Drunk driving or operating a vehicle under the influence (OUI) is a serious crime in Massachusetts. This article will cover everything you need to know about Massachusetts DUI laws. We will look at the penalties, proper police procedure, building your defense, and field sobriety tests. After reading this article, you will have all the information you will need.

Massachusetts DUI Laws

Let’s start with the basics, what is a DUI? A DUI is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In Massachusetts, the legal limit of blood alcohol content, also known as BAC, is .08% for anyone over the age of 21. However, if you are driving a commercial vehicle, the legal limit is .04%. Those under 21 are subject to stricter laws. Anyone that is not of legal drinking age must have a BAC of lower than .02% while operating a vehicle.

There are also laws against driving under the influence of drugs. The testing in these types of cases is much less specific and is left up to the discretion of the police department. Police agencies nationwide are training officers to recognize impairment from other drugs.

DUI Penalties

The penalties for a DUI in Massachusetts are strict and depend on certain factors in your case. The number of offenses, whether or not there is an accident, and other factors can affect your punishment. Here is a list of common penalties that result from DUI charges in Massachusetts:

• First Offense: If you are found guilty of a DUI you could face up to a 1-year suspension of your license. Also, there are fines ranging from $500-$5,000. Jail time is also a possibility. A first-time offender can face up to two and a half years in prison. Lastly, the court may make you attend an alcohol education class.
• Second Offense: As you can imagine the penalties for a second DUI offense increase in severity. You could face up to a 2-year suspension of your license. The fines range from $600-$10,000 dollars. Also, Massachusetts DUI laws require a second time offender to serve a minimum of 30 days in jail, and the sentence can be up to two and a half years.
• Third Offense: The penalties for a third, fourth, or fifth offense are steep. Massachusetts DUI laws mandate jail time of between six months to two years for repeat offenders. The license suspensions also increase in length. Your third offense will mean a suspension of driving privileges for eight years, while a fifth offense could result in a lifetime revocation of your driver’s license. Anyone who commits three or more DUIs in Massachusetts must have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. Lastly, the fines range from $1,000 to $50,000 for repeat offenders.

What Do You Do If You’re Pulled Over?

The police have to build a case against you. It is their job to find enough proof to charge you with a DUI. You should do as little as possible to help them. Giving the police any information they don’t already have can hurt your case. The only exception to this rule is having to identify yourself. You should never submit to field sobriety tests. The training police officers receive, helps them to make it seem that these tests are in fact a requirement. However, you can refuse to take a field sobriety test.

Exercise your right to remain silent. Don’t just speak, tell the officer that you are exercising your fifth amendment right to remain silent. The police will use anything you say against you in court.

Massachusetts DUI laws include a provision for implied consent. This means that if you are suspected of a DUI, you must submit to a breath or blood test. However, this does not include the portable breathalyzers that police officer’s carry with them. Failing to comply with a police officer’s request for field sobriety tests may lead to an arrest. Even if this is the case, you are much better off than giving the police more evidence to use against you in court.

An experienced DUI attorney in Massachusetts could challenge a case if the police didn’t have enough probable cause to arrest you in the first place. You should do everything in your power to not give the officers probable cause.

Give Yourself a Fighting Chance

Find an attorney that is well versed in Massachusetts DUI laws. If you have done your part to limit the amount of evidence the police have against you, you stand a chance at winning your case. Contact Rory Munns today, and he can help you find the best way to move forward with your case. Every case is different, and you are going to want someone who has years of experience dealing with DUI charges fighting for you.

You may want to consider a DUI expungement after you complete your sentencing for the crime. However, in Massachusetts, it isn’t that simple. A DUI expungement is next to impossible in Massachusetts. In fact, the state doesn’t offer expungement of criminal records in most cases. This article will outline your options for proceeding after a DUI conviction.

What is a DUI Expungement?

An expungement order is an order from the court to remove and destroy any records relating to a criminal case. In Massachusetts, courts only grant a DUI expungement for two reasons. The first reason is if someone else uses your identity and receives a DUI conviction but you are innocent. In this case, the court may just decide to change the name on the documents to Jane or John Doe, removing the case from your record. The court could also decide to grant you an expungement.

The second situation in which Massachusetts courts grant DUI expungements is in cases that involve a juvenile. The only cases that are eligible are cases that the court dismisses due to a lack of evidence. For most people, the only option is to have your records sealed.

Sealing Records

Sealing your records is a much different than a DUI expungement. Having your records sealed does not mean they go away completely. However, your records are no longer available to the public. This means that future employers will most likely be unable to find the records relating to your case. However, government agencies and courts will still have access to your records. Therefore, any conviction can be used at a later date to influence sentencing in another case.

In cases that result in a non-conviction ruling, such as a not guilty verdict, dismissal, or a CWOF the waiting period for sealing your records is much shorter. Even if you take a plea deal that includes some form of probation but the court still considers a non-conviction, you can seal your records faster. There is no waiting period to seal your records in these situations. However, the court may not consider sealing your record when you take a plea deal and complete the probation. However, the decision lies with the judge who hears your motion.

In cases that result in a conviction, such as a guilty verdict, have a waiting period before you can make a motion to seal your records. In cases with a misdemeanor conviction, the waiting period is five years. The waiting period in felony cases is ten years. Also, you can not have any new charges during that period.

Who Can See Your Sealed Record

Obviously, the court system will still have access to your record even after it is sealed. The biggest issue with having a criminal record is the fact that affects your future job prospects. Employers frown on any criminal conviction, but this is especially true with DUI charges. Sealing your record means that most prospective employers will not have access to the information. Most companies can only access convictions. These companies can’t see cases where the defendant is not guilty. However, once the court seals your record, they will no longer be able to see a conviction either.

There are some companies that the government requires more extensive background checks from. These companies include hospitals, daycares, and government agencies. Therefore, these types of background checks will turn up non-convictions. However, once you seal your record, the results will not show up on any non-government background check.

The Best Defense

The best defense against a DUI is a good lawyer. Fighting the charges and winning is the best way to keep a DUI off your record. While the dismissal or not-guilty verdict will stay on your record, you can file a motion immediately to have your record sealed. Therefore, the will be no need for a DUI expungement. Rory Munns has years of experience defending DUI charges. He can help you formulate the best defense for your case to give you the best chance of winning your case. Rory Munns will aggressively defend you and use all of his experience to obtain the best ruling possible in your case.

Rory Munns can also help you with all of your post-conviction needs. While a DUI expungement may not be possible, he can help you seal the records in your case. Whether you have pending DUI charges or you have a conviction on your record, Rory Munns can help. Call today to find out all of your options and the best way to proceed with your case. Schedule a free consultation today and let him handle the rest.

A traffic stop can be nerve wracking especially when a police officer pulls you over under suspicion of DUI. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to stay calm and remember how you should handle yourself. There are some simple, yet effective ways to help yourself in any future court proceedings. The police will have to build a case against you, and you should do everything in your power to not help them. Therefore, you will want to follow the simple suggestions that are in this article.

Follow Instructions

It is important to show respect to a police officer that pulls you over under suspicion of DUI. Do not act aggressively toward them. The chances are that they will be more willing to work with you if you are respectful and follow their commands. However, there is a difference between what you have to do and what they can ask of you. Police officers will often make most requests seem like demands.

For instance, you must provide your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. However, you do not have to submit to field sobriety tests. The chances are that the officer will make both of these requests seem like requirements. In reality, you only have to provide your identification and vehicle information. Anything else that an officer asks of you is a request and not a demand. There are some instances where the officer has probable cause and doesn’t have to receive your permission. One example is, having an open beer in your cup holder is probable cause enough for an officer to search your car.

Remain Silent

The first and most important thing to remember if a police officer pulls you over under suspicion of DUI is to remain silent. When police officers say “anything you say can and will be used against you in court,” they aren’t lying. The officers will use everything in their power to try to build their case against y0u. Therefore, it is important for you to remain silent.

Never admit to drinking any alcohol, not earlier in the day, not even four years ago. Admitting that you have had an alcoholic beverage immediately gives the police probable cause. Again, you want to do everything in your power to not strengthen the case against you.

The best way to deal with a police stop under the suspicion of DUI is to not say anything. Follow all of the officer’s commands but respectfully exercise your right to remain silent. Simply staying silent isn’t enough. You have to exercise your right to remain silent. Tell the officer that you are exercising your 5th amendment right to remain silent when they ask you a question. This will show the officer that you know your rights and understand that you do not have to help their case.

Do Not Submit to Field Sobriety Tests

During a traffic stop for suspicion of DUI, the police officer will likely ask you to submit to field sobriety tests. The officer may make it seem like these tests are a requirement. However, you do not have to perform any field sobriety tests and doing so can hurt your case. Let’s face it; many people struggle with these tests even when they are sober. If you have an injury or balance issue, you will likely look like you have been drinking. Therefore, it is best to just skip these tests altogether.

Additionally, you do not have to submit to the portable breath test. However, if you do decline to take a portable breath test, the officer may arrest you. You will then be given the option to submit to a different chemical test at a local hospital. There are breath, blood, and urine tests available in most situations. If you refuse the second test your license will be suspended immediately, because of the implied consent law in Massachusetts. Therefore, if you are placed under arrest, it may be best to submit to the chemical test.

Your Massachusetts DUI attorney can challenge the results of a chemical test and other aspects of the case. However, there is very little an attorney can do when you refuse to take a chemical test.

Driving under the influence of drugs is a crime much like alcohol. The penalties for each crime are the same. However, drugged driving is much more difficult to prove. This does not mean that it is legal to get behind the wheel while under the influence of any drug including prescription pills. This article will examine everything you need to know about driving under the influence of drugs in Massachusetts.

Driving Under the Influence of Any Drug

Massachusetts considers anyone under the influence of a drug impaired. Therefore, no matter the drug that you are on, the police can bring criminal charges against you. For instance, just because you have a prescription, this doesn’t mean it’s ok to drive while taking your medication. Many prescription narcotics come with a warning about operating large machinery. The police don’t care if you buy drugs on the street corner or obtain them legally through your doctor. If the police suspect you of driving under the influence of drugs they will arrest you.

You may be wondering about marijuana. Massachusetts voters have legalized recreational marijuana. However, the legalization of recreational marijuana doesn’t mean it is now legal to drive under the influence of marijuana. The police treat marijuana just like any other drug.

Testing For Drugged Driving

Alcohol impairment has become increasingly easier to test for in recent decades. With the invention of tools such as the portable breathalyzer, police officer’s can confirm their suspicions with relative ease. However, drugged driving is much more difficult to test for. Our nation has plenty of experience with alcohol. Therefore, the testing methods have been refined over the years. Drugs are a different story. Drugged driving is a relatively new problem, and there are very few solutions or tests available.

With more states legalizing both recreational and medical marijuana, there is a strong push toward finding a solution for testing for marijuana impairment. Because marijuana is fat soluble, it transfers into fatty tissue in your body. Also, marijuana stays in your system longer. Alcohol, on the other hand, disperses through the water in your body. This makes alcohol easy to test for in your urine and on your breath.

Recent developments in drugged driving testing have produced mouth swabs. The police swab the inside of a driver’s mouth and put the sample into a machine. The machine tests for seven drugs including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine, amphetamine, methadone and benzodiazepines. However, this machine does not test for the level of the substance, just its presence. Therefore, the driver will still be given a blood test to determine if they are currently under the influence.

Other Testing Methods

Police departments across the country are attempting to train their officers to spot the signs of driving under the influence of drugs. They call these officer’s “drug recognition experts.” The officers participate in a month long training course. They are taught signs and symptoms of driving under the influence of drugs. However, these signs are open to human interpretation. There are numerous cases across the country where drug recognition experts have wrongfully arrested an individual for suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. In other words, the system is far from perfect.

Penalties For Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Massachusetts treats drugged driving the same as alcohol impaired driving. Therefore, the penalties for each are the same. However, the court is more likely to require a person facing drugged drivings charges to participate in a substance abuse class. The penalties for drugged driving are as follows:

• First Offense: The maximum penalty for a first offense is a one-year suspension of driving privileges, 30 months of house arrest, and a fine of $5,000. Additionally, the court can sentence an individual to participate in substance abuse classes.
• Second Offense: A second conviction within five years will result in a jail sentence between 30 days and 30 months, a fine up to $10,000, and suspension of your driving privileges for two years.
• Third Offense: The penalty for a third conviction is a 180 day to five-year prison sentence, a fine up to $15,000, and an eight-year license suspension. A third or subsequent conviction will result in felony charges as well.
• Fourth Offense: A fourth conviction will result in a prison sentence between two and five years, a fine up to $25,000, and a ten-year license suspension.
• Fifth Offense: The prison term for a fifth offense is the same as a fourth offense. However, the maximum fine increases to $50,000 and the license suspension is for life.

Given the high stakes of a drugged driving conviction and the inability of the police to prove a strong case, you will want to hire an attorney. An experienced DUI attorney could help you poke holes in the case against you and formulate the best defense possible. Contact Rory Munns today for a free consultation.

