The ways an OUI in Massachusetts can change your life

Facing a criminal charge for drunk driving is much more than an inconvenience in your life. Even if it is your first offense, consequences such as loss of driving privileges, time behind bars and expensive fines can impact your life. A conviction can lead to a permanent mark on your criminal record, and this mark can affect everything from your future job opportunities to child custody disputes.

If charged with an OUI in Massachusetts, it’s in your interests to take your situation seriously from the start. Beginning with understanding what you are up against and how it can change your life, learning about the potential effects of an OUI is important. This understanding can help you develop a defense strategy that is effective and custom-tailored to your individual needs and objectives.

Consequences you are facing

The consequences for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are steep. While the severity of the penalties you could face depend on your criminal record and the details of your individual case, even a first-time offense can change your life. Some of the things you may expect after an OUI include:

• Being placed under arrest, taken to a police station, photographed and booked
• Appearing in court and publicly answering to the charges brought against you
• Losing your driving privileges and relying on someone else to drive you where you need to go
• Paying fines, being placed on probation and attending court-ordered alcohol treatment programs
• Installing an ignition interlock device and paying increased insurance rates

These are only a few of the potential OUI penalties that may change the course of your future and your personal freedom. With a strong defense strategy, you may be able to effectively confront the case against you and potentially mitigate the severity of the penalties you are facing.

Building your defense 

Should you just plead guilty? Will this ruin your reputation? How can you possibly develop a defense strategy that allows you to effectively fight back against the prosecution’s case? These are questions you do not have to face alone. Working with an experienced defense attorney will be invaluable during this time. After an arrest, you will not want to delay in getting the help you need to protect your rights and shield your future interests from the potential impacts of a drunk driving conviction.