DUI Lawyer - Massachusetts

A DUI lawyer in Massachusetts specializes in assisting Massachusetts residents who have been charged with a DUI/DWI offense. This offense is very serious and it is important to find a lawyer who has handled these cases in the past and who knows the specific laws of Massachusetts state. If you have been charged with a DUI you need to understand that your respectability and future, including your financial future, are in jeopardy. The worst case scenario is that you could face time in prison. If you hire a DUI lawyer in Massachusetts to represent you it can increase the chance of acquiring a lighter sentence, less penalties and lower monetary fines. It may even make the difference between a conviction or an acquittal.

When it comes to a charge like this I feel it is wise to urge people who reside in Massachusetts to find a DUI lawyer to represent them. However, when someone is charged with this offense they must realize the gravity of the situation. Drunk driving has no place in our society and all states, including Massachusetts, are becoming more strict and are enforcing greater punishments to those who are found guilty. If you have been charged with DUI this will be a stressful time for you, but if you have not hurt or killed anyone then be thankful that you have avoided that hell and be serious about getting the help you need to prevent drinking and driving in the future. You must take accountability for your actions. Changing your attitude and finding a DUI lawyer in Massachusetts to represent you can go a long way in helping your situation.

Where Can I Find A Massachusetts DUI Lawyer?

DUI lawyers are advertised in many places and many offer free initial consultation. You can also ask around or look in the phone book or in internet directories. If you are unable to afford a lawyer you may be able to have one assigned to your case. There are also legal aides who can assist you. There are consequences to drinking and driving and a good DUI lawyer in Massachusetts will be able to help you receive a fair trial and an acquittal or fair sentence.

Massachusetts DUI Arrests

Massachusetts has a range of penalties applicable to offenders arrested on DUI charges. The stiffness of the penalty depends on the type of offense committed, the result of the offense, and the number of times the offender has committed a DUI offense in the past.

For offenders arrested for the first time, the DUI penalties consist of a maximum jail sentence of not more than 2 ½ years. Fines imposed may range from $500 to $5000. The license is also suspended for one year. Work or education hardship licenses are considered in three months and a general hardship license in 6 months.

For those arrested for second offenses, the jail sentence is not less than 60 days, of which 30 days are mandatory, and a maximum sentence of not more than 2 ½ years. Fines range from $600 - $10,000. Licenses will be suspended for two years with the ability to apply for a work or education hardship license in one year and a general hardship license in 1 ½ years.

Alternative disposition bargains for second offense DUI offenders include a probation period of two years as well as a 14 day confined treatment program paid for by the offender. An interlock device must also be installed on the offender's car at the owner's expense for two years.

Third time offenders face jail sentences of not less than 180 days and not more than five years. A 150 day jail sentence is mandatory. These sentences may be served in a prison treatment program. Fines of $1,000 to $15,000 can be imposed. The license in suspended for eight years with a work or education hardship license in two years and a general hardship license in 4 years. Furthermore, the state is entitled to seize, keep, and sell the person's vehicle.

For fourth offenses, the jail sentences in not less than two years, of which one year is mandatory, and not more than five years. Fines range from $1,500 to $25,000. The offender's license is suspended for 10 years, with a work or education hardship license considered in five years and a general hardship license considered in 8 years.

Massachusetts DUI Attorneys

DUI laws in the United States differ from state to state. This is one of the major reasons as to why one should hire a local DUI lawyer to handle a DUI case.

Lawyers who specialize in DUI cases relating to a specific state, like Massachusetts for example, know the various legal loopholes and procedures that can be taken advantage of. They also know the various enforcement and judicial practices that are unconstitutional and violate the right of motorists. These attorneys will also be well versed with the state’s different sobriety tests and their various accuracy levels.

Most Massachusetts DUI attorneys offer free consultation services that relate to specific legal advice pertaining to the circumstances of the case being fought as well as answers to any questions the defendant may have. All this can either be done at a meeting or a telephonic conference. Most Massachusetts DUI attorneys have “no obligation” first meetings with the defendants to apprise themselves of what the case is all about.

These attorneys will help the defendant understand how the courts work and the various court systems function. They are also obligated to use all the resources at their disposal, their ingenuity, as well as various tricks they may have picked up during their years of practice to help defend a case. In certain cases, they can go so far as to help impeach the arresting police officer’s testimony.

Experience in fighting DUI cases is a major factor to look into when selecting a DUI attorney. Experienced lawyers know the various options and loopholes in the legal system and can take full advantage of them to help the defendant keep his freedom as well as his license. Inexperienced lawyers may miss certain important rights and legal options that may be crucial in deciding the outcome of the case.

If the defendant decides to make a peaceful settlement, then the attorney is also in a very good position to advise the defendant as to how to proceed and how to minimize the damage that peaceful settlements can sometimes cause.