It is very common for people to be pulled over for a DUI stop and not know how they should conduct themselves. Getting nervous is common in these situations; it doesn’t take a lot. Know what your rights are and what you should do isn’t something that comes to most of us. You can read more about a DUI stop here.

What To Do If You Are Pulled Over For A DUI Stop

1. 1. Pull over correctly.

      As soon as you see the lights and realized you are being stopped, pull over. Slow down and signal that you are going to the nearest side. This will let the officer know you intend to pull over. Turn off the engine. If it is dark outside, turn on the cabin light. You will want to place both hands on the steering wheel and stay in the car unless the officer asks you to exit the vehicle. These actions will ease any concerns the police officer may have.

   2. Act properly.

      Avoid any suspicious actions that suggest you have something to hide, destroy or dispose of. If the officer sees you move, they might think you are placing something out of view or reaching for something. This can be enough cause for the officer to request you step out of the car. Then, they will pat you down and search the area you were moving. You don’t want to give them anything that will lead to probable cause. If they notice you are acting funny, nervous or seem to have something to hide, they will try to find a reason to search the car.

   3. Do not get chatty.

      Now is not the time to argue with a police officer. The less you say, the better. Anything that you say during a DUI stop can come back to bite you later. It can also be cause for them to search your car or persons. Do not admit to anything or volunteer information. It is common for an officer to ask how much you’ve had to drink during a DUI stop. Answer that you cannot recall or something to the effect, you do not want to answer to that in court.  Answer any questions you can and politely as possible. Save any arguments for the courtroom and be sure your passengers do the same.

   4. Follow instructions.

      You want to follow the instructions that the officer gives you. They are in charge of the situation, and they determine when it is over. You have to stay until they permit you to leave. The better you follow your instructions, the sooner this goes from a DUI stop to a warning.

   5. Be aware of cameras.

      Do not act strangely or aggressively. Many police officers wear cameras, and all DUI stop footage is made available during the case. Do not do or say anything that will make you appear under the influence of something. Even if the video doesn’t see everything, it will be in the police report. In some cases, you can use the cameras to your advantage. Showing that you have the mannerisms of someone who is calm and sober will show the court that you weren’t under the influence and were actually quite nice.

   6. BAC testing.

      Think carefully about whether or not you want to take a blood alcohol content test. Every state has laws that state acquiring a driver’s license means you are consenting. As a result, there may be consequences for refusing a chemical test during a DUI stop. However, if you are intoxicated, it may be in your interest not to take the test.

   7. Refusal of a roadside test.

      Some roadside tests are voluntary. You can ask if the test is voluntary and express your refusal to take it. They should give you an honest answer since they are being recorded. And if not, the court will see it. A lot of times, even sober people cannot pass these tests. While they are just a means to support asking for chemical testing, they are also viewed as a way to discern guilt; though they are not.

If you find yourself facing charges from a DUI stop, you need to contact Rory right away! The sooner you have someone working on your case, the stronger your fight will be. Rory will also be able to tell you what you should or shouldn’t say or do. Sometimes things that you say or do while under arrest and while processing can still be used in court to show your condition at the time. Your attorney will be able to tell you what you should say if you come up against a question you don’t want to answer and let you know what those questions are. You can start your research here.

In the past, marijuana DUI testing was simple. Because marijuana was illegal everywhere, even a small trace of it in your system could get you a marijuana DUI. However, marijuana DUI testing isn’t as easy as it used to be. With medical marijuana legal in many places, you can have a trace amount of marijuana in your system. Now, marijuana is more like alcohol in that you need to test for a certain amount of marijuana in your system. But marijuana DUI testing isn’t yet perfect. Science still has some work to do.

The Problem with Marijuana DUI Testing

Testing for marijuana is very different from testing for alcohol. While alcohol stays in your blood, marijuana works in your brain. Breathalyzers and blood tests won’t tell a police officer how high you are. To remedy this, scientists are looking for a reliable marijuana DUI test. But the search for a reliable test has been a difficult one.

Part of the problem is the lack of agreement. Before scientists can find a reliable protocol, they need to agree on how to measure impairment. For alcohol, the legal limit is usually .08% or higher. Marijuana needs a similar value. However, there’s much debate over that value. At what concentration does marijuana impair a driver? Until they can agree on an answer to that question, they can’t come up with a solution.

One of the major obstacles is the way you can take marijuana. Smoking and ingesting marijuana have very different effects on the body. The amount of time it takes to affect you varies, as does the impairment you face. It’s difficult to come up with a general rule for impairment when the way you take it can have such varying effects.

Prior Testing

In the past, labs used urine testing to look for one specific ingredient of marijuana – carboxy THC. Carboxy THC is found in the largest quantity in marijuana, so labs decided that it was the easiest to search for. However, evidence suggests that carboxy THC does not demonstrate impairment. In fact, it only indicates past marijuana use. It can stay in your system for as long as a month. When you’re trying to determine the level of impairment of a driver, carboxy THC isn’t much use. Although carboxy THC isn’t much use for marijuana DUI testing, there are other options. Other metabolites of THC might be better measures of impairment.

There’s also a THC blood test that shows presumed impairment. However, it is only a presumption. It measures the amount of delta-9-THC in one millimeter of blood. In Colorado, a court can infer that you drove impaired if you have a value over five nanograms. But that value is not always a sign of impairment. It’s an inaccurate measure.

The Urgency

In Denver, marijuana legalization has come with many results – some good, and some bad. One of those results is an increase in driver fatalities with a positive marijuana DUI testing result. Although there aren’t many fatalities due to marijuana use, the number of fatalities is rising quickly.

Lawmakers want to come up with a way to limit those fatalities. They need a way to handle marijuana DUIs, and they need it fast. If they can define impaired and provide consequences for driving impaired, they may be able to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities.

And the problem isn’t only in Denver. Many other states are looking for a way to deal with a marijuana DUI. However, some people doubt the link between marijuana and car accidents. One 2015 study showed that marijuana users had the same likelihood of crashing as sober drivers. Yet, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission believes that marijuana increases your likelihood of being in a fatal crash.
The issue may not be marijuana alone, but the combination of marijuana and alcohol. In Colorado in 2016, about 36% of drivers in fatal car accidents who tested positive for marijuana also had alcohol in their system.

Whether marijuana makes you more vulnerable for driving isn’t the issue. The issue is coming up with a test for determining impairment in a driver who has had marijuana. Without it, there’s no way of knowing whether an individual is guilty of a marijuana DUI.

Marijuana DUIs

With the legalization of marijuana, there are some questions about how to handle a marijuana DUI. There’s no accurate test for it, and that makes it difficult to punish. With the current testing options, a court may consider someone impaired when they are not impaired. Before the court can punish someone for a marijuana DUI, there needs to be a way to accurately measure impairment.

Facing a DUI charge is a scary thing. If you find yourself facing a marijuana DUI charge, you need help. A lawyer with experience might be able to help you. Without marijuana DUI testing for impairment, the court may have a hard time proving that you are guilty.

Although most people think of Disney celebrities as family-friendly entertainers, they do have a dark side. Disney stars DUIs are frequent occurrences. If you want proof, just look at some of the recent Disney stars DUIs. All of these Disney celebrities had run-ins with the law for their drunk driving:

Disney Stars DUIs

There are too many Disney celebrities with DUIs to list in one article. However, there are a few incidents that really stand out. Here are some of the Disney stars DUIs that truly stand out above the rest:

1. Lindsey Lohan

Few Disney celebrities have a criminal record like Lindsey Lohan. Before her successful movie career, Lohan was on the Disney hits “Life Size” and “Get a Clue.” Although she played innocent characters on both shows, her real personality was much different. In 2007, Lohan lost control of her vehicle. When police showed up at the scene, they found that Lohan drove under the influence. As a result, they arrested her, and she faced DUI charges. During her arrest, the police found cocaine in her possession. That only added to her legal troubles.

Not long after her arrest, Lohan found herself once again in police custody. This time, she chased a woman in her SUV. When the police arrested her, they charged her with a DUI. Although Lohan went to drug and alcohol treatment, her troubles endured. She repeatedly failed drug tests and had a few other incidents that brought her into court. When she failed to attend her mandatory alcohol education classes, Lohan served two weeks in jail. Her list of troubles goes on. However, Lohan has been out of the news lately. As a result, there has been more room for other Disney stars DUIs.

2. Shia Labeouf

You could argue that Shia Labeouf stole the hearts of many Disney fans. Originally a star on the Disney show “Even Stevens,” Labeouf had an innocent aura. However, that aura shattered with several criminal incidents. One of those incidents was a 2008 drunk driving arrest. In the incident, Labeouf rolled his vehicle over while trying to make a turn. He injured his head, hand, and knee in the accident. However, his passenger and the other involved driver did not have any injuries.

Labeouf didn’t have any other DUI arrests. However, he did have a history of alcohol abuse. In 2007, he had a run-in with the police when he refused to leave a Walgreens. In a recent incident, Labeouf argued with someone who wouldn’t give him a cigarette. When the police came, Labeouf shouted profanities at a police officer. They charged him with public drunkenness and possible charges of disorderly conduct.

3. Jake T. Austin

You might know of Jake T. Austin from his appearance on Disney’s “The Wizards of Waverly Place.” However, Austin wasn’t able to use his wizardry to get out of a DUI charge. The police pulled him over because his headlights were not working. When they approached the 18-year-old driver, they noticed a strong smell of alcohol. Austin failed a field sobriety test. Then, they arrested him for driving under the influence.

Although the police charged him with two counts of drunk driving, Austin’s lawyer came to his rescue. A judge dismissed the charges. Instead of a DUI, Austin faced a speeding charge. After pleading no contest, Austin got off easy. He did get 24 months of probation, but that penalty is nothing compared to a DUI conviction. As far as DUIs go, Austin got off with minimal consequences.

4. Mitchel Musso

As the adorable friend of Hannah Montana on the Disney show “Hannah Montana,” Mitchel Musso was used to the attention. However, he was not accustomed to the negative publicity that came with a DUI arrest. When he was only 20, Musso drove drunk. He failed to slow down for the police, and they pulled him over. According to Musso, he was very embarrassed about the incident. He got out of jail on $5,000 and has stayed out of trouble since then.

The Consequences of a Celebrity DUI

In many Disney stars DUIs, the charges didn’t result in serious penalties. In fact, some of the stars never faced any penalties. The lack of consequences doesn’t have as much to do with their stardom as it does their legal representation. Often, celebrities hire skilled lawyers to defend them. Those lawyers understand what it takes to defend DUI charges successfully. In court, great lawyers can get great outcomes.

There are many ways to defend against a DUI charge. When a lawyer examines your case, he can come up with a winning strategy for your case. Celebrities aren’t the only ones who can get legal help – you can too. If you are facing DUI charges, then you need the help of a lawyer. You don’t have to suffer from the maximum penalties. With the help of a lawyer, you could fight your charges.

All DUIs are serious incidents with severe consequences. However, a DUI with children in the car has particularly harsh consequences. In addition to putting your own lives and future at risk, you put your children’s lives at risk. The incident happens more frequently than you might think. Find out everything you should know about a DUI with children.

How Common Is a DUI With Children?

If you ever watch the news, then you know that DUIs sometimes involve children. No matter where you live, you can hear stories about parents who drive drunk with their children in the car. Often, those incidents have terrible consequences. About 20% of traffic deaths that involve children under the age of 15 involve alcohol. If you drive drunk with a child present, then you put their lives at risk.

In one Texas incident, two parents left a bar with their 13-year-old and seven-year-old children. The parents were too drunk to drive. Instead of calling for a taxi, they let their 13-year-old drive. The police pulled over the vehicle for slow and erratic driving. Then, they arrested the parents for child endangerment. Although the parents tried to avoid a DUI, they still put the lives of their children at risk.

In Florida, a mother drove drunk with her three-year-old in the back seat. She drew attention by driving in between lanes and in a zig-zag pattern. After a driver called the police, the police pulled the woman over. When they did, they found the child unrestrained. The mother blew a .20, which showed that she was well over the legal limit. She faced a DUI charge as well as one for child abuse.

In other situations, the parents attempt to drive. However, the result is never a good one. At sobriety checkpoints, police often find drunk drivers with child passengers. Sometimes, the police are too late. They find children at the scene of a DUI accident. The incident is common enough that many states feel the need to address the issue.

The Penalties

If you drive drunk with children in the car, then the penalties are severe. In addition to facing the typical DUI penalties, you could also lose your children. It depends on the state where the incident occurred. However, wherever you live, your state takes a DUI with children seriously.

In some states, there are harsher penalties for driving drunk with children in your vehicle. Instead of facing a misdemeanor conviction, you could have a felony. Your mistake could follow you around for the rest of your life. In addition to facing years in prison, you could lose out on work and housing opportunities after your sentence. Your future could be bleak.

In any case, it’s likely that a judge will not look kindly upon your actions. Even with a low BAC and no accident, a judge could issue you with the maximum sentence. If you involve children in a DUI, then a judge will not go easy on you during sentencing.

