Aggressive OUI Defense in Needham, MA

Understanding OUI Charges in Massachusetts

What is OUI?

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24, Operating Under the Influence (OUI) means operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of:

• Alcohol (Blood Alcohol Content [BAC] of 0.08% or higher for adults, 0.02% for drivers under 21).
• Drugs (Including marijuana, prescription medications, and illegal substances).

Importantly, you do not have to be above the legal BAC limit to be charged. If a police officer believes you are impaired based on field sobriety tests, erratic driving, or other observations, you can be arrested for OUI.

Penalties for OUI in Massachusetts

Massachusetts enforces severe penalties for OUI convictions, including mandatory license suspensions, fines, and possible jail time. The penalties increase with repeat offenses:

• First Offense OUI: Up to 2.5 years in jail (rare but possible). License suspension up to 1 year. Fines between $500 and $5,000. Possible alternative disposition (24D Program), which can reduce license suspension to 45-90 days.
• Second Offense OUI: Mandatory minimum jail sentence of 60 days (up to 2.5 years). License suspension for 2 years. Fines between $600 and $10,000. Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirement upon reinstatement.
• Third Offense OUI (Felony OUI): Mandatory minimum 180-day jail sentence (up to 5 years in state prison). License suspension for 8 years. Fines between $1,000 and $15,000. Permanent criminal record as a felony conviction.
• Additional OUI Charges: OUI with Serious Bodily Injury: Felony charge, up to 10 years in prison. OUI with Child Endangerment: Additional 90 days to 2.5 years in jail and license suspension up to 1 year.

License Suspension & RMV Hearings

When charged with OUI, your license may be immediately suspended, even before a conviction. You may face:

• 180-day suspension for refusing a breathalyzer test (longer for repeat offenders).
• Immediate suspension if you fail a breath test.
• Potentially longer suspensions based on prior OUI history.

You have the right to challenge the suspension at an RMV hearing, but you must act quickly to request a hearing within a short timeframe.

Defenses Against an OUI Charge

Our experienced Needham OUI defense lawyers use proven legal strategies to fight your case, including:

1. Challenging the Traffic Stop: If the police did not have reasonable suspicion to stop you, we can argue to suppress evidence.
2. Breathalyzer Test Errors: Breathalyzers can be inaccurate due to improper calibration, medical conditions, or equipment failure. If the test was administered improperly, we challenge its validity in court.
3. Field Sobriety Test Inaccuracy: Nervousness, poor road conditions, or medical conditions can lead to false indications of intoxication. These tests are not always reliable, and we present evidence to challenge their accuracy.
4. Violation of Constitutional Rights: If the police failed to read your Miranda rights or conducted an illegal search, we fight to have evidence dismissed.

The OUI Court Process in Needham

If you are arrested for OUI in Needham, your case will be handled at:

📍 Dedham District Court
631 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026
📞 (781) 329-4777

Needham Police Department (Responsible for arrests & investigations)
📍 99 School St, Needham, MA 02492
📞 (781) 455-7570

What to Expect:

• Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a Not Guilty plea.
• Pre-Trial Hearings: Your attorney will review evidence, negotiate with the prosecution, and file legal motions.
• Trial or Plea Agreement: If the case goes to trial, the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In some cases, a plea deal can reduce penalties.

Why Choose the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm?

A drunk driving charge can jeopardize your career, reputation, and personal freedom. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how to fight OUI charges and protect your rights.

✔ Aggressive & Experienced OUI Defense – We have handled hundreds of OUI cases with successful outcomes.

✔ License Protection – We fight to help restore your driving privileges.

✔ Proven Courtroom Strategies – We challenge breath tests, field sobriety tests, and police procedures.

✔ Dedicated & Responsive Representation – We are available 24/7 to support you throughout your case.

At the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we fight tirelessly to get your charges reduced or dismissed.