“DUI Lawyer Near Me”: Worcester Residents Can Rely on the Lawyers of Murphy and Rudolf, LLP
The first thing to do when facing a DUI, is to take a breath and find an attorney that can help you through the process. If you find yourself searching the web for, “DUI lawyer near me,” use this article for some guidance to get informed and focused to take the necessary steps. Then contact us for a free consultation about the situation you find yourself in: (508) 570-3037.
Getting a DUI in Massachusetts
Every state has their own laws around alcohol consumption and operating a vehicle. When you were searching “DUI lawyer near me” you may have noticed another acronym: OUI. This stands for Operating Under the Influence. Ultimately, regardless of the name, if you are charged with an OUI in Massachusetts, you are being charged with a crime that can have far-reaching consequences on your life. It is crucial to get an attorney that can help you through this charge and make sure it does not need to have more of a negative consequence that it already might have.
Blood Alcohol Content: It’s Not as Straightforward as You Think
In Massachusetts, when you get pulled over and the police officer suspects you are operating under the influence, you will be asked to take a breathalyzer test — chemical test of your breath or blood that indicates your blood alcohol content (BAC). Most people know that a BAC of 0.08% is the limit that is considered grounds for arrest. However, depending on who drives, this may change. For example, as we have explained, “Commercial vehicle operators are considered intoxicated if they are 0.04% or higher, and drivers under the age of 21 can be arrested for as low as 0.02% BAC.”
What You Are Facing When You Get Charged With an OUI
Massachusetts has very specific legal consequences that a judge can impose on you if you are found guilty of operating under the influence. When you search “dui lawyer near me,” it may be useful to familiarize yourself a bit with the general lay of the land so you know how to ask the right questions to make sure you get the right legal support.
Penalties in Massachusetts
Not everyone who is looking for a DUI lawyer near them is facing their first OUI charge, so the consequences of a guilty verdict vary depending on where you stand with your priors.
1st offense
Jail
Up to 2 ½ years
Fines
$500 to $5,000
License Revocation
1 year
2nd offense
Jail
60 days to 2 ½ years (minimum 30 days actually served in jail)
Fines
$600 to $10,000
License Revocation
2 years
3rd offense
Jail
180 days to 2 ½ years jail or 2 ½ to 5 years prison (minimum 150 days actually served in jail)
Fines
$1,000 to $15,000
License Revocation
8 years
Table & Information from NOLO
Ok, but How Can a DUI Lawyer Near You Help You?
Without proper legal representation, it is quite common that defendants end up taking a plea deal and losing their license and potentially face grave fines and even jail time — with a plea! Having an experienced attorney by your side can greatly affect how the judge rules on your specific case. A DUI lawyer near you can at the very least help avoid license revocation. This may seem like something small, but for working folks, this is crucial to their independence and economic stability. However, if you plead guilty, what may seem like a quick solution, will haunt you as it will be on your record forever.
Do What You Need to Do to Protect Yourself
Whether you are facing your first or third OUI charge, you don’t need to search “dui lawyer near me” any longer. We at Murphy and Rudolf, LLP are equipped to handle your case and help you navigate what can be a stressful time. We encourage you to give us a call or contact us today: (508) 570-3037.