Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Massachusetts OUI Laws (Part A)
Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (OUI) is a serious crime in Massachusetts. Massachusetts OUI laws ensure that drunk drivers will be met with fines or jail time, and they may have their driver’s license suspended. The penalties for subsequent OUI offenses can be even more severe.
Protect Your Rights as the Victim of a Massachusetts OUI Accident
If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you should consult with an Andover personal injury attorney who specializes in representing victims of Massachusetts OUI car accidents. It is important to choose an accident lawyer that has represented victims of OUI accidents and that they have an in-depth understanding of Massachusetts’ OUI laws.
Legal Blood Alcohol Limit in Massachusetts
According to Massachusetts OUI laws, a driver cannot have a blood alcohol content greater than .08. For drivers under 21, the limit is even lower — .02. Drivers who have blood alcohol levels at this level or greater will be arrested for operating under the influence.
Penalties for Massachusetts OUI Offenses
Massachusetts sets strict penalties for any driver convicted of OUI, or operating under the influence.
The penalties for a first OUI in Massachusetts include:
- Fines ranging from $500 to $2,500
- Up to 2.5 years of jail time
- A driver’s license suspension for one year
If you have been injured by a drunk driver, these penalties may seem inadequate. Keep in mind that these drunk driving penalties are for first-time offenders; the penalties increase substantially with subsequent OUI offenses. However, in order for you to obtain compensation for your OUI accident injuries, you’ll need to file a Massachusetts personal injury claim against the drunk driver who cause for your crash.
In fact, drivers who are convicted of a second OUI in Massachusetts can face fines up to $10,000 and additional jail time. Repeated drunk driving offenders may face felony criminal charges, including jail sentences up to five years, fines up to $50,000 and a lifetime driver’s license suspension.
Your Massachusetts OUI lawyer can give you more information about the damages you can seek against a drunk driver in Massachusetts. As a drunk driving accident victim, you may be able to sue the negligent driver in civil court.
Continue to Massachusetts OUI Laws (Part B) >>
