Following an arrest for Operating Under the Influence (OUI), one of the first things that you will need to do is find legal assistance in Massachusetts. You will quickly find that there are many different OUI attorneys who will offer their services to you, but it is extremely important that you choose the right lawyer for your case. This is why we offer an opportunity to speak directly with a member of our team to ask questions about your case and get a better understanding of how we will work with you if you choose to hire us as your legal representation.
Given how important it is that you hire an experienced and trustworthy attorney to help you navigate your OUI charges and your upcoming court case, we want you to have absolute confidence before you decide to partner with us for the upcoming legal procedures.
Read more below about the different ways that we can assist you with your OUI issues in Massachusetts, and contact us as soon as possible to get started on your case immediately.
Types of Cases We Cover
Our primary focus is on OUI charges in Massachusetts, along with any possible additional charges that may come with the initial arrest and charges. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you with your case, or ensure that we will be able to give you the support that you need given the charges you are facing, contact us now.
OUI First Offense In Massachusetts
A first offense OUI comes with the lowest possible penalties in the state, provided that there are not any additional charges or enhancements that may complicate your case. The possible penalties for a first OUI are as follows:
- Up to a $5000 fine
- $250 head injury fee plus $50 victims fund fine
- Prison time up to 2 ½ years
- License suspension of up to one year
- Wait period of three months before you will be allowed to apply for a hardship license
After serving your penalties, you will have a misdemeanor OUI on your criminal record, which can also cause issues in the future for you. We will work to minimize your conviction, reach an agreement with the court, and ensure that this mistake will have as little long-term impact on your life.
OUI Second Offense In Massachusetts
A second offense conviction is a misdemeanor as well, but the penalties increase. Again, any enhancements to your charges will increase the possible penalties and will change the nature of our defense during your case.
- Upwards of a $10,000 fine
- Prison time of 30 days to 2 ½ years
- License suspension up to two years
- Wait period of one year to apply for a hardship license
- Installation of ignition interlock device (IID)
If you are on probation, have a child in the car, are found to be in possession of any scheduled drugs, or someone was injured as a result of your intoxicated operating, then you will also need to face the penalties for those offenses as well.
OUI Third Offense In Massachusetts
A third OUI is a felony charge in Massachusetts, which means that the penalties are more severe, and the impact on your life is harsher when you have a felony conviction on your criminal record. The penalties associated with your third OUI are as follows:
- Up to a $15,000 fine
- Prison time of between 6 months of five years
- License suspension up to eight years
- Wait period of two years to apply for a hardship license
- Installation of an ignition interlock device upon license reinstatement
As your history of OUI arrests grows, the complications in your case will grow, and it will become increasingly difficult to work towards reduced charges. Massachusetts is an extremely strict state when it comes to OUI.
OUI Fourth Offense In Massachusetts
A fourth OUI in Massachusetts will be the last chance that you will be able to have your license reinstated after successfully completing your penalties, which are drastically increased from the penalties of a first, second, or third OUI conviction. The fines associated with this charge are significant, and this conviction will cause serious changes to your life. Some penalties include:
- Fines of up to $25,000,
- A mandatory minimum jail sentence, and up to 5 years incarceration
- 10-year license suspension
- Ignition interlock device installation upon license reinstatement
- You will likely be held for 90 days immediately following your arrest
OUI Fifth Offense In Massachusetts
If you are charged with a fifth OUI in Massachusetts, you have already faced upwards of 21 years of license suspensions, tens of thousands of dollars in fines and court fees, multiple felonies, and more. A fifth OUI means that you will never be able to get your license reinstated, and this felony charge comes with some extreme penalties as well:
- Fines of up to $50,000
- Between 2.5 and 5 years in jail with a mandatory minimum sentence
- No possibility of parole before serving two full years
- Likely permanent forfeiture of your vehicle to the state
- No possibility of a hardship license or having your license reinstated
Although the charges are steep and your history of arrests will play a major role in your penalties and convictions, it is important that you work with a strong defense attorney to build towards the best possible outcome.
Contact Us Now To Begin Building Your Defense
Regardless of the number of OUI charges you have had before, the additional charges in your case, or any other extenuating circumstances, contact us now to speak with an experienced OUI attorney in Massachusetts about how to get the legal assistance that you need. Our work in the Massachusetts court system and history of experience will be a major asset to your case, as we will work with you to identify every possible option available to us to seek the best possible outcome for your case.
The sooner you contact us, the more time we will have to build your case, and the more you will have an attorney available to help you with the various, complicated issues that you will need to handle following an OUI arrest. Many of these different issues are very time-sensitive, meaning that contacting us as soon as you can after your arrest is the best possible decision that you can make in terms of your long-term success.