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Hire a Massachusetts DUI lawyer to defend your case

A drunk driving charge in the state of Massachusetts should be taken very seriously as it can have long lasting consequences on your life, your job and personal freedom. DUI and DWI are considered a serious case in MA and understanding MA OUI and Drunk Driving Law is important if you have been charged with it. Anyone facing Massachusetts DUI arrest will be worried about the fines and charges, penalties, and also license suspension and other issues. Hiring a qualified attorney or lawyer who is well aware of the local DUI and OUI laws in the state of MA is very important to defend your case. An experienced Massachusetts DUI lawyer can defend your case and help reduce the penalties to a great extent, saving your future.

Massachusetts DUI/OUI Penalties and Charges

DUI penalties and charges in Massachusetts depend on the nature of charges and the facts presented for a particular case. Similarly, a first time offense is convicted differently from a second, third or any subsequent offense. In order to hire the best Massachusetts DUI attorney for your case, it is important that you become familiar with Massachusetts DUI law, which we have listed below.

First Time DUI/OUI Offense

First time offenders are charged a fine anywhere between $500 up to $5000 and jailed up to 2.5 years. The offenders drivers license is suspended for a year.

An alternative disposition to the charges is to be on probation for a year, take a mandatory alcohol and drug education program for 16 weeks and license suspension for 45 to 90 days.

Second Time DUI/OUI Offense

Second time offenders are charged a fine anywhere between $600 up to $10000 and jailed up to 2.5 years, out of which 30 days are minimum mandatory. The offenders drivers license is suspended for 2 years.

An alternative disposition to the charges include a 14 days in-patient alcohol treatment program, along with installation of an ignition interlock device for 2 years, after a 2 years license suspension period.

Third Time DUI/OUI Offense

Third time offenders in the state of MA are charged a fine between $1000 up to $15000, and jailed for a minimum mandatory period of 150 days, up to 5 years. The offenders license is suspended for 8 years, and the defense lawyer may apply for a work or education Hardship License. The eligibility of a hardship license depends on several factors and differs in duration from case to case. The offenders vehicle is also seized and an ignition interlock device has to be used in the vehicle once the license is reinstated.

As the case with first and second time offenses, no alternative disposition is available for a third offense in case of Massachusetts DUI/OUI case.

Fourth Time DUI/OUI Offense

A fourth DUI/OUI offense in Massachusetts is fined between $1500 up to $25000, with a minimum 1 year jail, up to 5 years. The drivers license is suspended for 10 years, and the defending lawyer may apply for a 5 year work or education Hardship License.

Forth time offenders do not have an alternative disposition available for them in the case of MA DUI conviction.

Fifth Time DUI/OUI Offense

Fifth time offenders are charged a fine between $2000 up to $50000, and are jailed for a minimum mandatory period of 2 years, up to 5 years. The offenders license is suspended for lifetime, and the defense lawyer cannot apply for a Hardship License eligibility on behalf of the offender.

There is no alternative disposition available for a fifth DUI/OUI offense in MA.

In the case if the DUI/OUI involved a child or minor under the age of 21 years, the offender is fined an extra $1000 up to $5000, and jailed for a minimum mandatory 90 days, up to 2.5 years. The offenders drivers license is suspended for 1 year in case of a first offense, and for 3 years or more in case of a second or subsequent offense.

To fully understand the penalties associated with a Massachusetts DUI charge, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a Massachusetts DUI lawyer that you are most comfortable with and who can knowledgeably represent you throughout your trial and court proceedings.  You can find a Massachusetts drunk driving attorney by typing in the city of your arrest above or call our 24 hour DUI hotline

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