Child Endangerment

Some states also consider driving drunk with a child as child endangerment. In addition to a DUI charge, you could face charges of endangerment. As the child’s caretaker, it is your responsibility to protect him. When you drive drunk with a child, you neglect that responsibility. Whatever your intentions were, your actions were dangerous. A court could decide that your actions fit the definition of abuse or endangerment.

In any state, child endangerment is a serious offense. The consequences don’t only impact your life. They impact your child’s. If you have a custody agreement with the child’s other parent, then your DUI with children involved could change that agreement. A court might decide that you only deserve supervised visitation. In some cases, they might prohibit any contact with the child. For the rest of your life, your endangerment charges could haunt you.

Your child endangerment charges aren’t the only consequence. Often, Child Protective Services looks into cases that involve a DUI with children. If they don’t like what they find in their investigation, then you could lose your children.

Preventing the Incident

When you drive drunk with children, you put their lives at risk. As a result, the stakes are high. There is no happy ending to drunk driving with children in the vehicle.

To prevent a bad outcome, you should avoid driving drunk with children at all costs. When you go out with them, avoid drinking. If you do drink, use a portable breathalyzer and make sure that your BAC is low enough to drive. Some apps allow you to keep track of your drinking. Then, they estimate your BAC. Using a tool to know about your sobriety can prevent a DUI.

If you think that you might be drunk, call a friend or a taxi. It’s the only sure-fire way to prevent drunk driving. And it can protect your family.

Drinking and driving is never a good idea. However, drinking and driving into the water? That’s a health hazard, to say the least. There are many dangers to drinking and driving, and one of those dangers is driving off the road. If you happen to drive off the road and land in water, then you could be in for a rude awakening.

The Dangers of Drinking and Driving into the Water

Although it might sound far-fetched, drinking and driving into the water happens more than you think. When you drive drunk, your senses are dulled. Instead of seeing the road clearly, you see it blurry. You also might see water and confuse it for the road. If you are drunk enough, you could drive straight into the water thinking that it was a road.

Another issue with drinking and driving is your perception. Although you might see a turn up ahead, you might not slow down enough to make the turn. That is exactly what happened to a 21-year-old in Clearwater Beach. After he had too much to drink, he got into his vehicle and drove. He drove too fast across the bridge. When there was a sharp turn ahead, he was unable to make the turn. Instead, he drove into the ocean.

The driver was able to get out of his vehicle and swim to shore. However, that didn’t solve his problems. The police came to the scene and charged him with a DUI. With a blood alcohol limit of .22, he was well over the legal limit. The authorities believe that the incident occurred because he was drunk.

Health Hazard and a DUI

When you drive drunk and end up in the water, you do more than risking your personal safety. You also put yourself at risk for a DUI. If you have an accident, the police will come to the scene. When they find out that you have alcohol in your system, they could arrest you. It’s not often that a driver drives into the water; it is likely that they will try to determine your sobriety. If you are over the legal limit, then you could find yourself in police custody.

Of course, this only matters if you make it out of the water safely. In some cases, the driver does not make it out of the water. When your car lands in the water, you need to get out quickly. Your insobriety could make that a challenge. Hitting your head could also make that a challenge. If there is an impact and you lose consciousness, then you might not make it out of the water. It’s very possible for your accident to be a fatal one.

Avoiding a Health Hazard

The best way to avoid the health hazard of drinking and driving into the water is to avoid drinking and driving. If you plan to go out, then ask a friend to be the designated driver. There is usually one person willing to abstain from drinking for the night. You could even take turns being the designated driver.

Of course, you don’t always plan to have a night out. Sometimes, you have a few drinks before you realize that you need to get home. If this happens to you, then you should call a friend or family member. Another option is to call for a taxi or an Uber. In today’s technology-driven world, getting a ride home from the bar is easy. You can message a friend on Facebook, use a ride-sharing app, or call someone from your smartphone. With almost limitless options, safely getting home is easy.

As a last resort, you can always wait until you are sober. If you’ve had a few drinks, then wait until they wear off. Have something to eat and hang out until you sober up. However, avoid sleeping in your car. In some states, sleeping in your vehicle can result in a DUI. The rules regarding sleeping drunk in your vehicle vary by state. If you try to sleep it off, then you could end up under arrest.

Taking Precautions

It’s in your best interest to avoid drinking and driving. In addition to avoiding a health hazard, you can also avoid DUI charges. If you fall into the water and survive, your future could be ruined. An officer could arrest you for a DUI. As a result, you could face serious consequences.

Even with the help of a lawyer, your DUI charges could end badly. You need the help of an experienced lawyer to mount a strong defense. While he can help you limit your sentence, your lawyer can’t work miracles. A DUI charge could leave you left to pay high fines, live a few months without your license, and spend time in jail. You can avoid trouble altogether by not drinking and driving.

Everyone makes a few bad decisions in life. For some people, one of those bad decisions is drinking and driving. When you choose to drink and drive, it doesn’t often end well. You might not realize that you’re too drunk to drive until you start driving. However, it might be too late. There aren’t many options that can keep you safe and out of trouble. To avoid the consequences of drinking and driving, you might choose to sleep on the side of the road. But that might not be your best option. Find out what you should do if you are too drunk to drive.

Can you sleep on the side of the road?

Like most laws, the laws regarding sleeping on the side of the road are not easy to understand. First, you need to consider your state’s laws. In every state, there are unique laws about sleeping on the side of the road. For example, in some states, it might be illegal but the police officers don’t often enforce it. In other states, the officers might take the law more seriously.

It also depends on where you choose to pull over. If you pull over on the side of a highway, then you have a problem. Parking alongside a highway is illegal and dangerous. If a police officer finds you parked there, then he will probably issue you a ticket. And if he finds you drunk, then you may be placed under arrest.

You also need to consider your sobriety. If you are too drunk to drive, then the law might be different. While it might be legal to sleep on the side of the road, it might be illegal to do it while you are drunk. In most states of the US, it is illegal to sit in the car while you are drunk. Although the laws vary by state, most states frown upon sleeping in your vehicle while drunk. Your actions could result in a DUI. Despite trying to avoid an arrest, your actions could cause one.

What are the risks of sleeping it off?

You might feel that sleeping it off is less risky than driving when you had too much to drink. However, sleeping on the side of the rode has its own risks. Here are a few of them:

1. Putting your physical well-being at risk

First and foremost, you can put your own well-being at risk. When you sleep on the side of a busy road, you could be the victim of an accident. At night, it could be difficult for someone to see your vehicle. Another car could plow into you and leave you with serious injuries. If you’re sleeping in your car, you wouldn’t even see them coming.

2. Putting others at risk

Of course, you also put others at risk if you sleep on the side of a highway. If someone is tired or sees an object up ahead, he might swerve off the road. As a result, he could hit your vehicle. This type of accident could leave the other driver and his passengers with serious injuries.

3. Health risks in extreme temperatures

If you live somewhere with low winter temperatures, then sleeping it off comes with another risk. The cold weather could cause hypothermia. Although most sober individuals would turn on the heat before a car gets too cold, someone who had too much to drink might not. Sleeping in your vehicle in the extreme cold could have fatal or severe effects. You could require immediate medical help.

4. Risk your future

If you have any ambitious plans for our future, then they probably don’t involve a DUI. When a police officer finds you sleeping in your vehicle intoxicated, you could get a DUI. And the consequences of a DUI put your future at risk.

Consider some of the effects of a DUI conviction. For a serious offense, you could spend time in jail. As a result, you could lose your job. In the future, any prospective employers could find out about your conviction. It could follow you around for years. Another consideration is the fine. If money is tight, then you might have a hard time paying your fines. When you combine those fines with the cost of legal fees, then you have a mountain of debt. Any financial plans that you had could go out the window.

Too drunk to drive: How should you handle it?

With so many risks to sleeping it off, you should do other things to handle your situation. Here are a few options that you could consider:

1. Don’t drive while drunk

While this option might sound obvious, it deserves mention. With so many negative consequences of drunk driving, you should avoid it at all costs. If you can, find a designated driver to drive you home on your night out. On an impromptu night of drinking, you should call for a taxicab or an Uber driver. Today, getting a ride home is as easy as using an app on your phone.

2. Find a safe place to stop

If you don’t realize that you are too drunk to drive until you start driving, then you still have options. One of the best options is to pull over somewhere safe. Be on the lookout for a safe parking lot. If you see a church, a 24/7 store, or a fast food establishment, then you should pull into the parking lot. Instead of sitting on the side of a dangerous road, you can be safer in the parking lot.

If you want to avoid any chance of a DUI, then you should get out of your vehicle. Spend a few hours inside a fast food restaurant, or walk around Walmart. If you have anyone to call for help, then call them. You might prevent a DUI.

Drinking and driving is a serious problem in Massachusetts. Although there are rules in place to limit the occurrence of drinking and driving, it still happens. There are more things that can be done to make drunk driving less of an issue. For one, liquor stores could refuse service to intoxicated customers. Find out how this could change things and whether or not it is legal.

Liquor Stores and Refusal of Service

If you walk into a liquor store, then you walk into a private business. As such, that business can refuse service to you for any reason. You might notice signs that say “we reserve the right to refuse any service.” Those signs are reminders that, as private businesses, liquor stores can send you away. If they don’t want to serve you, then they don’t have to serve you.

This means that your liquor store can refuse to serve you because you are too drunk. If you show up intoxicated, the cashier could send you away. However, he has no legal obligation to do so. In Massachusetts, there is no law that says a liquor store must turn away a drunk customer. The choice is entirely up to the cashier and store owner.

However, most liquor stores do sell to intoxicated individuals. This is because there are still laws against discrimination. For example, a private business cannot discriminate based on your sex, religion, or a number of other situations. Refusing a customer does put a store at risk for a lawsuit. There need to be no signs of discrimination. Otherwise, the liquor store could be the victim of a costly lawsuit.

If Massachusetts law had a section about denying alcohol to drunk customers, then store owners might do so more frequently. However, there is nothing that requires this practice. For the most part, liquor stores allow the sale of alcohol to drunk individuals. They might deny sales to pregnant women or people in other circumstances. But, in theory, they could deny the sale of liquor to drunk people.

Similar Precedents

Although most liquor stores in the state do sell to drunk customers, that may soon change. The state is taking a proactive stance against illegal drinking. To do this, most stores require that you have an in-state identification to purchase liquor. If you have an out-of-state ID, then the store can refuse you service. You need to show a passport or state ID; otherwise, you get sent home. Although this might sound like discrimination, it’s not. This requirement prevents people from using fake out-of-state IDs to purchase liquor.

With so many college campuses in the state, Massachusetts has a major issue with college students using fake IDs.Spotting fake out-of-state IDs is very difficult. By only allowing liquor purchases from state residents, the stores and clubs can prevent underage drinking.

Like refusing service to a drunk individual, refusing service to an out-of-state individual is a way to cope with illegal drinking. If more liquor stores refuse to serve drunk people, then drinking and driving could decline.It’s likely that the practice of denying out-of-state licenses made an impact on underage drinking.

Another precedent involves selling to people who are in the company of a minor. If you have a minor in your vehicle, a liquor store employee could refuse you service. If he does not, and you give the alcohol to the minor on his property, then he faces penalties. Additionally, you and the underage individual could face penalties. By having state legislation against the sale of liquor to minors, the state forces liquor stores to be more vigilant. Most stores are very cautious about selling to people who are in the company of minors. Rather than pay high fines for breaking the law, they would rather miss out on a sale.

Why Would it Help?

When most people go to a liquor store, they drive there. While there are a few exceptions, most people don’t walk to buy alcohol. Either they drive, or they have a friend drive over. By refusing service to a drunk individual, the cashier at the store could prevent a drunk driving accident.

Often, drunk driving occurs long after someone becomes drunk. It takes a certain level of inebriation for people to think that drunk driving is a good idea. If a cashier serves you when you are drunk, then he might contribute to your drunk driving. The alcohol that he sells you could be what pushes you to the point of drunk driving.

There’s also the issue of excessive drinking. In college towns, this is a major problem. Students sometimes drink to a dangerous extent. If you read the news, you can find plenty of stories about alcohol poisoning in college students. Refusing service to a drunk person could prevent alcohol poisoning before it happens. And it could prevent drunk driving. It’s a simple solution to many of Massachusetts’ drinking issues.

Irish culture is synonymous with New England and especially Boston. When you think of Boston you think of the Celtics, St. Patrick’s Day, and of course Irish pubs. It’s the city where everything is green for St. Patrick’s Day, especially the beer. When we think of Irish pubs, we think of Guinness, Irish whiskey, Gaelic music, Irish stew, and fish and chips. The Irish are a big part of the area and have been for well over 100 years. So do elements of Irish heritage influence the drinking culture in Boston and New England? The short answer is yes.

