During the infamous 2020 pandemic, Massachusetts declared a state of emergency and implement Covid-19 restrictions. Despite that, there was still an 18.4% increase in the fatality rate per vehicle miles traveled.
How’s so?
Experts speculate that while restrictions meant fewer cars were on the road, more Massachusetts residents were driving recklessly and even intoxicated. If you’ve recently been accused of a DUI or an OUI in Massachusetts, then it’s important to understand your charges, the potential consequences of a conviction, and how to defend yourself.
The best way to accomplish those goals is to hire a Taunton OUI drunk driving lawyer to take on your case. Learn more about your situation and how to navigate it below.
What to Expect With an OUI Drunk Driving Charge
In the majority of OUI cases, either a police officer or another person witnesses the driver commit a traffic violation or drive recklessly, which is what initiates the whole ordeal. From there, the police officer attempts to stop the car, and they may inquire as to whether the driver is intoxicated.
At that point, the officer may ask you to submit to a field sobriety test. They may ask you to submit to a breathalyzer test. They may even request to search your car to look for illegal drugs.
If you fail any of these ‘tests’, then the police will likely charge you with an OUI. You will not be permitted to drive home. Instead, you’ll be taking a ride straight to the police station where you’ll get booked into jail. You’ll stay there until your initial hearing where your bail amount gets set.
Consequences of an OUI Drunk Driving Conviction
If you do wind up convicted, then there’s a host of consequences that will follow. First off, your initial arrest might have caused you to miss out on work. You’ll also be expected to pay bail if you hope to get out of jail before your criminal trial.
Criminal Penalties
If convicted of an OUI in Massachusetts, then you’ll face specific criminal penalties. First off, there is a good chance that you’ll get sentenced to serve time behind bars. Under Massachusetts law, even a first-time offense might result in prison time of up to 2 and ½ years. While most first-time offenders won’t get this harsh of a sentence, it is possible.
What’s more, you’ll get sentenced to pay certain fines. A first-time offense might result in fines anywhere from $500 to $5,000.
Driver’s License Revocation or Restriction
The criminal consequences you endure might be the least of your problems. Even if you do avoid significant jail time and fines, it’s unlikely that you’ll avoid the revocation of your driver’s license. A first-time OUI can result in a license suspension of up to one year. A second offense means you’ll lose your license for up to two years.
This factor is extremely detrimental if you live in an area without public transportation or you need to drive for work or family obligations. There is a chance that you can avoid a license revocation by requesting work-specific or family-specific restrictions, but you’ll need to plead your case at a DMV hearing, which is entirely separate from your criminal proceedings.
Professional License Revocation
An OUI conviction also has the potential to derail your career, too. That’s because you could end up losing your professional license, especially if you work in a job that requires driving. Depending on your situation, you might lose the credentials you need to work as a doctor, insurance agent, real estate agent, or nurse.
Interlock Ignition Device
Depending on the situation, you may be required to install an interlock ignition device on your vehicle. This will force you to submit to a breathalyzer in order to start your car. If you test positive for alcohol, then your car won’t start.
Factors That Could Increase Your Sentence
As you’d imagine, any subsequent or repeated OUI charges will result in more severe sentences. You could also get a more severe sentence if you caused an accident as a result of being intoxicated. If severe property damage or injuries happened as a result, then your penalties will increase in severity, too.
Keep in mind that if you caused an accident, then you might also be held liable in civil court for the fallout. That means any property damage, medical bills, and other losses suffered by the other party might become your responsibility if they decide to pursue a lawsuit. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that having car insurance can help you in these situations, either. Your policy may not remain valid if your insurance company finds out that you were driving while under the influence. What’s more, your policy may not even cover the extent of the other person’s losses.
Why You Should Hire a Taunton OUI Drunk Driving Attorney
Too many Massachusetts residents make the mistake of thinking they can’t defend themselves against an OUI due to the evidence against them. Do not make this mistake. Instead, consult with an attorney about your situation. There are likely many possible defense strategies you could rely on such as:
- Arguing that the field sobriety test results were too subjective
- Arguing that the breathalyzer results are inaccurate
- Improper police stop
Of course, you might not be able to completely avoid a conviction. If that’s the case, then it still makes sense to hire a lawyer who can help you minimize the penalties you’re sentenced to. This is especially true if it’s your first OUI charge. If that’s the case, then you might be able to rectify the situation through educational courses.
Are You Ready to Hire a Taunton OUI Drunk Driving Lawyer?
While DUI and OUI charges are very common in Massachusetts, it’s important not to make light of your situation. A criminal conviction can still cause some serious havoc in your life. You might serve time in jail, need to complete court-ordered education classes, lose your licenses, and impact your career, too. What’s more, you’ll also have a criminal record.
With the help of a Taunton OUI drunk driving attorney, you’ll be able to secure a more favorable legal outcome. In the best situations, you won’t get convicted at all. If a conviction is imminent, though, a good lawyer can still prove valuable by minimizing the legal consequences and penalties.
If you find yourself in need of a drunk driving attorney, contact us today.
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