If you are facing drunk driving charges, it is important to seek legal representation from an experienced drunk driving lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. A lawyer can help you understand the law and the charges you face, advise you of your options, and help you build a defense against the charges.
If you’ve been charged with OUI or drunk driving in New Bedford, MA, contact the drunk driving attorneys at the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today for a free case consultation.
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Understanding MA drunk driving charges
As someone who has been charged with drunk driving in Massachusetts, it is important to understand the charges you are facing. There are a variety of drunk driving charges in Massachusetts, including Operating Under the Influence (OUI), Operating a Motor Vehicle After Suspension of License for OUI, and Operating a Motor Vehicle With a Revoked License. Each of these charges carry different penalties, so it is important to know which charge you are facing.
The penalties for drunk driving in Massachusetts vary depending on the charge, but can include fines, jail time, and license suspension. It is important to have an experienced lawyer by your side who can help you navigate the legal system and defend your rights. Contact the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today for a free case consultation.
What are the penalties for a first offense OUI conviction?
If you are convicted of a first-offense OUI in Massachusetts, you may face fines, jail time, and license suspension. The penalties for a first offense OUI conviction can vary depending on the facts of your case but can include up to 2 1/2 years in jail, a $500-$5,000 fine, and a license suspension of up to one year. It is important to have an experienced lawyer by your side who can help you defend your rights and minimize the penalties you face. Contact the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today for a free case consultation.
How can an experienced drunk driving lawyer help you fight the charges?
An experienced drunk driving lawyer can help you fight the charges against you by advising you of your options, helping you build a defense, and representing you in court. If you are facing drunk driving charges, it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side who can help you protect your rights and minimize the penalties you face. Contact the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today for a free case consultation.
What are some common defenses against OUI charges?
There are a variety of defenses that can be used against OUI charges, including the following:
- The officer did not properly administer the field sobriety tests
- There was something wrong with the Breathalyzer test or the results were inaccurate
- The breathalyzer test was not administered properly
- The results of the breathalyzer test were not accurate
- You were not actually driving the vehicle
- You were only driving for a short distance
- You were only driving to seek medical help
- The stop was unlawful
An experienced drunk driving lawyer can evaluate the facts of your case and help you build a defense against the charges. Contact the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today for a free case consultation.
What should you do if you have been charged with OUI?
If you have been charged with OUI, it is important to contact an experienced drunk driving lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand the charges you are facing, advise you of your options, and help you build a defense against the charges. Contact the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today for a free case consultation.
Can I plead guilty to a lesser charge instead of OUI?
Yes, you can often plead guilty to a lesser charge instead of OUI. Some common lesser charges include Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a License. An experienced lawyer can help you determine which charge is the best fit for your case and can advise you on the best way to plead guilty. Contact the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today for a free case consultation.
Do DUI Laws Apply to Drugs, Too?
You may be wondering whether DUI laws apply to drugs. The OUI charge in Massachusetts is described in detail by state law, which makes it unlawful to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. The charges listed above are more general, but they’re also more difficult to establish in court. Police generally must rely on additional evidence, such as proof of reckless driving, to back up an OUI charge. This is because it’s tough to determine if someone is high on drugs like marijuana while driving.
How will a drunk driving conviction affect my life?
A drunk driving conviction can have a serious impact on your life, including the following:
- Fines and jail time
- License suspension
- Increased insurance rates
- Impaired driving record
- Problems finding a job
- Difficulty obtaining housing
If you are convicted of drunk driving, it is important to take steps to minimize the negative consequences. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your options and advise you on the best way to proceed. Contact the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today for a free case consultation.
Losing Your License After a Drunk Driving Charge
Another consequence of a drunk driving charge is the loss of your driver’s license. Your driver’s license will be suspended for at least 45 days if you are convicted of OUI. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which requires you to blow into a breathalyzer before the vehicle will start. If you are convicted of multiple OUIs, your license may be suspended for up to eight years.
Ready to Speak With a New Bedford DUI Lawyer?
Getting arrested for a DUI is not a pleasant experience, particularly if you’re so intoxicated that you don’t realize the gravity of your situation until you wake up in jail. However, you may be able to overcome your DUI arrest and charges with the help of an experienced New Bedford DUI attorney from the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan.
Our lawyers will help you understand the charge facing you and potential penalties, and explain the law in a way that you can understand. We then will determine the best legal strategy for your case and represent you in court, if need be.
Depending on the circumstances of your arrest and the evidence against you, your best legal strategy might be agreeing to a plea deal. In first-time arrest situations, you might be able to prove to the court that you’re remorseful by attending some alcohol education courses before your court date. This approach will not help you avoid a conviction, but it may assist you in avoiding any criminal penalties that might be imposed upon you.
If you are in need of a good New Bedford drunk driving lawyer, contact the attorneys at The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today for a free case consultation.
