Boston OUI Defense Attorney
Melanie's Law
Melanie's Law was enacted in 2005 and made the DUI laws in Massachusetts even more severe than previously. There were several significant changes to the DUI laws that affected everyone who was arrested and charged with DUI after that point. It is even more critical to get legal representation for any DUI charge, as the penalties are some of the most severe in the nation. Repeat offenders could have up to $50,000 in fines, and if you refuse to take the breath test, you will have your license suspended immediately for 180 days to 3 years. It is absolutely crucial that you have a Boston OUI Defense Attorney aggressively fighting for your defense in any DUI case in Massachusetts.
OUI Defense Lawyer in Boston
Some of the changes from the law include the following:
For a first offense, with drivers of 21 years and old, a fine of $500 - $5000 and a jail sentence of up to 2 ½ years, and a driver's licenses suspension of up to six months. It will be longer if you refused the breath test. You still have the opportunity to have an "alternative disposition" which means you make a bargain to have a not guilty verdict while still acknowledging that the charge will count as a prior offense or violation of probation if you run into trouble with the law in the future.
There are serious fines and court fees (over $2,000), some hidden costs, and your vehicle will be impounded for 12 hours after your arrest. You will also be required to take a court-ordered Alcohol Education Program which lasts for 16 weeks, one day a week.
For a 2nd offense, for drivers 21 years and older, your fines will ramp up to $10,000 (it could be less than $5,000), a jail sentence lasting from 2 months to 2 ½ years, 30 days of which is mandatory. You will have a suspended license for 2 years, and will require an ignition interlock device when your license is reinstated. In some cases, you can still have an "alternative disposition" which means that you will be on probation for two years and that you will attend a 2 week inpatient alcohol treatment program. Your license will be suspended for two years.
For individuals arrested for DUI who are under 21, there are serious penalties under Melanie's Law. You will lose your license for 390 days, and can have this reduced if you enroll in an teenage drinking treatment program that is approved by the state.
There is much more to Melanie's Law. The essential facts are that any DUI arrest is serious business if you are convicted. It is imperative that you engage legal representation from a Boston OUI Defense Attorney if you hope to avoid losing your license, jail time, fines, treatment programs, or other harsh penalties that are coming your way if you don't fight.
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Our Boston DUI Defense Attorneys understand that people are arrested for drunk driving at all hours and need solid legal advice right away. When you need effective, strategic defense, contact us 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at (888) 684-2773. We answer our phones at night and on the weekend - we even meet clients at our Norwood, Woburn, Plymouth, and Worcester offices on Sundays!