The Irish Population Numbers

According to Forbes 35.5 million Americans say they have at least partial Irish ancestry. That’s equivalent to 11.6% of the population, which is higher than the entire population of Ireland. Ireland has a total population of just 6.4 million people. Boston has the highest percentage of people with Irish heritage in the country at 20.4%. That’s followed by Middlesex County Massachusetts at 16.9%. Other areas within New England rank high on the list as well. As you can see New England has a high concentration of people with Irish ancestry than other parts of the country. These high numbers alone would lead to some influence on the culture.

Irish Pubs

It’s no surprise with such a large population that Irish pubs are everywhere in New England and especially Boston. You can find Irish pubs in just about every neighborhood in the city. Many of the pubs downtown cater to tourists and college students, and the stereotypical image of Irish pubs (4 leaf clovers everywhere, people doing Irish car bombs, the Dropkick Murphy’s blasting). This is not the case however for all the local pubs. Locals fill the pubs in Southie and areas such as Dorchester. These bars can get ruckus too, but you also find quieter ones to talk in and listen to Irish music.

Irish pubs have a long history in Boston. The green dragon tavern is one of the oldest Irish pubs and bars in the city. It dates back to 1654 and counts some of our founding fathers like Paul Revere and John Hancock as patrons. Doyle’s cafe is another Irish bar with a long history dating back to 1882. It’s such an iconic Boston bar that it appears in several movies including Mystic River and Patriots’ Day. Bars like Eire pub have served as photo ops for politicians like Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton to curry favor with the local population, Irish pubs are woven into the fabric of Boston, and cater to people from all walks of life.

The Drinking Culture in New England

According to a study published in the American Journal of Public health, New Englanders like to drink. New England ranked as one of the areas with the highest rates of problematic drinking and overall drinking. Irish Americans have a higher alcohol drinking rate of 80% compared to the 67% found in the overall population. This isn’t necessarily a smoking gun that Irish heritage has influence the drinking culture, but it does show some linkage. It’s hard to deny that an area with such high Irish heritage wouldn’t have an effect on the drinking culture given their higher drinking rates.

Bostonians and New Englanders alike love to drink as we’ve stated before. Boston, after all, is a home of the famous Sam Adams brewery. Sometimes the drinking can go a little too far. 2.1% of Massachusetts residents admit to driving drunk which is higher than the National average of 1.9%. DUI’s in Massachusetts come with some pretty stiff penalties nowadays including fines of $500-$5000, a loss of your license for a year, and potentially jail time. A good lawyer can help minimize these penalties and possibly get you off. The services you need, if you’ve received a DUI, can be found here.

The Verdict

It’s hard to say anything other than yes; the Irish have influenced the drinking culture in New England. Based on the data available given the population numbers and drinking number it’s fair to say they have. The Irish pub scene has helped shape the drinking culture in Boston for decades. Many of the lists you’ll find online for the best bars in Boston have some Irish pubs on the list. The number of Irish pubs is so high that it’s its own sought-after category in the area.

The Irish pub has turned Boston at the very least into a vibrant, multifaceted drinking culture. It’s created establishments for the throngs of college students, tourists, and locals. You can find pubs that double as nightclubs, as well as quiet places to grab a pint or a glass of whiskey and catch up with an old friend. The Irish pub has a special place in the heart of New England.

When it comes to defending their clients, defense attorneys deserve all the information that they can get. However, one state police agency is holding back on DUI data. The data relates to the reliability of breath tests. As a result, it’s essential information for defense attorneys. They need it to defend individuals with DUI charges. Multiple times, the state police agency failed to release the much-needed data. Find out the whole story.

Who Can the DUI Data Help?

Many suspected drunk drivers find themselves in trouble with the law. Often, that trouble is a result of failed breathalyzer tests. The DUI data speaks to the reliability of those breathalyzers. If the test is unreliable, some innocent drivers could find themselves facing penalties for a crime they did not commit.

The data could help at least hundreds of people charged with drinking and driving. However, the scope could be even greater. With the DUI data, thousands of individuals could get the help they need to defend themselves. It’s impossible to say exactly how many people could benefit from the data, but there is no doubt that it will help many.

The Details

In a 126-page report, the Executive Office of Public Safety stated that the Office of Alcohol Testing made mistakes. When defense attorneys asked for DUI data, the office refused to help. Run by the Massachusetts State Police, the Office of Alcohol Testing left lawyers in the lurch. They declined to provide lawyers with the evidence that could help their clients.

Everything came to light when a few lawyers filed a complaint. They explained the situation and revealed that they were unable to get the documentation their clients needed and deserved.

The Breathalyzer

The issue is with one specific breathalyzer machine. In Massachusetts, the Draeger 9510 Alcotest is one type of breathalyzer. The state started using them in 2011. However, the results of the breathalyzer may not be what they seem. Attorneys who represent about 750 defendants had doubts about the reliability of the machine. With potential maintenance and calibration issues, the machine left attorneys doubtful that its results were accurate.

To verify their claims, the attorneys needed DUI data. But the Office of Alcohol Testing was not willing to comply. One Springfield attorney filed a motion that accused them of intentionally withholding evidence. The same lawyer pointed out that every person who blew into the Draeger 9510 Alcotest is affected by the faulty machine.

The Office of Alcohol and Testing didn’t always ignore the requests for discovery. Instead, they would give attorneys some information. However, they would only provide basic information. Many times, they failed to provide documentation that revealed the weakness of a breathalyzer machine. Some of the DUI data showed that a device did not calibrate correctly. Meanwhile, other data showed how often a device went in for repair work. Unfortunately, that useful information never made it into the hands of defense attorneys.

The Response

The Office of Alcohol Testing admitted that their policy did not allow for much disclosure. In fact, their exact words were to “minimize disclosure.” Omitting key documents wasn’t only a personal choice by staff members, but an office policy. After realizing that this policy caused injustice, the office decided to make some changes.

In response to the Office of Alcohol Testing’s lack of cooperation, the state terminated Melissa O’Meara. As the former technical leader at the office, Melissa took the blame for the agency’s unwillingness to cooperate. To fill her position, the state will appoint Massachusetts undersecretary for Forensic Science and Technology Curtis Woods. The state plans to employ new policies that will make for more cooperation with defense attorneys. There is a document that outlines the long list of procedural changes. However, it will take time for the changes to gain approval and to be enforced. Until then, a retired judge will help the office handle any discovery requests. With these changes, the office should be able to provide DUI data to lawyers.

Are Breathalyzers Accurate?

Although the DUI data contains important information about one specific breathalyzer, it doesn’t prove that all breathalyzers are inaccurate. The report shows no evidence that relates to inaccuracies in all breathalyzers. While breathalyzers aren’t the most accurate test for detecting drunk driving, they are acceptable. This report only showed that the one particular breathalyzer was not reliable.

In the state of Massachusetts, there are approximately 400 breathalyzers. According to officials, they are all in working order. They feel that the DUI data won’t have as big of an impact as defense lawyers believe. However, the faulty breathalyzer devices could affect many people. And there’s no way to guarantee that every other device is perfect.

In conclusion, the only way to make sure that you aren’t a victim of a faulty device is to speak to a lawyer. Injustice occurs in the legal system. However, there are ways to fight that injustice. Contact a lawyer to make sure that you don’t become a victim.

Recently, Massachusetts legalized recreational marijuana. While there are many benefits of the drug’s legalization, there is one major issue – Marijuana DUI laws. When marijuana was illegal, anyone with traces of marijuana in their system could face penalties. However, that is no longer the case. The state needs to figure out how to handle a marijuana DUI case. And that is more difficult to do than you might imagine.

What is a Marijuana DUI in Massachusetts?

Currently, there is no easy way to define a marijuana DUI in Massachusetts. In fact, most other states have the same issue. That’s because a DUI requires impairment. Yet, there is no way to determine the level of impairment for marijuana. Police officers can use breath, blood, and urine tests to measure the amount of alcohol in the system of a drunk driver. However, there are no accurate tests for marijuana DUIs.

The Troubles of Testing

Marijuana is unique from alcohol in that it affects your brain. While alcohol circulates in your blood, marijuana does not. Alcohol testing is as simple as measuring the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. But the same testing does not work for marijuana. Instead, researchers need to figure out how to accurately test for marijuana in a drivers body.

The key word is “accurately.” If an officer arrests you for a marijuana DUI, there is a test that he can administer. However, it is not an accurate test. There is little research on the effects of marijuana on a driver. As of now, there is no way to say when I driver is driving impaired. For one, researchers cannot agree on how to measure impairment. Secondly, researchers can’t figure out how to test for impairment. The testing troubles make it very difficult for judges and law enforcement to know how to handle a marijuana DUI.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Weighs In

With so much confusion surrounding the issue of marijuana DUIs, it’s no surprise that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court weighed in on it. After Thomas Gerhardt, a marijuana user and driver failed two failed sobriety tests, the police arrested him. However, his lawyer argued that the field tests did not demonstrate an accurate level of impairment for marijuana use. She claimed that field sobriety tests fail to test for driving impairment. While most marijuana users can’t stand on one leg, they may be sober enough to drive.

In an alcohol-related DUI, a driver would fail one or two field sobriety tests and take a breathalyzer. In court, the police would use both the field sobriety test results and the breathalyzer results to argue impairment. However, there is no test to back up the police officer’s accusations of impairment. This leaves the police officer to be responsible for deciding the driver’s level of impairment. Gerhardt’s lawyer argued that most police officers don’t have the experience to do so.

Before the case went to the state Supreme Court, a lower court agreed that there is no current way to determine impairment in marijuana DUIs. However, new studies have come out since then. Science is starting to catch up to the legalization of marijuana.

Cracking Down on Marijuana DUIs

While it might be a gray area, the state of Massachusetts still wants to crack down on marijuana DUIs. And there may be a good reason for this. Since the legalization of medical marijuana in the state, there have been more marijuana-related accidents on the highway. In other states that legalized recreational marijuana, there were similar findings. For example, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington experienced a 2.7% increase in collisions after the legalization of marijuana. High drivers could have slower reactions to incidents and may have trouble estimating distance or time.

Although the state wants to crack down on this issue, they are doing so by focusing on awareness campaigns. Without accurate tests for impairment, law enforcement can’t do much in the way of prosecuting a marijuana DUI. It all comes down to whether the judges believe an officer when he claims that a driver was impaired.

The Penalties

You could still find yourself facing a drugged driving offense in Massachusetts. If you do, you should be aware of the consequences. A first-time offender could face fines of up to $5000. He may also face a one-year license suspension and imprisonment of as much as 30 months. For second-time offenders, the penalties are even harsher. The fines could cost up to $50,000, and you could lose your license for your lifetime. There’s also a mandatory prison sentence of as many as five years.

Fortunately, it is possible to fight a marijuana DUI charge. It’s a blurry area, and there is no way to say for sure that you were impaired at the time of your arrest. With a good lawyer, you may be able to beat your charges. Don’t hesitate to get the legal representation that you need.

The dangers of drunk driving are known and understood by most, but what about drugged driving? Many wrongly assume that drugs like cannabis do not have a significant effect on driving ability. Much like alcohol, however, drugs often impair the user’s reaction times, depth perception and coordination. As a driver, knowing what drugged driving is, and the risks associated with it are necessary for the safety of yourself and others on the road.

What Is Drugged Driving?

Every state defines drugged driving differently. In general, state laws define driving while impaired by one of over four hundred drugs tracked by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as drugged driving. The most often used drug in accidents is cannabis. The widespread legalization of recreational cannabis has lead to many incidents. Besides cannabis, driving under the influence of prescription drugs also causes many accidents. Their use is growing with the overprescribing of drugs in America. These drugs only account for less than have of the incidents documented. It’s clear that there is a large variety of dangers including narcotics, stimulants, depressants, and vapors.

Part of the problem of studying how risky some drugs are for drivers is that it’s tough to point to a key factor. Many of the autopsies of road incidents tested positive for alcohol and one or more drugs. Further, the states vary widely in which tests they use, and how often they conduct tests for road incidents. With the efforts to reduce drunk driving, and the legalization of cannabis, however, it’s safe to assume that drugged driving could become a more serious issue.

How Do Police Test for Drug Use?

There is no uniform test for drug use amongst the states. Part of the problem is that there is no roadside test for drug use yet that has proven to be as accurate as a breathalyzer for alcohol. Blood tests can only measure if the suspect used drugs in the past couple weeks. Also, there is no clear evidence on how high blood-levels need to be to affect driving ability. Everyone reacts to THC differently, so it’s tough to set a standard limit. This differs from alcohol, which has a clear link between blood alcohol content and accident risk. More recently, police are using swab tests of a driver’s saliva, but their success is not perfect. Neither swab tests nor blood tests can determine if a driver is currently under the influence of drugs.

Many police forces are training Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) to detect the use of substances. There are now over 100 DREs in Massachusetts, but not nearly enough for every police force across the state. The usual test run by an expert is twelve steps focusing on the suspect’s blood pressure, pupil size, pulse, and coordination. Even with an increased focus on training, the reality is that many officers still do not know what to look for. Often, the effects of drug use wear off by the time a DRE can conduct a test on the suspect.

Is It Illegal?

