In Massachusetts, driving under the influence is commonly known as operating under the influence (OUI). So, what is a penalty for a DUI in Massachusetts? No matter the name, a conviction of this offense can carry harsh penalties. What can you expect for your case? Here is an overview of the DUI/OUI penalties associated in…
If you have been arrested for a DUI, also known as OUI (operating under the influence) charges in Massachusetts, you already know this offense is a serious matter. When you have been arrested, you will want to understand the possible consequences of this criminal act. Here is everything you need to know about DUI charges…
Driving under the influence (DUI), also known as operating under the influence (OUI) in Massachusetts, comes with severe consequences. One repercussion is the suspension of your driver’s license. Do you lose your license immediately after a DUI in Massachusetts? The answer might surprise you. If you want to learn more about the consequences of a…
Like any state, drunk driving is a serious offense in Massachusetts. If you are convicted of these crimes, you could face fines, jail time, and even a revocation of your driving privileges. As we head into the new year, there haven’t been any changes to the current laws. However, you still will want to familiarize…
Anyone who has been arrested for operating under the influence already knows it is a serious offense. But what does the state have to prove to secure a conviction? There are specific key elements that prosecutors must prove. If they fail to establish a clear case, you might be able to walk away without a…
No one wants to face an operating under the influence (OUI) charge, especially as a commercial driver. These drivers must meet stricter regulations because of the risk with large, heavy vehicles. If you have been arrested and have a commercial license, your driving career could be in jeopardy. Here is what you need to know…
Many drivers may see their licenses suspended as a result of an Operating Under the Influence (OUI) conviction. When that happens, you cannot operate a vehicle. If you choose to ignore this penalty, it could lead to some serious consequences. Let’s look at a few implications of driving on a suspended license after an OUI…
Operating Under the Influence (OUI) is associated with driving under the influence of alcohol. However, can you face an OUI after taking prescription drugs in Massachusetts? The answer is yes. You can face an OUI in Massachusetts for driving under the influence of prescription drugs. Here is why you need to be careful when taking…
While all Operating Under the Influence (OUI) infractions are serious, underage drivers could put themselves in serious jeopardy with the law. There are many ramifications for those convicted of an offense as an underage driver. Here is what you need to know about underage drivers and OUI in Massachusetts. Potential Impacts for Underage Drivers Like…
Operating under the influence jeopardizes your safety and others on the road. With an arrest, you could face a trial and the prospect of a conviction. Not only is jail time or probation possible, but you may have to pay hefty fines. This can often lead to financial hardship for you and your family. Learn…
Unfortunately, there is no single surefire way to have the charges reduced or dropped in your OUI case. However, there are a few steps that you can take to mitigate the consequences of these charges. First, you will want to reach out to an experienced OUI attorney, like Joseph D. Bernard, to handle your case….
While you may think that a first-time operating under the influence (OUI) offense is not too serious, it can still have long-term consequences for you. A first-time OUI offender can face severe legal repercussions, including hefty fines, suspension of their driving license, and the possibility of probation. Like most states, Massachusetts has a no-tolerance policy…
You will face serious consequences if you are found guilty of operating under the influence (OUI) in Massachusetts. Many times, your driving license may be suspended or revoked, so you will not be allowed to drive. However, the length of the suspension period will depend on several factors. If you are wondering how long your…
Operating under the influence (OUI) in Massachusetts can lead to severe consequences, such as having your driver’s license suspended or revoked. However, there is hope if you find yourself in this dilemma. You can get your license back after a Massachusetts OUI, but you will need plenty of patience and comply with a few legal…
After you have been charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Massachusetts, you might be concerned about the cost of retaining legal assistance. While you may think about representing yourself in the courtroom, that is never a wise option. You need a skilled and knowledgeable attorney on your side. If you want to know…
Being convicted of Operating Under the Influence (OUI) can have serious consequences, not just within the state where it happened but also across state borders. For Massachusetts residents facing OUI charges in other states or out-of-state individuals charged with OUI in Massachusetts, everyone needs to understand the implications of these charges. Massachusetts Residents with Out-of-State…
If you’re charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI), it can result in severe consequences like license suspension, expensive fines, and even imprisonment. Unfortunately, many misconceptions and myths about OUI lead to confusion and wrong actions. Let’s debunk these false beliefs so that you can get the correct information about OUI charges in Cape Cod. …
With the weather warming up, many Cape Cod residents may want to hit the waterways and enjoy a relaxing day with a few drinks. While boats and other vessels differ from motor vehicles, laws still prevent individuals from operating them while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Operating under the influence (OUI) and boating…
Every state considers driving under the influence (DUI) a serious offense, and Massachusetts is no different. Operating under the influence (OUI) is similar to a DUI, with profound legal implications that can affect your driving record and insurance rates in Cape Cod. If you have been charged with this offense, contact the skilled and knowledgeable…
