2012
Attorney, The Law Office of Joseph J. Higgins, III
2010 - 2012
Assistant District Attorney, Plymouth County District Attorney's Office
2008 - 2008
Law Clerk, Cooley Manion Jones, LLP
2007 - 2007
Superior Court Intern, The Honorable Regina L. Quinlan
Associations
2014 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2014 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
National College for DUI DefenseMember
2013 - Present
American Society of Legal AdvocatesMember
2012 - Present
Massachusetts Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Plymouth District Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Lynn District Court - Commonwealth v. S.G. (Massachusetts State Police)
Not Guilty
Brockton District Court - Commonwealth v. B.B. (Massachusetts State Police)
Not Guilty
Newburyport District Court - Commonwealth v. F.B. (Amesbury PD)
Not Guilty
Brockton District Court - Commonwealth v. P.A. (Bridgewater PD)
Not Guilty
Quincy District Court - Commonwealth v. J.H. (Massachusetts State Police)
Not Guilty
Peabody District Court - Commonwealth v. K.G.
Not Guilty
Brockton District Court (Bridgewater Police) - Commonwealth v. R.H.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court (Halifax Police) - Commonwealth v. S.S.
Not Guilty
Concord District Court (Maynard Police) - Commonwealth v. J.I.
Dismissed
Taunton District Court (Taunton Police) - Commonwealth v. L.C.
Not Guilty
Hingham District Court (Hingham Police) - Commonwealth v. M.W.
Not Guilty
Dudley District Court (Sturbridge Police) - Commonwealth v. K.B.
Not Guilty
Quincy District Court (MSP) - Commonwealth v. E.O.
Dismissed
Taunton District Court (Easton Police) - Commonwealth v. E.I.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court (Plymouth PD) - Commonwealth v. J.O.
Not Guilty
Orleans District Court (Dennis Police) - Commonwealth v. A.S.
Not Guilty
Salem District Court (MSP Newbury) - Commonwealth v. J.S.
Not Guilty
Wareham District Court (Middleborough PD) - Commonwealth v. M.D.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court (Plymouth PD) - Commonwealth v. F.F.
Not Guilty
Brockton District Court (East Bridgewater PD) - Commonwealth v. MA
Not Guilty.
Worcester District Court (Mendon PD) - Commonwealth v. D.D.
Not Guilty
Brockton District Court (Bridgewater Police) - Commonwealth v. P.S.
Not Guilty
Hingham District Court (Hingham Police) - Commonwealth v. C.F.
Not Guilty
Falmouth District Court (Falmouth Police) - Commonwealth v. C.H.
Not Guilty
Malden District Court (Wakefield Police) - Commonwealth v. J.C.
Not Guilty
Fall River District Court (MSP-Dartmouth) - Commonwealth v. D.W.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court (Plymouth Police) - Commonwealth v. A.P.
Not Guilty
Natick District Court (Sherborn Police) - Commonwealth v. P.F.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court (MSP Norwell) - Commonwealth v. C.F.
Dismissed
Wareham District Court (Lakeville Police) - Commonwealth v. J.K.
Not Guilty
Westborough District Court - Commonwealth v. G.A.
Not Guilty
Worcester District Court - Commonwealth v. J.L.
Not Guilty
Concord District Court - Commonwealth v. J.T.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. S.K.
Not Guilty
Newburyport District Court - Commonwealth v. R.V.
Not Guilty
Falmouth District Court - Commonwealth v. G.B.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. G.F.
Not Guilty
Falmouth District Court - Commonwealth v. A.R.
Not Guilty
Worcester District Court - Commonwealth v. J.D.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. M.B.
Not Guilty
Hingham District Court - Commonwealth v. R. B.
Not Guilty
Brockton District Court - Commonwealth v. T.L.
Not Guilty
Somerville District Court - Commonwealth v. J.M.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court - MSP v. B.K.
Complaint Not to Issue
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. P.H.
Not Guilty
Chelsea District Court - Commonwealth v. J.H.
Not Guilty
Worcester District Court - Commonwealth v. C.P.
Not Guilty
Wareham District Court - Commonwealth v. J.S.
Not Guilty
Orleans District Court - Commonwealth v. S.S.
Not Guilty
Dedham District Court - Commonwealth v. D.R.
Not Guilty
Edgartown District Court - Commonwealth v. A.H.
Dismissed
Waltham District Court - Commonwealth v. K.S.