Drugged driving is illegal in every state, even in the growing number of states that allow cannabis. Due to a lack of research on blood-levels that suggest impairment, many states have a zero-tolerance policy. This policy means it’s illegal to drive with even small amounts of drugs in your body. If officers see any likely signs of drug use, they will detain you and conduct proper tests at the station.

In Massachusetts, the prosecutor decides whether to convict a suspect for a drugged driving incident on a case-by-case basis. Often, the prosecutor will rely on a DRE for evidence, meaning the decision is very subjective. There is no blood-level limit or zero-tolerance policy in the commonwealth. If a police officer suspects you are under the influence of drugs, they may convict you – even if you are not driving erratically. Cops can charge you without you knowing you are driving impaired. If charged, you are subject to the penalties of a driving under the influence (DUI) offense. These penalties can include fines, suspension of your license and even jail time. A DUI is not something you want to take lightly.

Stay Safe and Jail Free

In the end, driving while impaired, whether by alcohol or drugs, is always a risk. The country still focuses on drunk driving, while drugged driving continues to grow. Further, the lack of consistent laws for drugged driving across the country is the exact reason why you should seek out the advice of an expert if you are ever involved in a drug-related driving case. You will want an attorney with drugged driving experience on your side in cases where a DRE and a prosecutor decide your fate. There are severe penalties for a DUI, and you do not want to take any chances.

Being convicted of a DUI can affect a lot of your life. Your insurance will go up; you will have to pay fines and provide community service, and your movements may be restricted to a particular area. But, what about your future? Will this DUI affect the options you have for higher education?

Will A DUI Affect Your College Admission?

There are many colleges who ask about felonies and convictions on their admissions applications. While it may not be a felony, they may still request the nature of the charges. In the event your paperwork is in competition with others, this may work against you. There will be other applicants without arrests or DUI charges. If there are a handful of enrollments available, you will need every advantage you can get. The better the school, the higher their standards will be and the more competition you will have for admission. There will most likely be a limited number of students allowed for the year, and you’ll want to be one of them.

Should you decide to leave your DUI from the application, you will be rejected once they find out you lied. And it is incredibly likely they will. You want to be honest when filling out your applications, regardless of whether you think you will be found out or not.

Can a DUI Affect Your Scholarship?

Many private lending institutions have been known to withdraw funding to persons who have been convicted of a DUI. Because they are private, they can pull scholarships to anyone they choose. And in many cases, there are decency clauses that will give them just that power. There will be other candidates for the same scholarship, and they will want to give the tuition to the most deserving. A DUI carries the perception of frivolous behavior or lack of ambition. Neither is something that is worthy of an endowment.

While you may not be able to get a scholarship from a private institution, FAFSA may still be an option. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid will not necessarily exclude you because of your first conviction. However, the more you have, the less likely your approval will be. At the second conviction, you will have acquired a felony, and that will shut you out from FAFSA and most available scholarships. You can find out more here. You can ask the counselor about your FAFSA application and how you should answer any questions regarding your DUI. Additionally, you may want to let your attorney know that you will be filling out the application and speaking to the counselor, in case they ask you questions you aren’t sure how to answer. This way, you can make a quick call and ask your attorney.

Will a DUI Affect Your Education?

Should you have community service hours to fill, they may conflict with your classes. Many community services opportunities occur during regular business hours or after, but during the week. Sure, you can do them on weekends. But, that will cut into study time or time you need for assignments. This will cause your grades to suffer and could be troublesome for you. It could even get you dismissed from the class.

If you have a DUI conviction and have probation, it may affect your ability to go to a good college. Depending on the restrictions, you may not be able to leave the county you live in. In some cases, a judge may offer leniency, but even the process to ask for it could be too long. You may miss application deadlines or even get denied.

Fighting Your DUI

If you cannot afford to reside in a dorm or on campus, you may have to drive to school. If your conviction means that you need an Ignition Interlock Device, this could be a problem. There could be times that the instrument isn’t accurate and you can’t use the car. Or times it takes a minute to get it right and you end up late. These are problems that can cause you difficulty in school.

Speaking to your attorney is the best way to find out what your options are and how to secure your future. They will be able to tell you what your case looks like and how you can minimize the damage to your future. Your attorney will be able to tell you how to handle scholarship and admissions applications. They will understand the semantics of the paperwork and better advise you. Perhaps they ask if you have any felony convictions and yours was a misdemeanor. Or maybe you were granted a deferred adjudication and didn’t apply to the question. You will need an attorney for your case, regardless. You can start your research here.

Putting repeat DUI offenders in jail isn’t always effective. When you look at the statistics and past examples, it seems as if jail time makes people more likely to offend again. But there is another option. Sometimes, a judge requires offenders to attend alcohol rehab. While it may seem like a minor penalty, it can have a major impact. Find out why rehab may be an effective tool for fighting future DUIs in repeat offenders.

The Facts

When someone gets a DUI conviction, the penalties can be strict. Those penalties don’t seem to work. It’s common for people to become repeat offenders. This is a sign that the penalties aren’t working. If jail time, community service, and high fines don’t do the trick, what could?

The problem is that the penalties for a DUI don’t often treat the problem. A fine or time in jail won’t help someone stop drinking alcohol. In fact, it may compound the problem. The stress of the situation may make them rely on alcohol even more than before. Just consider some of the statistics. There are over two million people in the US with at least three DUI offenses. Shockingly, about 400,000 people have at least five DUIs. With so many multiple offenders, it’s obvious that the current penalties aren’t working as a deterrent.

Even first-time offenders aren’t truly first-time offenders. That’s because people usually drive drunk about 80 times before an officer arrests them for it. While someone may not have been to court to face the charges, the chances are high that they drove drunk many other times. This prevalence of drinking and driving is a problem and a sign that current penalties don’t get the job done.

In most states, people with DUIS face license suspensions. But this isn’t always effective. As many as 75% of people with suspended licenses still drive their vehicles. Keeping them off the road isn’t an effective tactic. They still manage to drive and put themselves and others at risk. For that reason, there needs to be a more effective penalty.

The Consequences

There are still tens of thousands of people killed in drunk driving accidents. It’s a problem that needs a solution. And although the law already has some penalties in place for DUIs, they aren’t working. If they were, there would be fewer repeat offenders and fewer DUI incidents.

How Can Alcohol Rehab Help?

Alcohol rehab targets the problem- excessive drinking. If someone is drinking in excess frequently, it’s not about breaking the law or being a thrill-seeker. It’s a sign of alcoholism. And alcoholism isn’t something that you can treat by placing someone in jail or fining them. Instead, it requires specific treatment.

Alcohol rehab comes in different forms. There are various types of facilities and methods for rehab. However, they all have one thing in common. They all attack the problem of alcoholism. They help you realize why you turn to alcohol as a cure-all, and how you can stop relying on it. Through rehab, you can learn how to cope with life’s problems while you are sober.

Many people don’t realize that they have a problem with drinking until something serious happens. For example, a DUI arrest may be what it takes to make them aware. But it’s not enough for them to be aware – they need help. If a judge offers alcohol rehab as an alternative to jail time, the offender may be able to get help before it’s too late.

Those who advocate rehab as an alternative to jail time don’t believe that DUI offenders should get a free pass. They do believe that it should come along with a fine and license suspension. The combination of the three may be what it takes to keep you from future DUI offenders.

Research backs up the logic. Studies have shown that alcohol rehab combined with the suspension or revocation of a license comes with a lower chance of future DUIs. There’s something to it, and it may help you stay out of trouble.

Alcohol Rehab as a Substitute

Your DUI doesn’t have to be a lengthy jail sentence. With the right representation, you may be able to get minimal consequences for your offense. And one of those consequences may be alcohol rehab. But getting that outcome isn’t easy. You need the right legal representation. This means that you need to find someone who has specific experience fighting DUI charges. If you hire someone without experience, they may not be as effective at representing you. Don’t take any chances. When you thoroughly research your lawyer, you may hire someone who can get you a great outcome.

Alcohol rehab may be what you need to keep you out of trouble. It could mean that a judge chooses to limit your other penalties. And it could also get you the help you need to prevent another DUI. Contact a DUI lawyer today to find out if alcohol rehab is an option for you.

Massachusetts DWI law can be a very tricky to navigate. Most of the confusion comes from people who do not know their rights. People often do not know if they have to submit to a breathalyzer test, or what the legal limit even is before they are DWI. It is of vital importance to know your rights so that you do not get yourself into even more trouble.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony?

According to Massachusetts DWI law, your first offense is a misdemeanor. However, it can still carry severe penalties. It is important to know that your DWI can become a felony if it includes either of the following, it involves death or a serious injury, or it is your third or more offense. If it is your first or second offense for DWI, then there is a small chance you end up spending time in prison. In Massachusetts, you also will not only face penalties from the courts but also from the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test?

This is one of the most common points of confusion. Many people think they do not have to submit to a breathalyzer test if they are pulled over. That is correct to a certain extent. In Massachusetts specifically, failing to submit to a breathalyzer test for the first time can result in having your driver’s license suspended for 180 days. If your being arrested for the 2nd time on a DWI charge and refuse to take a breathalyzer your license will be suspended automatically for three years. Each time you are arrested for DWI and refuse to take breathalyzer the longer your license will be suspended for. However, not submitting to a breathalyzer test does not automatically prove you are guilty.

Massachusetts DWI

Some states have different meanings and consequences for DWI, OUI, and DUI. OUI stands for operating under the influence, and DUI stands for driving under the influence. In Massachusetts however, they all mean the same thing. Massachusetts uses your blood alcohol content when determining whether you are driving under the influence. Massachusetts DWI law thresholds vary depending on your age and if you are driving a commercial vehicle or your own. If you BAC is over the set amount you will still be arrested even if you are driving perfectly. The amounts are as follows

0.08% or above―Drivers 21 years old or older operating regular passenger vehicles
0.04% or above―Drivers operating commercial vehicles
0.02% or above―Drivers younger than 21 years old

Massachusetts DWI Law Penalties

1st Offense:

• License suspension for one year
  $500 – $5,000 fine
  Possible of jail time up to 2 1/2 years
  Possible alcohol education program

2nd Offense:

• License suspension of two years
  $600 – $10,000 fine
  Possible jail time between 60 days and 2.5 years. The judge can lower this 30 days; otherwise, you are not eligible for parole until you serve 30 days.

3rd Offense:

• Felony charge
  License suspension for eight years
  $1,000 – $15,000 fine
  Possible jail time between 180 days and 2.5 years, or prison time between 2.5 years and 5 years. Your judge can reduce the sentence to 150 days; otherwise, you are not eligible for parole until you serve 150 days.
  Possible alcohol education program
  Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
  Possible vehicle registration revocation

4th Offense:

• Felony charge
  License suspension for ten years
  $1,500 – $25,000 fine
  Between 2 and 2.5 years in jail, or between 2.5-5 years in prison. Your judge can reduce the sentence to 1 year; otherwise, you are not eligible for parole until you serve at least one year.
  Possible alcohol education program
  Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
  Possible vehicle registration revocation
  Possible motor vehicle forfeiture

5th Offense:

• Felony charge
  License revocation: up to lifetime
  $2,000 – $50,000 fine
  Possible jail time of at least 2.5 years, or prison time between 2.5-5 years. Your judge can reduce this to 2 years; otherwise, you are not eligible for parole until you serve at least two years.
  Vehicle registration revocation
  Possible motor vehicle forfeiture
  Possible alcohol education program

The punishments listed above only include the possibilities handed down by the courts. In Massachusetts when you get a DWI, the Registry of Motor Vehicles can also impose their own consequences. The RMV punishments usually include more fines and added time to your license suspension.

Know What To Do Next

DWI is very common in America. According to a study by the CDC, there are over 300,000 incidents of drinking and driving daily. Knowing your rights improves your chances of beating the charge significantly. The best thing to do if accused of a DWI is to call a lawyer. Massachusetts DWI law can be very complicated, but a lawyer with a lot experience can understand every aspect of your case. Most of the time he or she can have you either acquitted or get you the least severe punishment possible. Being accused of DWI can cause you a massive headache, but with the right lawyer, it will be a thing of the past before you know it.

Everyone knows the drill when the police pull someone over under the suspicion of DUI. They ask the driver to step out of the vehicle and perform tasks to determine their level of intoxication. The three field sobriety tests drivers are most often asked to perform the walk-and-turn, the one-leg stand, and the horizontal gaze test.

What you may not know is that these tests are not entirely accurate. There are some studies that show just how ineffective these tests can be. Today we are going to explore the history and accuracy of field sobriety tests.

The History of Field Sobriety Tests

In 1975 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the task of standardizing field sobriety tests to the Southern California Research Institute. Up until that point, every police department had different tests. The goal of the study was to find the most accurate tests and make them the national standard.

SCRI took a look at 16 different tests that police departments nationwide were using. The test had to determine if a driver’s BAC was greater than .10% not that they were under the influence. In the end, the researchers choose the walk-and-turn test, the one-leg stand test, and the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test (HGN).

