Massachusetts Drunk Driving Laws
 |
|---|
Under state law, a person cannot legally operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or more. To determine a driver's BAC—otherwise known as blood-to-alcohol ratio—law enforcement officials rely on chemical test. It is important to know that, due to the Massachusetts Implied Consent Law, you must submit a breath, blood, or urine sample for the purpose of chemical testing. Refusing to perform the test will result in criminal charges being filed against you, and your license may be revoked as a result of your actions.
Like most states, Massachusetts imposes lower BAC limits on drivers who are under the legal drinking age of 21. As specified under the state's Zero Tolerance Law, an underage driver is considered impaired once the amount of alcohol in his or her bloodstream reaches 0.02%. Similarly, commercial vehicle operators can also be charged with DUI if they are caught driving with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
Regardless of the type of charges you are facing, a drunk driving conviction carries a number of stiff penalties. For a first offense, you may be fined $500 or more, lose your driving privileges for up to a year, and spend up to three months behind bars. If you were previously convicted of DUI, you will face even harsher punishment.
The sentencing guidelines for a second DUI conviction include a minimum $600 fine and two- year license suspension, as well as a mandatory jail sentence of 30 days or more. In addition, the court may order you to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle—which means you will have to pass a breath test each time you attempt to start your automobile.
After four prior DUI convictions, your fifth offense will be classified as a felony. Along with a more expensive fine and longer jail sentence, a felony DUI conviction will result in the permanent loss of your driving privileges. As a convicted felon, you will also lose a number of personal freedoms, including your right to vote, obtain a passport, and purchase a firearm—and the consequences don't end there. Because your conviction will appear on your criminal record long after you’ve completed the terms of your sentence, you may have difficulties finding a job and/or obtaining housing in the future.
Given the consequences of a Massachusetts drunk driving conviction, it's easy to see why so many drivers choose to obtain legal counsel for their DUI case. If you were recently arrested for violating one or more of the state’s drunk driving laws, it is important to discuss your case with an attorney immediately after your arrest.
To schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a skilled DUI defense lawyer in your area, submit your information online today.
