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Welcome to Massachusetts DUI Attorneys.com
Did You Know?
Implied Consent is a factor in DUI for some states
Delaware has an "implied consent" law. That means if you drive in Delaware and are suspected of DUI, you voluntarily agree to a chemical test to determine the degree of impairment. Failure to take the test carries a penalty of loss of license and/or driving privileges for a period of one year for a 1st offense, 18 months for a 2nd offense and 24 months for the 3rd subsequent offense, in addition to the penalties for DUI.
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, or "drunk driving,"
in Massachusetts is by far the most commonly encountered offense
in the courts today. In 2002, it is estimated that nearly 17,500
people were killed in automobile collisions involving alcohol. According
to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this
represents 41 percent of the 42,815 people killed in all traffic
accidents and crashes that year.
Massachusetts Drunk Driving BAC Related Deaths
Motor Vehicle Fatalities Involving High Blood Alcohol Concentration in Massachusetts
Total fatalities 1995
444
Fatalities involving high blood alcohol
148
Percent
33
Total fatalities 2000
433
Fatalities involving high blood alcohol
153
Percent
35
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Center for Statistics and Analysis, Traffic Safety Facts 2000:
Defending against a charge of drunk driving in Massachusetts is
tricky business. A Massachusetts DUI defense attorney needs to understand
scientific and medical concepts, and must be able to question tough
witnesses including scientists and police officers.
If you want to fight your drinking and driving charge in Massachusetts,
you're well advised to hire an attorney who specializes in these
types of cases. They may be able to get you off the hook, or lessen the fine or punishment imposed.
The laws concerning "drunk driving" have changed radically
over recent years. A person arrested today for driving under the
influence of alcohol ("DUI", also referred to as "DWI" or
driving while intoxicated) faces complicated criminal procedures and a potentially
devastating punishment that can be more severe than
a penalty handed down in a felony case.
An experienced attorney who specializes in blood alcohol analysis
and drunk driving cases can effectively handle criminal and administrative
proceedings. It is an unfortunate fact, however, that many general
practitioners or general criminal attorneys attempt to represent
clients with little or no training or experience in this very complex
field and the results are disastrous.
Drunk Driving Punishments
The punishment in drunk driving cases is set forth by state statute and
can be incredibly complex. The basic statute determines the range
of possible sentences, with modifications for such things as:
Having a prior conviction within seven years
Speeding 20 mph over the limit
Having a child under 14 in the car
Having a blood alcohol content reading over .20%
Refusing to submit to chemical testing
Within the range, the actual sentence in a drunk driving case will
be affected by:
The facts of the case
Any policies of the local court and prosecutors
The weaknesses in the case uncovered by the defense attorney
The reputation of that attorney
All of this is independent of a DMV suspension, which is determined
separately and which can be very complicated.
DUI Not Grounds for Deportation, High Court Rules
Audio, RM, 44 Kbps, 3:33, 11/9/2004
The Supreme Court rules that driving under the influence is not a crime of violence that can occasion deportation, finding unanimously that the law requires that the defendant showed intent to injure. Source: National Public Radio
Massachusetts External Sites
RMV - 2003 News Archive - Romney Celebrates Passage of
"Today, Massachusetts has a tough, new drunk driving law on the books," Romney said. ... Enhancement of our drunk driving laws will enable RMV - Romney Files "Melanie's Bill" to Cr
The bill increases penalties for drunk driving related offenses, ... Currently, drunk drivers who kill in Massachusetts do not automatically lose the
Newsroom
News about DUI & Drunk Driving cases in Massachusetts and nationwide:
National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend
In addition, Governor George Ryan has proclaimed December "Drunk and Drugged Driving (3-D) Prevention Month" in Illinois. In observance of 3-D mont... Read more >
Definition:
The courts may require first and repeat DUI offenders to use Ignition Interlock Devices. To start the vehicle, the driver must blow into the device. The vehicle will not start if the driver's blood alcohol content exceeds 0.05%.
Administrative License Revocation (ALR)
Definition:
Simply put, the DMV automatically revokes your license when you are arrested for DUI as part of its duty to regulate drivers’ licenses. (The court may also take your license, and may also fine or jail you.)
Arraignment
Definition:
Sometimes referred to as a “first appearance.” This date is typically located on the DWI Summons & Complaint near the “court appearance required” box that should be checked off. The arraignment is a formal procedure where rights are read, charges are read and explained, and a plea (guilty or not guilty) is entered.
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Did You Know?
Massachusetts Drunk Driving BAC Related Deaths
RMV - 2003 News Archive - Romney Celebrates Passage of 