Cambridge, Massachusetts OUI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Seeking the legal advice of an assertive and experienced OUI criminal defense attorney will help you understand all of your options and rights. Being charged with OUI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is imperative that anyone facing a Massachusetts OUI understand what challenges they will face.

Arrested for OUI in Cambridge, Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, once you have been cited for violating the OUI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the Massachusetts RMV. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Massachusetts, it is imperative to remember that there may be more penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

Massachusetts Melanie's Law and Ignition Interlock Devices

Melanie's Law was passed on October 28, 2005. The purpose is to enhance the penalties and administrative sanctions for Operating Under the Influence (OUI) offenders in Massachusetts. Melanie's Law required the creation of a state run ignition interlock program by January 1, 2006. The Massachusetts RMV researched appropriate approaches and equipment, recruited vendors, established standards for operation drafted memorandums of agreement with approved vendors, and trained existing Registry of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts staff to oversee the new program. Multiple OUI offenders are now required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in their vehicle upon issuance of a hardship license or at full license reinstatement.Melanie's bill increases the waiting period to apply for a hardship license for a first and second offense.

The Registrar also formed a Drunk Driving Advisory Committee to review and discuss current Registry of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts regulations, policies and procedures associated with the administration of the laws governing drunk driving. The Committee consists of representatives from the Executive Office of Public Safety, the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau, the Department of Public Health, Mother's Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Massachusetts state and local law enforcement, Registry of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts staff and other interested parties.

Penalties for First Time OUI Offenders

• Chemical Test Refusal - In Cambridge, Massachusetts, refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driving privileges in Massachusetts for 180 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a drug and alcohol evaluation and any treatment program required by the evaluating agency is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
• Monetary Fines - In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the fine for a first time OUI (operating under the influence) is a minimum of $500.00, up to a maximum of $5,000.00.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the OUI statute with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.04. A first time OUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent OUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in Massachusetts.
• Massachusetts Driving Privileges and OUI - An OUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Massachusetts for 1 year.
• Jail Time - A first time operating under the influence (OUI) offender will face up to two and a half years time in jail.

OUI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional OUI violations. Due to the complexity of OUI laws in Massachusetts, you may not be aware of options and rights. This is why an assertive and experienced criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Massachusetts operating under the influence (OUI) criminal defense attorney for a fast and free consultation.

Massachusetts OUI (operating under the influence) Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Massachusetts law, an individual has 15 days to request an administrative hearing from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. If you fail to request a hearing within 15 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles within 15 days. Call a local Cambridge, Massachusetts OUI defense attorney for a consultation.