Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Tougher OUI Punishment: Melanie's Law (Part B)
Melanie’s Law goes so far as to establish a new crime of Manslaughter by Motor Vehicle. Specifically, “Any driver who commits manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall be convicted of Manslaughter by Motor Vehicle.” The penalty for this crime is a 5 year minimum mandatory sentence and up to 20 years imprisonment in a state prison with a fine of not more than $25,000. Additionally, the operator loses their license for 15 years to a lifetime suspension.
In January 2006, any driver who had a 2nd or subsequent OUI offense who is eligible for a hardship license or for license reinstatement, has to have an Ignition Interlock Device attached to any vehicle the driver owns, leases, or operates. This is at the driver’s expense.
Change in Drunk Driving Arrests After Melanie’s Law
A Boston Globe article on published 11 months after Melanie’s Law went into effect states that repeat drunk driving offenses has slowed. “Eleven months after Melanie’s Law began targeting repeat drunk drivers, the statute appears to be having a dramatic impact, cutting in half the number of multiple repeat offenders arrested and increasing the number of people taking breathalyzer tests, based on statistics released yesterday by the Registry of Motor Vehicles,” according to the article.
The Globe report states that “more than 700 repeat offenders are now using ignition interlock systems, which will turn on a vehicle only if the driver passes a breathalyzer test before turning the key.”
The tougher punishments should hopefully offer some comfort to the drunk driving victims and the families impacted by drunk driving accidents. While they will still have to deal with the loss of their loved one, it may be without the sting of minimal punishment for the perpetrator of the DUI accident.
Another avenue to explore for restitution is hiring a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer to determine your rights after a car crash that has resulted in personal injury or death.
When you are interviewing OUI personal injury attorneys ask critical questions, like:
- How long have you been practicing?
- What is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained?
- Do you have experience with drunk driving accidents?
Kiley Law Group, located in the heart of Boston and Andover is here to help you win your car accident case.
Call now for a FREE evaluation of your case - 1-888-208-1695.
There are NO FEES unless our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case.
