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DWI/OUI Laws in Massachusetts

The penalty for either DWI or OUI conviction in Massachusetts can be severe and it can have long lasting effects on your reputation, your wallet, and your ability to work. Due to the severity and the long term consequences, having a knowledgeable and successful area attorney on your side is highly recommended for anyone facing a DWI or OUI charge in Massachusetts.

Typical Penalties and Fines

One mistake or lapse in judgment could land you in front of a judge who can alter the course of your life. For a first time conviction, a driver can face up to 30 months in jail, a fine ranging between $500 and $5000, a suspension of driving privileges for one year, and a mandated treatment program. The penalties, fines, and duration of possible jail time all escalate if further offenses are committed in Massachusetts. For a second offense, the fines can cost you $10,000 and two years without a license. You may also be required to pay for installation of an ignition interlock device for your vehicle. Subsequent convictions for DWI /OUI in Massachusetts can lead to staggering fines of $15,000, up to $25,000, and up to $50,000 for a fifth conviction. License suspension can also be made permanent after a number of offenses. With penalties this severe and this life-altering, anyone facing a DWI/OIU charge in Massachusetts simply can’t afford to face the charges alone.

Refusal of Test for DWI or OUI

One way to help minimize the consequences is the refusal of chemical test (blood test or breathalyzer) when pulled over on suspicion of DWI/OUI. However, there is the automatic revocation of your driver’s license to contend with. For a first time refusal, a license will be suspended for 180 days. A second refusal results in a 3 year license suspension and the third refusal can result in a 5 year suspension of a driver’s license. While many people are tempted to refuse testing as a way to avoid possible jail time, jail time can still be enforced. After a second chemical test refusal, a judge can order 30 days in jail and third refusal can result in 150 days in jail. With loss of license and jail time still a possibility even when you refuse chemical testing as a means to avoid conviction, having a lawyer by your side is imperative.

Experienced Legal Representation to Safeguard Your Rights

Paul Garrity Law Offices have handled a plethora of DWI/OUI cases in Massachusetts and have successfully seen difficult cases plea bargained down to what is commonly known as a ‘wet reckless’ charge. This plea bargain technique can significantly reduce the fines, license suspension time, and possibility of jail time for Massachusetts residents in need to help. A ‘wet reckless’ charge can be bargained if the blood alcohol content was borderline, there was no accident involved, or if it is a first time incident. This charge is comparable to a reckless driving charge. A skilled attorney such as Paul Garrity may also be able to garner a penalty of probation over any jail time. Without aggressive legal counsel working to plea bargain your case, you could be facing the maximum penalty for your charge. With fines alone that can be debilitating for hard working, typically law abiding citizens, who have found themselves in the middle of a DWI/OUI charge, legal representation is a must.  Whether you have been wrongfully accused, refused testing, or have openly admitted to drinking at the time of arrest, an attorney with an expertise in the intricacies of Massachusetts DWI/OUI law and the ability to successfully plea bargain your case can be the most worthwhile investment you have ever made.

Call today for a free consultation.603-434-4106
E-mail me at pgstringer161@aol.com