Springfield, Massachusetts OUI Lawyer

Being charged with OUI is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is very important that anyone facing a Massachusetts OUI charge have all of their questions answered. Seeking the legal advice of an accomplished and professional OUI criminal defense lawyer in Springfield, 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 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 Registry of Motor Vehicles 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.

What happens if I was arrested for OUI in Springfield?

Pursuant to Massachusetts law, 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 Registry of Motor Vehicles. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges. Because of this, it is imperative to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

OUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In Springfield, Massachusetts, the fine for a first time OUI is a minimum of $500.00, up to a maximum of $5,000.00.
• Jail Time - A first time operating under the influence (OUI) offender will face time in jail up to two and a half years.
• Chemical Test Refusal - In Springfield, Massachusetts, refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driving privileges for 180 days.
• Massachusetts Driving Privileges and OUI - In Springfield, Massachusetts, an OUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Massachusetts for 1 year.
• 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.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the Massachusetts OUI statute with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.04. A first time Operating Under the Influence (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 OUI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Massachusetts law, an individual has 15 days to request an administrative hearing from the Massachusetts RMV (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 RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) within 15 days. Call a local Springfield, Massachusetts OUI lawyer for a fast, free consultation.

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 an accomplished and professional criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Massachusetts operating under the influence (OUI) criminal defense lawyer for a fast, free consultation.