Massachusetts OUI Offenses

If you are charged with Massachusetts OUI Offenses, you could face stiff penalties, loss of your driving privileges, expensive fines, attend and pay for an alcohol and drug treatment program, and prison time. Massachusetts Operating Under the Influence (OUI) laws were enhanced in October of 2005 with the introduction of, "Melanie's Law", to the penalties and administrative sanctions of the Massachusetts OUI laws. Melanie's Law establishes a new offense of OUI if you are found to be driving after a suspension for an OUI offense. As a result, Massachusetts has some of the strictest laws and harshest penalties for anyone caught operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This applies to anyone convicted of driving while intoxicated by liquor, marijuana, narcotic drugs, depressants, stimulant substances, or glue vapors.

Have you or a loved one been accused or charged drunk driving in Massachusetts? If so, contact a Massachusetts OUI defense attorney at the Law Office of Patrick T. Donovan today!

According to Massachusetts law, anyone convicted of a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence is subject to a fine of $250 plus probation. $125 of that fine will go onto a special fund handled the state treasurer for the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund. There is an added assessment of $50 that is to go to the Victims of Drunk Driving Trust Fund. A second conviction carries a fine of between $600 and $10,000 and prison time of six months to two and half years. A third conviction is subject to a fine of between $1,000 and $15,000 and prison time of 180 days to two and half years or along with the fine prison time in the state prison for two and half years to five years. Four or more convictions carry a fine of between $2,000 to $50,000 and prison time of two and one-half years or the fine plus imprisonment in the state prison of two and one-half years to five years. Massachusetts recognizes and applies prior convictions in other jurisdictions when applying prior convictions to OUI sentences. After every conviction, the violator will have to complete and pay for an alcohol and drug treatment program as well as having their license suspended.

Melanie's Law applies additional penalties to anyone already convicted of OUI and caught driving under suspension or those who help a person drive with a suspension:

• Anyone caught driving with a suspended license - Is subject to a 1-year minimum mandatory sentence to 2.5 years imprisonment and a fine of $2,500 - $10,000 plus a 1-year license suspension.
• A person who employs a person with an OUI suspended license as a motor vehicle operator - First offense a fine of up to $500, Second offense a fine of up to 1 year imprisonment and/or a fine up to $1000 and a license and/or registration suspension up to 1 year.
• A person who lets an individual with an OUI suspended license drive his/her car - First offense faces imprisonment for 1 year and a fine of up to $500, Second offense faces 2.5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1000 and a license and/or registration suspension up to 1 year.
• A person who allows an individual with an Ignition Interlock restriction to drive a vehicle not equipped with the device - First offense will have to serve 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $500. Second offense will have to serve up to 2.5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1000 and license and/or registration suspension up to 1 year.

Massachusetts OUI Offenses are dealt with seriously. They apply to the violator and anyone who aids him/her after a conviction and suspension has been handed down. Massachusetts OUI laws are complex and lengthy and apply in different ways to different offences. A refusal to take a chemical test can result in your license being suspended from 180 days if no prior OUI convictions to a lifetime suspension for three prior convictions. Patrick Donovan can help you with your Massachusetts OUI Offense charges regardless of what you charges are. He has the experience and knowledge of Massachusetts OUI laws needed to mount an effective defense.

Have you or a loved one been accused or charged drunk driving in Massachusetts? If so, contact a Massachusetts OUI defense attorney at the Law Office of Patrick T. Donovan today!