OUI Charges – Boston College Student Defense

Strategic Representation in Newton District Court

An OUI arrest can be a turning point for a Boston College student. What may feel like a single mistake can quickly turn into criminal charges, license suspension, and serious disciplinary consequences at BC. Massachusetts enforces strict OUI laws, and Boston College frequently takes action even when an incident happens off campus.

Me and my team here at the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett represent Boston College students charged with Operating Under the Influence in Newton District Court, while also advising families through the university disciplinary process. Early legal representation is critical to protecting your record, your education, and your future.

Massachusetts OUI Laws – What Boston College Students Should Know

Under M.G.L. c. 90 § 24, a student may be charged with OUI if they:

Operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, or
Operate while impaired by alcohol or drugs, even without a BAC reading

For students under 21, Massachusetts enforces zero-tolerance license penalties, even if the criminal case is ultimately resolved favorably.

First-Offense OUI penalties may include:

License suspension (30–90 days; longer for under-21 drivers)
Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000
Mandatory alcohol education programs
Possible probation or jail exposure
A criminal record unless resolved through a CWOF

Many BC students are arrested after:

Off-campus parties
Routine traffic stops
Minor accidents near campus or while commuting

Newton District Court – How Student OUI Cases Proceed

Most Boston College OUI cases are handled at Newton District Court, where the process typically includes:

Arraignment, where charges are formally entered
Pretrial hearings, including motions challenging the stop or testing
Negotiation or trial, depending on the evidence

My role begins immediately—protecting your rights, challenging police conduct, and working toward resolutions that avoid convictions whenever possible. For many first-time college students, a CWOF (Continuance Without a Finding) is achievable, allowing the case to be dismissed after successful completion of conditions.

Boston College Disciplinary Action for OUI Arrests

Boston College enforces behavioral standards under its Student Code of Conduct, even for off-campus alcohol-related arrests. The university may initiate a disciplinary review regardless of the outcome in court.

Boston College's Code of Conduct can be found here:
https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/bc1/offices/StudentAffairs/main/StudentGuide/Student-Code-of-Conduct.pdf

Potential consequences include:

Referral to the Office of Student Conduct
Mandatory counseling or alcohol education
Disciplinary probation
Housing or leadership restrictions
Suspension or expulsion in serious or repeat cases

Student-athletes, scholarship recipients, and student leaders often face heightened scrutiny.

Can a Student Be Disciplined for an Off-Campus OUI?

Yes. Boston College reserves the right to discipline students for off-campus conduct that reflects on the university or violates its policies. Even a first-time OUI may result in:

Probation
Required programs
Academic or housing consequences

The criminal case outcome often influences—but does not control—the school's decision.

Could an OUI Affect Scholarships or Financial Aid?

Merit-based scholarships may be revoked if conduct standards are violated
FAFSA is typically not affected by a first-time OUI, but severe cases may trigger review
Parent-based or private grants may impose their own conduct requirements

Part of my role is helping families anticipate and respond to these risks.

What Parents Should Expect

Parents often ask:

Will my child have to appear in court?
Will they lose their license and how will that affect school?
Will Boston College be notified?
How long does an OUI case take?

An OUI case can last several months. During that time, careful coordination between the criminal defense and the school process is essential to avoid compounding consequences.

Can an OUI Stay Off the Student's Record?

In many first-time cases, yes. Possible outcomes include:

CWOF, resulting in no conviction
Eligibility for future sealing
Avoidance of permanent damage to employment or graduate school prospects

A conviction, by contrast, can follow a student long after graduation.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett

Me and my team here at the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett focus on defending students at critical moments in their academic lives. Families trust us because we offer:

Experience in Newton District Court OUI cases
Familiarity with Boston College disciplinary procedures
Strategic defense tailored to first-time student offenders
Clear communication with both students and parents

Our goal is not just to resolve the case—but to protect your future.

Speak With a Boston College OUI Defense Lawyer Today

Law Offices of Kensley Barrett
📍 572 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
📞 857.229.2442

If you or your child has been charged with OUI while attending Boston College, don't wait. Contact me and my team today for a confidential consultation. Early action can make the difference between a lasting record and a second chance.

OUI Charges: Aggressive OUI Defense in Boston, MA - KB Law