North Shore OUI Defense Attorney

Melanie's Law

New DUI laws were passed in 2005 that make penalties for DUI convictions even more severe.  These laws are called "Melanie's Law" and have had some serious effects for those who have the misfortune of being arrested and charged with a DUI of any kind on the North Shore.  Some of the changes are extremely significant, and if you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, it is crucial that you contact a North Shore DUI Defense Attorney at once if you are facing these charges.

Some of the changes result in the possibility of getting up to $50,000 in fines, and should you make the error of refusing the breathalyzer test, you can have your license suspended for 180 days and up to 3 years.  You must have legal representation if you have been arrested for a DUI charge.

OUI Defense Lawyer on the North Shore

Some of the most significant changes in the laws include the following:

First time offenders (21 years and older):  If you are convicted, a fine of $500 to $5,000 will be part of the penalty.  A jail sentence can be up to 2 ½ years and your license suspended up to six months.  If you refuse the breath test, your driver's license suspension will be even longer.  A first time offender still has the opportunity for an "alternative disposition" which is a bargain that can be made in some cases to have a "not guilty" verdict, but still having the charge count as a prior conviction if you should get charged with another DUI offense in the future.

The fees and fines of over $2,000 and the hidden costs can be steep.  Your vehicle can be impounded for 12 hours after your arrest, you and will be ordered by the court to take an Alcohol Education Program which is 16 weeks in length.

On second, third or more Dui convictions, you are really going to run into to trouble, and the fines can reach up to $10,000 on a even a second conviction.  Your license will be suspended for two years, and it has become much more difficult to get a "hardship license".

Since Melanie's Law was passed, you are facing serious trouble if you are convicted.  It is strongly advised that you contact a North Shore DUI Defense Attorney as soon as you have been arrested to defend yourself.  There are many effective defenses that may be available to you.  Be willing to fight with the assistance of a skilled lawyer!