The walk-and-turn test is exactly what it sounds like. A driver has to take nine heel to toe steps in a straight line, turn around, and take nine heel to toe steps back. In the one-leg stand test, a driver elevates one foot six inches off the ground while counting by one thousand until the officer tells them to stop. Lastly, the HGN test involves a driver following an object with only their eyes, back and forth.

The Accuracy of Field Sobriety Tests

Upon conclusion of the study, the SCRI put officers to the test. Officers had to determine the level of intoxication of a participant with only the help of the three tests. So what were the results? The officers got it right with about the same frequency as they would have had they flipped a coin. There was a 47 percent margin of error. Researchers attributed the poor test results to officers not scoring the tests properly and ignoring evidence that showed some impairment was from factors other than alcohol.

The test results were so bad that the NHTSA had the institute conduct them again in 1981. After six years of training police officers, you would think the tests would be extremely accurate. However, the results still weren’t great. The HGN test could correctly identify someone with a BAC over .10, 77 percent of the time. The walk-and-turn test was accurate 68 percent of the time. Lastly, the one-leg stand test was correct 65 percent of the time. However, in combination, these tests were correct 80 percent of the time. The authors noted that there was a 32 percent false arrest rate.

These tests are far from perfect and result in countless false arrests for DUIs every year. The tests are especially inaccurate when performed by people over the age of 65, are more than 50 pounds overweight, or that have back leg, or middle ear problems. So, as you can see these tests do not accurately predict someone’s BAC in many cases.

Should You Take Field Sobriety Tests?

The short answer is no. Field sobriety tests are not a requirement. However, police officers receive training to make it seem like you don’t have a choice. You can politely decline to take the field sobriety tests. Taking the tests can only give an officer more probable cause to arrest you. If an officer pulls you over for a DUI, it is probably best to not take the tests.

The same is true for a portable breathalyzer device. These devices are only a tool to increase probable cause; they can’t be used in a court case against you. You can politely decline to take a portable breathalyzer. However, Massachusetts has what is called implied consent. This means that if you have a driver’s license, you give your consent to submit to a chemical test. This only applies to more accurate tests like those administered at the police station or a hospital. If an officer still places you under arrest after not submitting to any roadside tests, it may be best to submit to the chemical testing. If you do not your license will be immediately suspended.

The last thing you should do if a police officer pulls you over under suspicion of DUI is to remain silent. Under no circumstances should you admit to drinking. Telling the officer that you had one drink hours ago instantly gives them probable cause. Respectfully state that you are exercising your right to remain silent.

If you are facing DUI charges, contact an experienced Massachusetts DUI attorney today.

Alcohol abuse is a serious issue. Estimates suggest that one in twelve adults in the U.S. suffer from alcoholism. Several million more people engage in risky, binge drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems. The chances are that you know someone that may be suffering from alcohol abuse.

The problem with alcohol is that is socially acceptable to drink. In fact, drinking has deep roots in our culture. Weddings, funerals, work functions, and birthday parties often involve the use of alcohol. Because of the social acceptability of alcohol, it is often easy to brush warning signs aside and attribute a person’s drinking to their current social situation. However, this can be a dangerous trap.

So, what are the signs that you should be looking for in your loved ones? Today we are going to help you spot issues that may lead to dangerous consequences.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

The chances are that if you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol, there will be some common symptoms. Many people think that an alcoholic is a person on the corner panhandling for money. However, there are people who are not only able to maintain social acceptability but can also thrive while still struggling with alcohol abuse. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms:

• Repeatedly neglecting your responsibilities at work, school, or home because of your drinking. Examples include poor performance at work, skipping school, neglecting your children, or missing commitments because you are drunk or hung over. While some problem drinkers can maintain the other areas of their lives, many people struggle to keep up with everyday tasks.
• Using alcohol in dangerous situations. Drinking and driving repeatedly is a common example of someone not considering the consequences of their alcohol abuse. Another example is mixing alcohol with prescription medications against a doctor’s orders. Alcohol lower’s the consumer’s inhibitions and causes them to make poor decisions.
• Repeated legal problems because of your drinking. Do you have two, three, or four DUI convictions? Do you have an experienced Massachusetts DUI attorney on permanent retainer? This may sound like a joke, but a common sign of alcohol abuse is ending up in court over and over again for alcohol-related charges.
• Continuing to drink even though alcohol causes problems in your relationships. If you loved ones show concerns about your drinking and you can’t or don’t want to stop you may have an issue with alcohol. Most people can stop drinking when there is external pressure from family members. However, problem drinkers struggle with quitting even when faced with ultimatums and threats.
• Drinking as a way to relax or de-stress. Using alcohol as a way to face your problems is a cause for concern.

Alcoholism

The section above is mainly about people who have a drinking problem and aren’t yet physically dependent on alcohol to get through the day. Regular consumption of alcohol can lead to serious health risks. The first sign that someone may be an alcoholic is drinking to deal with their problems. People use alcohol to escape from reality and forget about their problems for a while. The issue becomes that escaping reality works and people fall into the trap of drinking to avoid everything.

When people drink frequently, they can become physically dependent on alcohol. Alcohol abuse has physical repercussions. When someone who is physically addicted does not consume alcohol, they suffer withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include shakiness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and depression. If you notice a loved one experiencing any of these symptoms when they do not have alcohol, you will want to get the professional help immediately. Withdrawal from alcohol can cause seizures and even death.

If alcohol abuse goes unchecked, it can lead to serious health problems. These problems include seizures, liver disease, and even death. As you can see it is important to get help for yourself or a loved one as soon as you notice the warning signs.

The Consequences of Alcohol Abuse

If you or a loved one abuses alcohol, chances are that you will experience some of the consequences. There are more than just health consequences associated with alcohol abuse. Alcoholics and problem drinkers are more likely to get a divorce, struggle with unemployment, and live in poverty. Personal relationships with the people closest to the problem drinker suffer the most.

There are frequent legal consequences of alcohol abuse as well. Getting behind the while after drinking doesn’t sound so bad to someone who drinks all of the time. This leads to DUI charges and endangering other people on the road. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse and has already been charged with a DUI, consult an attorney on the best way to proceed. You may also want to consider getting the person some help not only because it is the right thing to do but also because it may help their DUI case.

So many concerns come to the surface after being arrested for a DUI. DUI (driving under the influence) arrests impact the drivers in a variety of ways. The most obvious concern for drivers after DUI arrests is the different penalties they face – including car insurance. Will they end up with jail-time, a fine, a suspended license, or more? Drivers worry about all of these details, forgetting some of the different concerns that must be addressed additionally.

For example, while your legal standing should concern you, your financial standing should be of great concern as well. The law works to punish those caught for driving under the influence, but the law isn’t the only thing that does so. Insurance companies work with you on the basis that you work as a safe driver. When arrested for a DUI, you essentially surrender your right to call yourself a safe driver. With that in mind, car insurance companies see you in a different light. So while your concerns may steer towards your legal standing after a DUI arrest, your car insurance standing exists as another potential concern.

Knowing how insurance companies treat DUI arrests helps you understand the different possibilities you may face. Let’s take a look at all you need to know about how DUI arrests impact car insurance.

Rates Rise Significantly

First of all, understand it is in your best interest to fight against the charges filed against you. Should you win your case, your insurance company will see that and treat you with that in mind. Using a DUI Attorney to fight against the charges helps you not only know you are working with the maximum possible assistance, but also that you are doing all you can to save your money and your legal and insurance standings.

However, once arrested for a DUI without any legal way out, insurance companies take actions against those arrested. The costs for DUI arrests already add up after paying bail, the DUI fine, the fee for your lawyer, the alcohol treatment classes, and perhaps even an ignition lock. No one wants to see insurance rates rise following those expenses.

While true, the law does not sympathize with those arrested for driving under the influence. Instead, car insurance rates rise significantly. The monthly premium can be three to five times higher than an auto liability policy for a driver with a clean driving record. This number means what you usually pay will jump up largely, costing you bundles of extra money each month.

How Does The Money Break Down?

Now that we know how much the money moves up, you may wonder how much it all adds up to. Depending on the insurance company, you may end up spending upwards of $4,000 more per year following your DUI arrest. Insurance companies work similarly to the law, wishing to see you punished for your arrest. Not only that, but they work with you under the understanding you will be a safe driving. Your being arrested negates that deal with the company, essentially. One other potential change is your insurance company placing you in the “high-risk” faction of their clients. This means instead of being considered a safe driver by your insurance company, your insurance company believes you to be a liability on the road. You will pay according to that role. High-risk drivers often pay double or triple the amount they paid before due to this new label.

How Long Does My DUI Arrest Impact Me When It Comes To Insurance?

The final question worth asking is how long these policies will impact you. Will you forever be tied down by your DUI arrest, or will your records be clean one day? The answer to the question is ten years in the state of Massachusetts. It says on for ten years because you must fill out an SR-22 form to even be able to drive once again. Massachusetts frowns heavily on driving under the influence, and insurance companies work with the law to ensure these drivers never take the road while under the influence again. However, it could always be worse. In Alaska, your record never becomes clean after you are arrested for driving under the influence.

As you can tell, each state owns their own individual rules. Massachusetts keeps your DUI on the records for ten years, ensuring you do not walk without plenty of punishment. Additionally, the state labels you as high-risk, which hurts you in a multitude of ways. Not only does the label hurt you with your own insurance company and make you pay more, but it also makes it nearly impossible to find a better deal with a different insurance company. Thus, you are stuck paying high amounts each month, far more than you paid before. The lesson learned is staying sober on the roads.

5 Crazy DUI Stories

Driving under the influence, or DUI charges ruin reputations and jeopardize careers. Alcohol makes people do crazy things. Of course, the stupidest thing any individual can do is put other peoples’ lives in danger. That’s why the state of Massachusetts takes DUIs with particular severity. While a Massachusetts DUI attorney like Rory Munns helps you handle your case and alleviate the charges, it is still serious. Of course, not everything in life has to be so serious in tone. For instance, these crazy DUI stories may illustrate the negative effects of drinking and driving, but they are also mildly entertaining.

Crazy DUI Story #1: Agent K-9

Chesapeake, Virginia citizen Kyle Hagans told police officers he was an FBI agent in pursuit of a suspect before they arrested him for DUI. His FBI story became even less credible as he gave various false names and threatened the officers. His bizarre behavior increased when he began behaving like a dog, proceeding to raise his leg and urinate at the station. Eventually, police charged Hagans with second-offense DUI, impersonating a law enforcement agent and using a false identity.

Crazy DUI Story #2: Triple Trouble

A DUI crash in Naperville, Illinois involved three brothers: one older brother, Joseph F. Bojack, and two twins, James M. Bujak and Michael J. Bojack.  The car veered off the road, knocked a mailbox over, then finally stopped as it hit a tree. Next, all three brothers fled the scene, but police caught up with them. Police charged eldest Joseph with two counts of DUI, resisting or obstructing a police officer, illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor, two counts of hit and run, and failure to reduce speed to avoid having an accident. The police charged each twin with illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor as well as resisting or obstructing a police officer.

Crazy DUI Story #3: Making A Splash

A couple in St. Petersburg, Florida woke up to an unpleasant surprise when drunk driver Nicole Renee Carlin crashed her SUV into their backyard swimming pool. Bill Haggerty called 911 and attempted to help the woman out of the pool. Carlin insisted everything was fine, and she just wanted to leave, but then she fled the scene on foot. After police had tracked Carlin down, they charged her with a DUI with property damage, leaving the scene of an accident, and trespassing.

Crazy DUI Story #4: Quite The Segway

A Jackson, Michigan Segway cop got the arrest of his lifetime when an 18-year-old woman drove past him.  A Segway can only move at a maximum speed of about 12.5 miles an hour. So, it took a while for him to catch up the woman going about 40 miles an hour. However, he eventually caught up to her. After she failed various field sobriety tests, the cop called for a patrol car to haul the young lady to jail for DUI.

Crazy DUI Story #5: McDonalds Mania

Pocono police responded to a call from a local McDonald’s after a belligerent woman returned to the drive-through window.  She complained about an order she placed hours before. After arguing with the manager, her behavior warranted a call to the police from the staff. Law enforcers determined at the scene that Pennsylvania citizen Ingrid Urenovitch took too much of her prescribed medication and arrested her for DUI.

Drinking and driving underage is a serious crime, just like it is for someone over the legal drinking age. However, the same rules do not apply to those under 21. Getting behind the wheel after drinking at any age is not advised. If you are a minor or have children, there are some important laws that you should know.

Drinking and Driving Underage: Zero Tolerance

Many states have a zero tolerance policy.But what does zero tolerance mean? Zero tolerance essentially means that there is no flexibility in the law. If a minor was found to be drinking and driving underage, there would be no leniency whatsoever in an arrest, charges or sentencing.

Zero tolerance laws apply to drivers under the age of 21. This is also the case in Massachusetts. While the legal blood alcohol content limit is usually .08% BAC, for minors it is much lower. The zero tolerance policy decreases the legal BAC limit to .02% in the case of drinking and driving underage. Having a .02% BAC usually means that the driver has only had one drink. Drinking and driving underage after only one drink is enough to receive an OUI (operating under the influence) charge. Hence the name zero tolerance.

