Do Not Fight A Drunk Driving Charge Alone

A single drunk driving conviction can change a life. If you are arrested for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (otherwise known as an OUI, DUI or DWI), it is important to enlist the help of experienced and knowledgeable legal representation. At Manzi & Seccareccio, P.C., we defend individuals in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire who face a wide range of criminal charges, including OUI.

We Successfully Defend Against OUI Charges

To be convicted of OUI, the prosecution (also known as the “Commonwealth” in Massachusetts) must show that a defendant operated a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher.

There are crimes that often accompany — and exacerbate — an OUI. These include:

• Leaving the scene of an accident after causing personal injury or property damage
• Negligent or reckless operation of a motor vehicle
• Child endangerment while driving drunk

When speaking to an attorney about an OUI arrest, you should inform them of all charges you face, as well as any probation matters that were open at the time of the alleged OUI offense.

OUI Penalties Are Harsh

The penalties associated with OUIs are serious. They may result in criminal sanctions of jail time, heavy fines and costs, loss of driver’s license and substantial probation conditions, such as paying for and attending a drug and education program.

Subsequent drunk driving offenses likely will require an ignition interlock device to be installed in the defendant’s motor vehicle for a period of at least two years after restoration of his or her driver’s license.

A person convicted for an OUI may be eligible for a hardship license during the period of his or her driver’s license suspension. When a person may be eligible for a hardship license depends upon the existence of prior OUI offenses, what other violations may also be causing a loss of driver’s license (e.g., breath test refusal suspensions), and the person’s age, and the length of the OUI driver’s license suspension.