Massachusetts DUI Lawyer

Driving under the influence in the state of Massachusetts is a very serious offense. When the DUI laws are broken the courts do not take it lightly. Punishment for this crime comes with a variety of penalties including loss of freedom, sky-high fines, revoked license and mandatory completion of a DUI safety program. There is so much at stake with a DUI conviction, which is why securing a reputable Massachusetts DUI lawyer is so important.

A seasoned Massachusetts DUI lawyer will make sure you see the least penalization for your offense. Ultimately a DUI lawyer will work to get the charges dropped altogether, but if that is not possible, they will negotiate the best possible deal.

If charged with a DUI, the court will appoint a public defender to you. However, it is important to recognize the difference between representation from a public defender and a Massachusetts DUI lawyer. A DUI lawyer will be able to spend much more time lessening your charge and offer considerably more effort to your case than an overworked public defender. The case load of most public defenders force them to work assembly-line style, moving from one case to the next with minimal time in between.

Instead of trusting your future with a public defender that is juggling too many cases, it is a better idea to find an affordable Massachusetts DUI lawyer to represent you. While the cost of legal fees associated with a great defense might scare you away, it is wise to understand the consequences of a DUI conviction. In the long run, a great defense will cost much less than a cheap defense that failed you.

Massachusetts DUI Lawyer

Massachusetts has some of the most expensive penalties for DUI convictions. A person convicted of a DUI can find themselves up to their ears in debt, as well as locked up in jail. Listed below is a quick rundown of the penalties for a DUI conviction in the state of Massachusetts.

Consequences of a DUI conviction in Massachusetts:

1st Massachusetts DUI conviction:

• Cost in Fines: $500 – $5,000 – plus an additional $300 case assessment charge and $50 victim fund
• Possible Jail Time: 30 days to 30 months
• License Suspension: 1 year
• Other: Court ordered DUI offenders program

2nd Massachusetts DUI conviction:

• Cost in Fines: $600 – $10,000
• Possible Jail Time: 30 days to 30 months
• License Suspension: 2 years
• Other: After one year of license suspension a hardship license can be applied for.
• Ignition Interlock Device: Mandatory

3rd Massachusetts DUI conviction:

• Cost in Fines: $1,000 to $15,000
• Possible Jail Time: 5 months to 5 years
• License Suspension: 8 years
• Other: After two years of license suspension a hardship license can be applied for.
• Ignition Interlock Device: Mandatory

4th Massachusetts DUI conviction:

• Cost in Fines: $1,500 to $25,000
• Possible Jail Time: 1 year to 5 years
• License Suspension: 10 years
• Other: After five years of license suspension a hardship license can be applied for.
• Ignition Interlock Device: Mandatory

5th Massachusetts DUI conviction:

• Cost in Fines: $2,000 to $50,000
• Possible Jail Time: 2 years to 5 years
• License Suspension: Suspended for life
• Other: This is the last strike as far as driving. Five time offenders will not qualify for a hardship license.

The above-mentioned penalties can most likely be dwindled down with the help of an experienced Massachusetts DUI lawyer. With so much at stake it only makes sense to arm yourself with the best line of defense possible.

In order to find the best Massachusetts DUI lawyer you will have to research and compare. It is highly recommended that you speak with as many lawyers as possible before choosing one to represent you. Go online and check for complaints and reviews from past clients. A great reputation may not necessarily stand out online, however, a bad one usually does. With research, careful consideration and comparison, you can find a great DUI lawyer who will work to put this mistake behind you.