If you are under 21, or your child is arrested for an OUI, you will want to seek a DUI lawyer immediately. Becuase of the zero tolerance policies in most states, the penalties for drinking and driving underage are more severe.

The Penalties of Drinking and Driving Underage

As previously reported, the penalties for minors charged with an OUI or a DUI are more serious than someone over the legal drinking age. An Underage OUI in Massachusetts carries with it, up to two and a half years of house arrest, a $500-$5,000 fine and a suspension of driving privileges for one year, and that is just for the first offense. These may sound like steep consequences for drinking and driving underage, and they are. The idea behind zero tolerance policies is to prevent an underage person from repeating their mistakes. Zero tolerance laws often make certain that the offender receives criminal charges.

A second or third DUI offense in Massachusetts carries stiffer penalties. With a second or third offense comes the possibility of jail time, an increase in fines, and an additional length of license suspension. All of this should be enough to scare anyone thinking about getting behind the wheel after drinking. However, everyone makes mistakes.

In recent years states zero tolerance policies have come under fire by their residents. Opponents of such policies argue that not only are they not effective, but they also do more harm than good. Having no leniency means that the minor will have a criminal record for the rest of their lives.

What to Do If Your Child Drives Drunk

The first thing you need to do if you child receives a DUI charge is to hire a lawyer. An attorney can guide you in the right direction and help you to determine the best course of action for your child. All of the same defenses that an attorney can make in a traditional DUI case apply to a minor. Therefore, finding proper legal counsel is imperative.

• Find a lawyer that has experience dealing with underage DUI cases.
• Secondly, look for someone that will give you a free consultation on your case.

An attorney will be able to get the case against your child thrown out if the officers didn’t follow proper procedure. If an acquittal isn’t possible, your lawyer can attempt to obtain a plea bargain from the prosecution. While a plea bargain may not be the ideal choice, it is better than a DUI conviction on your son or daughter’s record. Speak to your attorney about a “continuance without a finding” plea. While the penalties for a conviction and “continuing without a finding” are similar, the latter means there is no actual conviction. Not having a conviction on your child’s record means that they can tell prospective employers that they have never been convicted of a crime and not lie. Your lawyer will help you figure out what course of action is best in your case, but it doesn’t hurt to have knowledge about your case.

Secondly, you should teach your child about the consequences of drunk driving. Approximately one in three traffic deaths in America involve a drunk driver. Hundreds of people a year die in alcohol-related crashes in Massachusetts alone every year. Teaching your children the consequences of drinking and driving underage could save their life.

Most of us get behind the wheel of a vehicle every day. Whether commuting to work or school or just running errands around town, chances are you will be on the roads today. Accidents happen. And when they do, it is always better if you have a witness. Witness credibility can have a significant impact on your claim, and today we will talk about how.

But first, let’s take a look at a little background information.

Some Important Statistics

In the year 2014, Massachusetts reported over 5 million licensed drivers out of an estimated population of roughly 6.7 million residents. A little simple math and we can calculate that nearly 75% of the people in Massachusetts spend some time on the road each and every day.  That provides an awful lot of opportunities for car accidents to occur.

Data from the Highway Division of MassDOT obtained for this article gives us a town-by-town tally of car accidents by year with data available through 2014. For that year, there were 130,233 automobile accidents.

For those wondering, the top 3 cities in Massachusetts were:

1. Worcester with 5,380

2. Springfield, with 4,139

3. Boston, with 4,023

That means, 3% of the licensed drivers in the state of Massachusetts had a car accident of some type in the year 2014.

What Does It All Mean?

You might be asking yourself why these statistics are relevant. Understanding the relative frequency illustrates the point that these accidents could happen to anybody, on any given day, and underscores the need for either having or being a credible witness.

The simple fact is, there are quite a few people involved in these accidents. And, as a result, when it comes to the police report or insurance claims, that can add up to a whole lot of “he said, she said,” In the majority of these accidents, the only witnesses are the drivers of the vehicles involved. Neither driver wants to admit they are at fault. And often both drivers believe the other to be responsible for causing the accident. As a result, Police and Insurance companies often rely on third-party witnesses to provide details on the crash; because they tend to be more objective.

What Does it Mean to be a Credible Witness

If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident yourself, you know just how quickly everything seems to happen. One minute, you’re driving along singing along with your favorite song on the radio, and then WHAM!, you’re spun out, spewing smoke from a mangled front end. Ask yourself, in this situation, how much of the accident did you see? Can you possibly know what happened? The suddenness of the situation could disorient even the most attentive of drivers. And, if you have sustained injuries, you may be less likely to provide a detailed and objective report.

Now, what about witnesses? Chances are if there were any vehicles or pedestrians close enough to see what happened, they were doing one of two things. Either they were swerving to avoid the wreck, and hence not having a good vantage point to provide details. Or, they were a pedestrian that only looked up from whatever they were doing when the noise startled them. Driver and pedestrian alike would provide a sketchy description of the accident. Still, it may be enough for the insurance company to support one of the crash victims statements. Witness Credibility is of paramount importance here.

Things that Can Affect Witness Credibility

There are quite a few caveats to being a credible witness.

Like we discussed above, if the witness was driving a vehicle, they might have been more worried about avoiding the accident, than committing to memory a detailed explanation of what occurred. In this case, the pedestrian would likely be our more credible witness.

How much of the accident they saw, can affect witness credibility. Did they see it from beginning to end? Or did they just catch it from the BANG!, that startled them.

Can the witness objectively determine how fast both vehicles were traveling? And, can you be certain the ‘witness’ observed the accident first hand and aren’t recounting what they heard from another witness?

Other factors that can play into witness credibility may be:

• Are they a criminal, or have they ever been convicted of a crime?
• Are they considered honest people by others that know them?
• Do they have anything to gain by the outcome of the investigation?
• Was the witness under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their statement?
• If they are supposed to be wearing glasses, were they wearing them on the date of the accident?

Other Things to Examine

And, as if all of the previous potential issues affecting credibility weren’t enough, there’s good old human nature to consider. Not everyone sees the same situation the same way. We all perceive things differently.

As you can see, there are so many factors that can impact the validity of an eye witness account. And, sometimes these accounts can make all the difference in a case. Their story can either help you win if their account supports yours, or destroy your case if what they share favors the other driver.Never underestimate the importance of witness credibility. And. As always, having an Attorney experienced in these types of cases is of paramount importance when it comes to winning your case.

Safe Driving everyone!

No-Fault Auto Insurance: What is it?

In 2012, the State of Massachusetts saw 108,379 auto crashes. Because of no-fault insurance, most Massachusetts residents receive compensation for accidents while paying relatively low premiums.

No-fault auto insurance is a program that allows those who have it to recover financial losses from insurance no matter the circumstances of an accident. It entered the scene in the 1970s with the goal to streamline the process of finding the responsible party in case of an accident. In the State of Massachusetts, no-fault car insurance is mandatory. No-fault insurance provides payment of benefits through personal injury protection (PIP) no matter which driver is at fault. Additionally, as state law it restricts policyholders’ rights to sue in case of an accident, a caveat called the “limited tort” option.

A motorist may sue for injuries and suffering if the case meets certain conditions, known as a threshold. The must be able to define serious injuries in explicit verbal form or concrete dollar amounts. Placing restrictions on compensation lawsuits keeps costs down. Furthermore, companies are able to pay claims faster. The one drawback to PIP coverage is abuse by dishonest clinics and doctors who conjure up unnecessary tests and procedures to cheat the state, which pushes up costs.

So Does Fault Not Matter in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, fault still matters regarding auto accidents. Even with no-fault insurance, a negligent driver may be responsible for additional compensation if the other party proves the policyholder was largely responsible for the accident. A victim might bring up fault if their injuries are permanent and serious. Accordingly, the accident victim files a personal injury claim to win compensation.

Choosing a college isn’t an easy task. There are many schools in Massachusetts alone, and finding the right fit can seem impossible. But the University of Massachusetts at Amherst is one school that stands out, and here are five reasons why.

1. Outstanding Academics

In 2017, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst ranked 74 out of all the national universities. The school is recognized for having strong academics. In fact, their average incoming student was ranked in the top fifth of their class. The school is now ranked 27th among public colleges in the US News & World Report.

On top of that, class sizes are smaller than most major universities. 50% of the classes have less than 20 students. Surprisingly, only about 18% of the classes had 50 or more students. These smaller classes make it easier for students to succeed.

2. A Beautiful Campus

College isn’t only about the academics. It’s also about the environment. When you’re choosing a college, you should consider the aesthetics of the campus. The grounds at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst are picturesque. There are trees and pathways scattered among beautiful buildings. The Old Chapel is one of the most recognized buildings on the campus. Built in 1884, the chapel makes the campus even more picturesque.

3. The food is amazing

This might sound like a silly reason to attend a school, but it’s not. If you plan to live on campus, think of how many meals you will eat in the cafeteria. A school that gives you good food gives you a better quality of life. God food will fuel your studies and keep you going when you want to close the books. It will keep you happy when you’re homesick. And it will keep you healthy by giving you an alternative to Top Ramen or Spaghetti-Os.

The university of Massachusetts at Amherst has food that rivals many other colleges. Their dining hall has won awards for their cuisine. In 2017, the Princeton Review Ranked their dining hall as number one in the US. And it’s not hard to see why. The school offers a food delivery service, Kosher options, Halal options, and food trucks. For those looking for healthy options, the school is the first in the nation to offer SPE-certified food. The certification ensures that the school serves nutritious and sustainable food.

4. Opportunities Abound

With over 100 major subject areas to choose from, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst gives students plenty of options. For one, they give you an opportunity to design your own major. You can work with an adviser to develop a major that meets your needs. The program is part of something called the Five College Interchange. Nearby colleges (Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College and Hampshire College) give UMass Amherst students the opportunity to take their courses. This interchange makes it possible for students to have a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips.

A strong alumni network also creates more opportunities for both students and graduates. Notable graduates of the school include the former CEO of General Electric, the founder of Monster.com, and Animal Planet star Jeff Corwin.

5. The Cost is Reasonable

Let’s be frank. No college is cheap, or even affordable. But the University of Massachusetts at Amherst’s tuition is much lower than many other schools. Massachusetts state residents pay state tuition, which costs about $28,000 a year. Non-residents pay almost double, but residents can get an incredible and affordable education.

The school also offers many different scholarships. They offer a flagship scholarship, a community scholarship, an honors scholarship, and more. There are also aid programs to help students deal with the debt.

Although tuition isn’t everything when you’re choosing a college, it usually does play a part in your decision. Their relatively low tuition makes things a little easier.

What to Look for When Choosing a College

There are other factors to consider when you’re looking at schools. You might want a school with many opportunities to participate in on-campus activities. Maybe you want one with a Division 1 basketball team. Or, perhaps you want to attend a school with multiple internship opportunities.

Talking to current students and alumni is a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at a school. They can tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly. Tour guides and admission counselors will only want you to see the good, but a current student can give you a complete and honest account.

Although there are a lot of factors to consider, there’s one crucial question. Is that school the right fit? It’s important for you to feel at home. After all, it will be your new home for four years. UMass Amherst might be the right fit for you.

Drinking at University of Massachusetts at Amherst

The university of Massachusetts at Amherst is a great school, but just like every other school, there is alcohol. If you get caught drinking while driving, seek the help of a DUI defense attorney.

Drinking and driving is a serious offense. And although celebrities don’t always get the same treatment as Fall River DUI drivers, they do get drunk driving charges. You can learn what to do (and what not to do) from their experiences. Here are four surprising celebrity DUI stories:

1. Michael Phelps

In the world of celebrity DUI’s, Michael Phelps certainly stands out. The Olympic gold medalist might have won 23 Olympic medals, but he couldn’t pass a breathalyzer test. Maryland police pulled him over for going 84 mph in a 45 mph zone on I-95 in Maryland. In addition to speeding, he was weaving in and out of his lane and into oncoming traffic. He repeatedly crossed the double yellow lines. According to police, Phelps’ eyes were “red, bloodshot and his speech was mush mouth.” Phelps failed his breathalyzer and registered a .14, almost two times the legal limit. When asked to do a field sobriety test, Phelps declined. Police arrested the Olympian and he was charged with drunk driving. Phelps plead guilty to the charge and was placed on probation.

Phelps had been out gambling at a casino and had too many drinks. This wasn’t the swimmer’s first incident, and this time it was a wake-up call. After his arrest, Phelps decided to get help. He cleaned himself up in a rehab facility. Since then, Phelps has come back to win a gold medal at the Rio Olympics.

Prior drunk driving charges hurt Phelps’ case. Another mistake was not communicating clearly with the officer. Having “mush mouth” doesn’t help your case. And finally, he submitted to the breathalyzer when he knew he wouldn’t pass.