Dismissed
Falmouth District Court - Commonwealth v. H.C.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. F.W.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. GTL
Not Guilty
Wareham District Court - Commonwealth v. J.M.
Dismissed
Dorchester Boston Municipal Court - Commonwealth v. B.B.
Not Guilty
Newburyport District Court - Commonwealth v. T.M.
Not Guilty
Lawrence District Court - Commonwealth v. B.C.
Not Guilty
Peabody District Court - Commonwealth v. G.M.
Not Guilty
Quincy District Court - Commonwealth v. K.V.
Dismissed
Boston Municipal Court - Commonwealth v. J.J.
Dismissed
Worcester District Court - Commonwealth v. C.C.
Not Guilty
Wareham District Court - Commonwealth v. B.S.
Not Guilty
Quincy District Court - Commonwealth v. V.A.
Not Guilty
Lawrence District Court - Commonwealth v. D.S.
Not Guilty
Fall River District Court - Commonwealth v. G.P.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. T.R.
Not Guilty
Edgartown District Court - Commonwealth v. P.D.
Not Guilty
Lynn District Court - Commonwealth v. J.D.
Not Guilty
Woburn District Court - Commonwealth v. B.T.
Dismissed
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. G.B.
Not Guilty
Newton District Court - Commonwealth v. L.C.
Not Guilty
Woburn District Court - Commonwealth v. C.B.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. J.M.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. K.F.
Not Guilty
Somerville District Court - Commonwealth v. C.F.
Not Guilty
Dedham District Court - Commonwealth v. A.M.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. M.P.
Not Guilty
Newburyport District Court - Commonwealth v. J.F.
Not Guilty
Concord District Court - Commonwealth v. K.P.
Not Guilty
Falmouth District Court - Commonwealth v. F.L.
Dismissed
Quincy District Court - Commonwealth v. C.G.
Dismissed
Malden District Court - Commonwealth v. L.M.
Not Guilty
Hingham District Court - Commonwealth v. S.R.
Dismissed
Fall River District Court - Commonwealth v. D.A.
Not Guilty
Falmouth District Court - Commonwealth v. T.F.
Not Guilty
Worcester District Court - Commonwealth v. B.C.
Not Guilty
Wareham District Court - Commonwealth v. A.G.
Not Guilty
Dedham District Court - Commonwealth v. T.K.
Not Guilty
Falmouth District Court - Commonwealth v. J.C.
Not Guilty
Dorchester BMC - Commonwealth v. C.S.
Dismissed
Quincy District Court - Commonwealth v. D.T.S.
Dismissed
Westborough District Court - Commonwealth v. M.L.
Not Guilty
Barnstable District Court - Commonwealth v. J.M.
Not Guilty
Falmouth District Court - Commonwealth v. R.C.
Not Guilty
Natick District Court - Commonwealth v. R.L.
Not Guilty
Cambridge District Court - Commonwealth v. B.P.
Not Guilty
Wareham District Court - Commonwealth v. S.C.
Not Guilty
Falmouth District Court - Commonwealth v. C.M.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. T.Z.
Not Guilty
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. P.T.
Not Guilty
Fitchburg District Court - Commonwealth v. J.M.
Dismissed
Plymouth District Court - Commonwealth v. F.R.
Not Guilty
Falmouth District Court - Commonwealth v. J.L.
Dismissed
Malden District Court - Commonwealth v. V.S.
Not Guilty
Falmouth District Court - Commonwealth v. J.H.
Not Guilty
Falmouth District Court - Commonwealth v. B.S.
Dismissed
Education
2013
The National College for DUI Defense
Certificate of Completion
2009
Suffolk University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
Connecticut College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
Massachusetts Auto Stops
2015
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
Massachusetts Auto Stops
2014
2014
WBZ News Radio 1030
Drunk Driving Laws and Penalties in Massachusetts
2014
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
Massachusetts Auto Stops
2013
Defending OUI Drug Cases - Challenging "Junk Science" and the Myth of the "DRE"
Registry of Motor Vehicles Implications
2012
Social Media & Bullying Forum
Social Media and Anti Bullying Panel Discussion
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I get breathalyzer refusal penalties reduced/removed after a coif of 2nd dui in MA?
27 Jan 2018
Q&A
How do i get my massacuettes license valid after having DWI in Md...I need it for work?
17 Jan 2018
Q&A
19 year old arrest for DUI?
17 Jan 2018