The stakes are very high in drunk driving cases. You could lose your driving privileges, pay significant fines and go to jail. You really cannot afford anything less than the most aggressive and creative DUI defense lawyers.
At the Massachusetts DUI Defense Group, you will find a team of lawyers who concentrate on drunk driving law. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who know the Massachusetts criminal justice system and how DUI/OUI is prosecuted in each court throughout the state.
Don't take chances with your future. Talk to a Massachusetts DUI defense lawyer today. Contact our Springfield and Worcester criminal and DUI defense lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation by calling (800) 82-DEFENSE (1-800-823-3336).
Consequences of a DUI/OUI Conviction
According to some experts, the Commonwealth is one of the toughest jurisdictions in the country when it comes to prosecuting DUI cases and it has the harshest penalties, even for first-time offenders. Criminal penalties for a DUI conviction can include:
- Revoked or suspended driver's license
- Mandatory substance abuse programs
- Jail or prison time
- Community service
- Restitution for property damage
- Probation
- Monitoring with an ignition interlock device
- Restricted or hardship license
For many people, the most challenging penalty is the existence of a criminal record. This can follow you for many years, resulting in consequences such as lost employment opportunities and increased insurance costs.
The Breathalyzer Test — Not Always Accurate in DUI Cases
Drinking and driving is not a crime. Rather, the prosecution must prove either that you had an illegal blood alcohol content (BAC) or that you were impaired to the point that you were unable to operate a vehicle safely. Proving these things can be challenging. For example, the machine used to calculate your blood alcohol level may be improperly calibrated and provide a false result. Or you may be taking a prescription medication that interferes with an accurate reading. Even mouthwash can result in a false Breathalyzer test.
Some of our DUI defense attorneys have built their careers around overcoming seemingly impossible challenges such as strong Breathalyzer test evidence. We thrive on these challenges and take pride in our ability to find unique ways to get past them and protect your future from the consequences of a Massachusetts OUI conviction.
Field Sobriety Test
Police use other methods to document that you were impaired. One that has been in use for years is the field sobriety test (FST), a collection of tests that are supposed to measure balance, coordination and other physical characteristics that could be affected by alcohol. The problem, of course, is that other things such as illness or injury also affect balance and coordination. Moreover, police officers are frequently not adequately trained in the administration of these tests and can make mistakes. Finally, scoring the tests is highly subjective. What one police officer might see as failure, another might see as success.
You Have the Right to Refuse a Field Sobriety Test
In part because of the issues around the administration and interpretation of field sobriety tests, you have the right to refuse. Additionally, your refusal cannot be used against you and admitted into evidence. Even if you took the FST and the police recorded a failure, there are still ways to challenge the police opinion. In other words, there are almost always options when it comes to field sobriety tests.
What's Wrong With a Public Defender?
There are many reasons to obtain your own lawyer rather than using a public defender. These lawyers are often terribly overworked. Moreover, they often are young attorneys right out of law school. This combination means that they seldom have time to build a comprehensive case, evaluate the evidence, interview witnesses and explore your options. Our attorneys will challenge the prosecution every step of the way in pursuit of a favorable outcome for your OUI/DUI case.
Public defenders are government employees who are available only during regular office hours. Our DUI attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and you can call us at any time. Public defenders also cannot help you with other matters associated with a DUI such as attending the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) hearing to recover your driver's license. Our law firm can handle everything for you for a single flat fee.
Contact our Massachusetts DUI Defense Law Firm to Learn More
Call (800) 82-DEFENSE (1-800-823-3336) to schedule your free initial consultation today. Take charge of your life and your future. Or complete our online contact form and we will get back to you promptly.
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