Aggressive Defense Against DUI/OUI Charges in Massachusetts
Being charged with a DUI or OUI in Massachusetts is a serious matter. A conviction can lead to license suspension, steep fines, and even jail time. With your freedom and future on the line, you need a solid defense to protect your rights.
At Geraghty Law, we understand what’s at stake when you’re facing a DUI/OUI charge. Attorney Conor J. Geraghty brings extensive experience and a former prosecutor’s insight to every case, working tirelessly to defend clients and minimize the impact of these charges. Contact us today to get started with an experienced DUI/OUI defense attorney.
What Is DUI/OUI in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and OUI (Operating Under the Influence) refer to driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers over the age of 21 is 0.08 percent. For drivers under 21, the limit is much stricter—0.02%.
However, DUI/OUI charges are not limited to alcohol-related offenses. You can also face these charges if law enforcement believes you were impaired by drugs, including illegal substances, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter drugs. The consequences are just as severe, regardless of whether alcohol or drugs are involved.
Penalties for DUI/OUI
The penalties for DUI/OUI convictions in Massachusetts can be life-changing, and they increase with each subsequent offense. Here are some of the penalties you could face:
- First Offense: Up to 2.5 years in jail, fines ranging from $500 to $5,000, and a license suspension of up to one year.
- Second Offense: Minimum jail time of 30 days, up to 2.5 years, fines of $600 to $10,000, and a two-year license suspension.
- Third Offense (Felony): Mandatory minimum jail time of 150 days, fines up to $15,000, and an eight-year license suspension.
- Fourth Offense: Up to five years in state prison, fines of up to $25,000, and a ten-year license suspension.
In addition to these penalties, repeat offenders may be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles, which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath. These penalties highlight the seriousness of DUI/OUI charges in Massachusetts and the importance of building a solid defense.
Collateral Consequences of a DUI Conviction
Beyond the immediate penalties of fines, jail time, and license suspension, a DUI/OUI conviction can have lasting effects on your personal and professional life. A criminal record can make it challenging to find employment, especially for jobs requiring driving. Your auto insurance premiums may skyrocket, making it costly to stay on the road. Additionally, the stigma of a DUI/OUI conviction can damage your reputation and strain personal relationships.
Losing your driving privileges can also affect your daily life in significant ways. A license suspension can create serious challenges if you rely on your car for work, school, or family responsibilities. That’s why it’s critical to take DUI/OUI charges seriously and seek experienced legal representation.
Defending Against DUI/OUI Charges
At Geraghty Law, we explore every possible avenue for reducing or dismissing DUI/OUI charges. defense strategies we may use in your case include
- Challenging the breathalyzer/field sobriety tests–Breathalyzer machines can produce inaccurate results due to faulty calibration, improper administration, or medical conditions affecting the driver’s BAC. Field sobriety tests can be subjective and may not accurately reflect a person’s level of impairment.
- Lack of probable cause for the traffic stop–Police officers must have a valid reason to stop your vehicle. If we can prove that the stop was made without probable cause, we may be able to have the charges dismissed.
- Medical conditions or medications–Some conditions, such as acid reflux or diabetes, can affect breathalyzer results. Certain medications can also mimic the signs of impairment, giving the appearance of intoxication when you are not impaired.
- Insufficient evidence–In some cases, the prosecution may not have enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were impaired while driving. We will scrutinize the evidence, including police reports, video footage, and witness statements, to identify weaknesses in the state’s case.
Each case is unique, and we tailor our defense strategies to the specific facts of your situation and fight for the best possible outcome.
How Geraghty Law Can Help
When you’re facing DUI/OUI charges, you need an attorney who will go above and beyond to defend your rights. Attorney Conor J. Geraghty takes a personalized approach to every case, crafting defense strategies based on your circumstances. With years of experience handling DUI/OUI cases and an in-depth understanding of Massachusetts law, Conor knows how to challenge the prosecution and fight for reduced charges or case dismissal.
As a former prosecutor, Attorney Geraghty brings a unique advantage to your defense. He understands how the state builds its cases and uses that insight to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments. Above all, Geraghty Law provides aggressive, strategic defense for every client, from negotiating plea deals to taking cases to trial.
Contact Geraghty Law for a Free DUI/OUI Consultation
If you’ve been charged with DUI or OUI in Massachusetts, turn to Geraghty Law. Attorney Conor J. Geraghty is available 24/7 to provide the dedicated, aggressive defense you need. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start building your defense and protecting your driving privileges.