Operating under the influence (OUI) significantly affects your driving record, insurance premiums, and life. However, when you cause an accident as a result of an OUI, then there are other legal ramifications and consequences to consider. If your OUI resulted in an accident, here are a few points to know about potential issues with your…
On April 26, 2023, the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) rendered a critical decision impacting thousands of individuals in Massachusetts whose operating under the influence (OUI) convictions were based upon the use of faulty breath test results. The statewide Ananias litigation began in 2015, challenging the scientific reliability of breath test machines throughout Massachusetts. The decision…
When a law enforcement officer pulls over a driver for operating under the influence (OUI), a field sobriety test may take place. These roadside assessments occur when the officer reasonably suspects the driver is under the influence. Learn about the basics of field sobriety tests in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts so that you can become…
The state of Massachusetts was one of the first to legalize possession and use of recreational marijuana. In fact, people can have up to 10 ounces in their possession without any penalty. However, it remains illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of Marijuana. In Massachusetts, operating while impaired, which is called an OUI,…
Drunk driving – or driving while otherwise impaired – is a serious charge which carries severe penalties. These penalties can affect your life for years, even a lifetime, so it’s important to be proactive from the moment you are pulled over to mitigate the impact that a potential OUI charge can have. Before getting pulled…
A license suspension can have a huge and devastating impact on your life. For most Americans, being unable to drive a car means that they have no means of getting to work, transporting their children, and attending medical appointments. However, there is recourse if your license was suspended, and you may be able to drive…
Traditionally, when an officer pulls a driver over due to suspected impairment, they ask the driver whether or not they want to be subject to certain tests. It might seem like if an officer pulls you over on a suspected OUI and asks you to take a breathalyzer, that you have the right to refuse….
Massachusetts is notoriously hard on OUI charges, imposing harsh penalties with a lifelong impact in many cases. For example, a first OUI offense could leave you with a fine of up to $5,300, a prison sentence of up to two and a half years, and a license suspension of up to one year. The penalties…
Massachusetts treats OUI charges very seriously and imposes harsh penalties that can impact you for the rest of your life. The penalties get increasingly more serious for subsequent offenses, and the state doesn’t leave much room for second chances. These penalties can result in costly fines, driver’s license suspension or revocation, and even a jail…
When discussing driving while impaired, people tend to throw a lot of terms around, including OUI, DUI, and DWI. In essence, there are a lot of acronyms used to describe the same type of crime, sometimes slightly distinct from each other. They almost always, anywhere in the country, refer to the act of driving or…
The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts heard arguments on December 8th of 2022 in Commonwealth v. Lindsay A. Hallinan. Hallinan, facing OUI charges back in 2013, “admitted to sufficient facts” in a Salem District Court. In doing so Hallinan agreed that the prosecution had sufficient evidence to prove Hallinan’s guilt. In essence, admitting to sufficient…
If you have been charged with Operating Under the Influence (an OUI) in Massachusetts, you may be scared for your future. While an OUI charge can be a misdemeanor or felony, this charge can follow you for the rest of your life. Massachusetts law is one of the strictest in the United States when it…
After much debate within the district courts, on October 10, 2019, the Supreme Judicial Court announced that a fog line constitutes a marked lane for the purposes of motor vehicle stop for a marked lanes violation in accordance with G. L. c. 89, § 4A, a civil motor vehicle infraction. In Commonwealth v. Larose, the Court analyzed…
On June 8, 2020 the Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a decision that upholds the SJC’sprevious ruling that, absent information that the driver is not the owner, police have reasonable suspicion to stop a vehicle registered to an owner who does not have a valid driver’s license. This new decision also aligns with the recent Supreme…
A popular New England winter activity that many of us have participated in at one time or another is riding snowmobiles. Whether it is on a trail or your backyard, with friends and family or even just by yourself, it can be a great way to spend a snowy day. But what happens if your…
On June 22, 2021, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down its decision in Lange v. California, where the Court examined the Fourth Amendment and the so-called “hot pursuit” doctrine. Specifically, the Supreme Court was asked whether a police officer’s pursuit of a person who has committed a misdemeanor categorically qualifies as an exigent…
When someone hears that they are facing a license suspension, one of the first worries is, “How am I going to get to work?” Even a 30-day license suspension for failing a breath test can put someone into a difficult situation. While rides from friends and family, Uber or a cab are options, many look for options…
After much debate within the district courts, on October 10, 2019, the Supreme Judicial Court announced that a fog line constitutes a marked lane for the purposes of motor vehicle stop for a marked lanes violation in accordance with G. L. c. 89, § 4A, a civil motor vehicle infraction. In Commonwealth v. Larose, the Court analyzed…
If you are facing an OUI charge, your day in court is an opportunity to fight for your rights and to secure the best possible outcome for yourself and your family. In these uncertain times amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this has never been more important. If you have a current open OUI case or if…
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