Massachusetts Laws For Driving Under The Influence (DUI) – Learn How to Use a Family Law Attorney to Help Your Case
A driving under the influence (DUI) charge can be incredibly damaging to your life. Not only is it risky to your life and the lives of others, you will face serious penalties in a court of law as a result of being charged. If you need to understand the nature of a Massachusetts DUI penalty, you should use this resource as a guide. Make sure to hire an attorney, so that you can have a chance when facing this charge in court.
What constitutes a DUI charge in Massachusetts?
The state of Massachusetts is aggressive in catching drivers who have been drinking and can levy charges based on routine traffic stops or DUI checkpoints. When the officer pulls you over and thinks you have been drinking, you will be asked to take a breathalyzer test or a blood test.
On this test, your blood alcohol content must measure lower than the legal limit of .08 percent for drivers 21 or older and .02 percent for drivers who are underage.
What are some of the repercussions of getting a DUI?
You will need to fight the charge with whatever resources you have at your disposal, because the ramifications are great. Some of the following penalties can occur if youre found guilty:
In Massachusetts, a DUI charge stays on your criminal record forever
You can have your car insurance rates skyrocket, or have the policy revoked altogether
The locality can impound your vehicle
You can lose future employment and loan opportunities
The courts can install an interlock ignition device in your car
What about jail time and other penalties?
Make no mistake that a DUI is a criminal offense. Massachusetts is one of the harshest states when it comes to punishing people who drink and drive.
If you have never gotten a DUI offense before, you can spent a maximum of 30 months in jail, which means that even on the first charge, the judge has the power to issue a felony sentence. You will also have to pay fines of a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $5,000. Further, the courts can take your license for a year.
The penalties increase with every conviction that you get. Penalties can reach up to 5 years in jail, $50,000 in fines and a permanent license revocation.
If none of these penalties sound enticing to you, make sure that you hire a lawyer to represent your case and discover more on how you can avoid some of these harsher penalties.’
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