Were You Arrested for Driving Under the Influence in Boston?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts participates in a lifetime look-back program when it comes to operating under the influence. This means an OUI conviction is never removed from your record, and the penalties will compound with each additional charge until the third offense, which is classified as felony OUI.
In Boston, you are not required to take a field sobriety test, and your refusal cannot be used as evidence against you. However, it is likely that you will be arrested. But spending the night in jail could be far less damaging than being charged with felony OUI after failing a field sobriety test, which will be used against you in court.
As soon as possible after being pulled over, you should call (617) 870-0907 to speak to an Boston OUI defense attorney at DiBella Law Offices, P.C. With nearly two decades of experience working to defend the rights of local drivers, we can help you protect your future.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
What Does Felony OUI Mean in Boston?
There are some serious minimum penalties that are applied to felony OUIs, which include:
- Fines. The fines will range from $1,000 to $15,000 for a third OUI offense, and can be up to $25,000 for a fourth offense and $50,000 for a fifth offense.
- Jail time. For a third conviction, the jail time is at least 180 days, a fourth is at least one year, and the fifth is at least two years.
- Loss of driver’s license. For a third OUI, you lose your driver’s license for eight years, minimum.
Also, as a convicted felon in the United States, you will lose your right to vote, serve on a jury, and hold public office. You also forfeit your right to own firearms for the rest of your life. In addition, many employers will not consider hiring you, regardless of the reason for the felony conviction. And you will find that some landlords will not rent to felons.
Why You Need A Strong Lawyer
Even if you took and failed a field sobriety test, there are still options to defend yourself against felony charges. A skilled Boston defense lawyer may be able to refute the findings of the test based on your age, weight, level of fitness, or even medical conditions that could have limited your ability to pass the test. It is also possible to question the administration of the test, or the scoring used to determine that you failed. Factors such as the location of the test, the weather conditions, and the lighting could have had an impact on your ability to perform and pass a field sobriety test.
At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., we understand that an OUI charge can come as the result of a single bad choice. We also believe that no one should spend the rest of his or her life paying for one mistake or moment in time. We are here to assist Boston drivers who have been charged with felony OUI so that they can move forward without ruining their entire future. Call (617) 870-0907 today to schedule a free consultation to talk to the lawyers at DiBella Law Offices, P.C.
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