No matter what you call it, a drunk driving arrest and charge is a very serious and stressful situation, and a conviction can have significant collateral consequences such as the loss of your license, a permanent record, or even jail time. In Massachusetts, the police and prosecutors can charge you as a subsequent offender if you have already been convicted of an OUI in Massachusetts or in another state. A conviction on a second or greater OUI offense carries with it greater penalties, including a mandatory jail or state prison sentence for a third offense or greater, not to mention longer and longer license suspensions. Furthermore, the subsequent offender law allows what is called a lifetime lookback, which means that any prior conviction from any point in your life can be used by the prosecutor to enhance the charge against you on a new OUI arrest.
Every operating under the influence (OUI) case is different, so it is important to have an attorney on your side who is well-versed in the law, and knows how to best defend you. And because a first conviction can later trigger increased liability even decades in the future, it is crucial to have an experienced OUI attorney on your side to fight any OUI charge now.
As a former prosecutor, Attorney Robert S.C. Meltzer has handled hundreds of OUI cases in all shapes and sizes, including:
- OUI 1st offense through OUI 9th offense
- OUI homicide
- OUI with serious bodily injury
- OUI drugs
- OUI with a suspended license
- OUI with child endangerment.
Attorney Meltzer will thoroughly look at your case from all angles, including if the breathalyzer was administered properly, whether any prior convictions cannot legally be used against you, and even if the citation was served correctly. He will analyze whether any motions to suppress evidence or to dismiss the case can and should be filed, he will litigate your case relentlessly, and he is not afraid to take your case to trial before a judge or jury to clear your name!
If you have been charged with an OUI offense, contact the Law Office of Robert S.C. Meltzer for a free consultation.
