DUI First Offense Lawyer, Framingham MA

Facing Serious OUI/DUI Penalties

i-melanieslaw

Melanie’s Law went into effect in 2005 and was designed to increase license suspensions and other punishments for drunk driving. Massachusetts has some of the toughest drunk driving laws. With so much at stake it is essential to have an experienced Massachusetts drunk driving lawyer on your side.

My name is Stephen E. Dawley, and I have represented Massachusetts defendants in OUI/DUI cases for over 30 years. I have handled many cases which fall under the purview of Melanie’s Law. I have had a great deal of success achieving the best possible outcome for my OUI/DUI clients.
To speak with me about your OUI/DUI charges or driver’s license issues, please call 508-308-8191 or e-mail my law firm at steve.dklaw@verizon.net.

 Melanie’s Law Provisions

Melanie’s Law added significant punishment for multiple OUI/DUI offenses. Some of these are:

  • If your license was already suspended because of a previous OUI, you can be charged with the separate crimes of OUI and OUI with a suspended license. This latter charge has a minimum mandatory 60 day jail sentence.
  • It is unlawful to employ as a driver a person with a suspended license.
  • If you have a passenger under the age of 14, you can be charged with OUI as well as “child endangerment while OUI.”
  • An ignition interlock device might have to be installed in your car for an extended time, requiring a breathalyzer before the car can be operated. While this device is in the car it must be brought in for servicing on a regular basis or a lengthier suspension will be imposed.

If you refuse a breathalyzer test after being stopped, your license will be suspended immediately for a longer period than if you had taken the test and flunked it. As an example, if you refuse a breathalyzer test and have two prior convictions, your license will be suspended for five years just for refusing the test. There are few defenses to these suspensions, although it is possible to file a motion seeking the return of your license if you are found not guilty. I can help you with each of these OUI/DUI issues.