OUI Criminal Defense Attorney - Medford, Massachusetts

Arrested for OUI in Medford, 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 crucial to remember that there may be more penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

Being arrested for OUI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is important that anyone facing a Massachusetts OUI charge have all of their questions answered. Seeking the legal advice of a competent and knowledgeable OUI defense lawyer in Medford, Massachusetts will help you understand all of your rights and options.

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 OUI (Operating Under the Influence) 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 Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles 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.

OUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Massachusetts Driving Privileges and OUI - In Medford, Massachusetts, an OUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Massachusetts for 1 year.
• Jail Time - A first time OUI (operating under the influence) offender will face up to two and a half years jail time.
• 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.
• Chemical Test Refusal - In Medford, 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.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the OUI statute with a BAC level 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.
• Jail Time - A first time OUI (operating under the influence) offender will face up to two and a half years jail time.

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 rights and options. This is why a competent and knowledgeable defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Massachusetts OUI (operating under the influence) defense lawyer for a fast, free consultation.

Massachusetts OUI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Massachusetts law, an individual has 15 days to request an administrative hearing from the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts. 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 Registry of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts within 15 days. Call a local Medford, Massachusetts OUI defense lawyer for a free consultation.