2. Randy Travis

Police arrested Randy Travis, the late country singer, for drunk driving in 2012. But it’s not your typical celebrity DUI story. It all started when he was spotted naked inside a convenience store. After going back into his car, he crashed into a barricade. He was naked, bruised, and drunk when police came to the scene. Travis threatened one of the officers and refused to take a breathalyzer. And although he did spend that night in jail, he didn’t have to do it in the nude. Police officers gave him some clothes and a hat. However, Travis did remain shoeless.

A blood draw later revealed that he was well above the legal limit. It wasn’t until several months later that he was officially charged with drinking and driving. A $2,000 fine, community service, and rehab were all consequences of his DWI charge.

The musician was charged with public intoxication only months before his arrest. He continued to have legal trouble after this run-in with the law.

What can you learn from his story? The biggest takeaway might be the obvious one: don’t go into a convenience store naked.

3. Michael Chiarello

Police pulled over Food Network star and celebrity chef Michael Chiarello in Napa County at 3:27 am on a November night in 2016. The chef was only a few miles away from his restaurant; he was driving home for the night. After finding evidence of drugs in the car, police arrested Chiarello for suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance. He spent a few hours sitting in a jail cell. A judge set bail at $5,000.

This celebrity DUI was big news, considering that Chiarello had sexual harassment charges pending. The drunk driving charge only added to his trouble. One of Chiarello’s major mistakes was possessing a controlled substance. A drinking and driving charge is one thing. But Chiarello did even more damage when he was caught in possession of a controlled substance.

4. Scott Wilson

In the Walking Dead TV series, Scott Wilson plays a recovering alcoholic. But the real Scott Wilson wasn’t in recovery, at least not before police charged him with drunk driving. At about 2 am in 2012, police were alerted that there was an erratic driver on a Georgia road. When police pulled over the car, 70-year old Wilson was sitting behind the wheel. He told officers that he had been drinking scotch and wine at a restaurant. Instead of doing a sobriety test, he asked to do yoga poses. He complained that the road was too slanted to do the field test. Wilson had a .143 blood alcohol level and he was charged with drinking and driving, but it’s unknown if he spent any time in jail.

Wilson didn’t help his celebrity DUI situation. Making that comment about doing yoga only antagonized the officers.

How Can You Avoid a Drunk Driving Charge

When you’re drinking and driving, there is no sure-fire way to stay out of trouble. But there are ways you can make the situation better. Avoid taking a breathalyzer if you know you will fail. And don’t antagonize the officers. Don’t keep any illegal substances in your car. Whether or not you’re drinking and driving, stay fully clothed.

No one can get away with drinking and driving- not even celebrities. If police catch you drunk driving, you need all the help you can get. So if you’re a fall river DUI driver, look for a lawyer with experience.

It’s naive to believe drinking doesn’t happen in college. It’s common to attend parties — fraternity or sorority, birthday or otherwise. But when drunk driving comes into play, the night only ends in tragedy.

Alcohol-related driving statistics show drunk drivers cause 30 percent of vehicle accidents. In 2014, those who participated in drinking and driving killed almost 10,000 people.These three college parties are no different. They ended in drunk driving deaths that devastated families, friends, and acquaintances. Their actions changed lives forever.

Celebration Turned Awry

Shannise Heady had helped her basketball team win the first game in three years. One of her teammates was celebrating a birthday. Everyone wanted to celebrate the night. The Eastern Michigan University student and her friend, Jordan Hopkins, joined in.

They arrived at the party at 11 p.m., each girl with her drink of choice. They both danced, laughed and drank, not violating university policy — neither was too rowdy. At 12:45 a.m., Heady, and Hopkins told friends they were leaving and would be right back.

Ten minutes later, a dispatcher called the police to a crash site. Heady’s car, going 77 miles per hour, had crashed into another car. Police pronounced both Heady and Hopkins dead at the scene. Neither were wearing a seatbelt.

Bradley Baker drove the Heady car hit. He survived with injuries to his spine and ribs that left him in pain for several days.

“No words can describe the feelings right now as we are truly devastated to learn of her passing,” Heady’s basketball coach said. “Shannise was not only an inspiration to all of us, but she brought energy and liveliness to our team. She was a true joy to coach and has left an everlasting impression not only on me but the rest of our team as well. She will be missed greatly.”

My Best Friend’s Drunk Driving Death

In 2009, Jessica Rasdall addressed a group of high school students filling a football stadium.

“My name is Jessica Rasdall, and on Feb. 25, 2006, I killed my best friend.”

Rasdall and her best friend, Laura Ann Gorman, had finished their shift at Hooters. The two headed back to their dorm at Eckerd College, then decided to go dancing with friends at a local club.

At the club, 40 minutes away from their beds, the girls began to dance. When a man ushered them to the bar, offering to buy shots for them, they said yes. Both were under the age of 21 but obliged. The night continued, and at 3 a.m., the girls headed home.

One mile from the college, Rasdall’s car went off the road and hit a tree. The next thing Rasdall remembers was waking up not knowing what had happened that night. She shook her friend’s arm but knew she was dead.

Rasdall and Gorman had been best friends since Kindergarten. Now neither family spoke to each other.

“They had told us not to come to the funeral,” Rasdall said. “I’ve sent cards, letters, flowers, saying how sorry I am. But they’re not ready.”

The Gorman’s claimed Rasdall spoke at events to win leniency in the courtroom. Rasdall wished she could switch places with her best friend.

The Last Campus Visit

Joseph Castano was hoping to transfer to a different college from the University of Vermont. He had planned to stay with friends while visiting colleges around New England. Endicott College was on the list, and his friend Caleb Sampson happened to be a sophomore there.

Sampson heard of a party happening on campus and thought it would be a fun night for him and his friend. The two arrived at the party and had several drinks before Castano got involved in a fight. He stormed out of the party, and Sampson followed him, knowing he was too drunk to go anywhere alone.

Both intoxicated, Castano got behind the wheel and Sampson, not wanting him to drive alone, got in the passenger seat. Castano was returning to campus when he missed a tight curve and hit a utility pole. The impact killed Sampson instantly.

Castano suffered a broken back and collarbone, and while Sampson’s family wished to donate his organs, they could not because of the injuries.

“I knew I had to walk into a hospital room and identify my first-born son,” said Samantha Nalette, Sampson’s mother. “That is something a mother and a father should never have to do.”

Each of these stories started as a harmless night out and end in tragedy. If drunk driving has affected you or a loved one like it has the people in these stories, take the time to reach out to legal counsel who can help. Contact Rory Munns for DUI help today.

If you have been convicted of a DUI in the state of Rhode Island, your license has been suspended, and the right to the driver has been denied to you. But if you can meet a certain condition, you can regain the right to drive under certain circumstances. If you need to get behind the wheel before your license is returned, learn how to get a hardship license in Rhode Island.

Meet the Basic Conditions of a Hardship License in Rhode Island

You will only be eligible for a hardship license if this is your first or second DUI conviction. You will not need to know how to get a hardship license in Rhode Island if you have been convicted additional times because the court will refuse outright. You will also need to have an ignition interlock device installed in your car, and demonstrate a “need” to the court. How to get a hardship license in Rhode Island requires you to meet one of these needs:

• For employment purposes
• For medical appointments
• For therapy appointments
• For job training
• For school
• For another reason, a judge deems to be valid

Work Through the Procedures

Once you are granted permission by the court, how to get a hardship license in Rhode Island become largely about following the procedures that have been established. You will have to go to a DMV office and bring  the following:

• A court order granting you a hardship license
• A certificate proving you ignition interlock device has been installed
• A copy of your SR-22 insurance

Then you will have to pay a fee and turn in your original state driver’s license. You will be issued a temporary copy of your hardship license and later mailed a permanent copy. Designation on the license will indicate that you only have the right to drive for 12 hours a day.

You now know how to get a hardship license in Rhode Island, but that doesn’t mean you confident taking on all the steps yourself. To get information and guidance, reach out to Rory Munns Attorney at Law by calling 774-206-9222.

If you are facing a Massachusetts DUI accusation, it is always worth it to fight back. The penalties for a DUI conviction can be severe and haunt you for the rest of your life. There are also no circumstances in which you cannot fight back against a Massachusetts DUI accusation. These are the most common strategies:

Questioning the Stop

You may be facing a Massachusetts DUI accusation because you were specifically targeted and pulled over. Or you may have been swept up in a DUI checkpoint stop. In either case, there are ways to challenge the legality of the stop itself. No matter what happened afterwards, if you were illegally stopped and that resulted in a Massachusetts DUI accusation, you have the foundation to fight back.

Questioning the Evidence

There are a couple of strategies that the police use to determine who to level a Massachusetts DUI accusation against. They might rely on a field sobriety test, a breathalyzer, or a blood test. In every case, there are ways to call into question the evidence produced by those tests. And if the evidence showing that your BAC was over the legal limit is thrown out, your Massachusetts DUI accusation my disappear.

Questioning the Procedure

In order to prevent overstepping their power, the police must follow strict procedures when they give out aMassachusetts DUI accusation. If those procedures are not followed to the letter before, during, and after the initial arrest, the accusation may be labeled as invalid. In order to levy this kind of defense, you will need to have an experienced and dedicated lawyer on your side. Legal counsel who can closely study the details of your Massachusetts DUI accusation and spot all the red flags and inconsistencies is the best asset your defense can have.

You always have a right to defend yourself. And it is never too late to challenge a Massachusetts DUI accusation. If you need answers and assistance now, contact Rory Munns Attorney at Law by calling 774-206-9222.

If you have been charged with OUI, you need to seek out an OUI attorney as soon as you can. Rory Munns can help you fight any charge and help to uphold your rights and freedoms. The consequences of an OUI conviction can haunt you for the rest of your life. But with an experienced and dedicated OUI attorney like Rory Munns in your corner, you can put your best interests first.

What is an OUI?

The terms OUI, DUI, and DWI are mostly interchangeable. If you are seeking out an OUI attorney, you have likely been charged with some drunk driving offense. These cases can be quite complicated. And in the worst cases, they can be catastrophic. But in any case, an OUI attorney can help defendants to challenge the police and prosecutors and fight for the best possible outcome.

What is the Penalty for OUI?

That all depends on the circumstances of the case. Part of the reason you will want to work with an OUI attorney like Rory Munns is so you can understand exactly what kind of penalties you are potentially facing. Even though most defendants do not receive the maximum possible sentence, most do face significant penalty and fees, loss of their driving privileges and even jail time is common. If you want to avoid these consequences, whether with a not-guilty plea or a negotiation worked out with the prosecutor, you will need to work with a dependable OUI Attorney.

Why Rely on Rory Munns as an OUI Attorney?

There are three things you are looking for in an OUI attorney – answers, assistance, and assurance. You can get in touch with OUI attorney Rory Munns at any time and get all three. You will get answers to your questions, ideas about your defense strategy, and confidence that an OUI will not wreck your life. No outcome is guaranteed. But with an OUI attorney like Rory Munns standing up for you, your defense is in good hands.

If you need to connect with an OUI attorney at any time for any reason, call Rory Munns at 774-206-9222.

If you have recently been arrested for a DUI in or around New Bedford, you are likely wondering what exactly to do next. That is wise because there can be serious and long-lasting consequences if you are convicted of even one DUI. Your next step should be to call a New Bedford DUI lawyer as early as possible. Here is what one can do for you no matter what kind of situation you are in with the law:

Investigate the Case

The police and prosecutor will present their version of events with the goal of making you look as guilty as possible. But that does not mean their story is a perfect reflection of what happened before, during, and after you were arrested. A New Bedford DUI lawyer will help you to tell your side of the story and ensure that all the facts are presented in court.

Fight for Your Rights with a New Bedford DUI Lawyer

A good New Bedford DUI lawyer will know how to fight any charge. You owe it to yourself to pursue a not-guilty verdict because the penalties for DUI are stiff and the lasting consequences are greater than many people realize. When it is not realistic to expect to be found not guilty, your New Bedford DUI lawyer will work to get your sentence reduced as much as possible.

Offer Advice and Guidance

One of the strongest reasons to work with a New Bedford DUI lawyer as soon as you possibly can is simply, so you have someone to turn to for advice and guidance. Being arrested for a DUI can be both confusing and scary. And you cannot expect the police and prosecutors to make the situation easy on you. When you have a New Bedford DUI lawyer in your corner, you always have someone to rely on when you need honest, accurate information that puts your best interests first.

You will want to hire a New Bedford DUI lawyer as soon as you can, but that does not mean you should work with the first one you can find. Start your search by getting a free consultation with Rory Munns Attorney at Law. Call any time of day or night at 774-206-9222.

When you are arrested for a crime, do you know what you should do? You certainly do not just want to lay down and accept your fate when there is something you can do about it. It is crucial that if you get arrested, you reach out to a Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer to begin to plan your defense. You need to have someone who is going to stand behind you every step of the way and make sure that you have your best chance at defense. But who are you going to choose? Who has a track record of successful defense? The best choice is Criminal Defense Lawyer Rory Munns the “RI DUI GUY”.

Do You Know Why Should You Hire An Attorney?

One of the most important things you should keep in mind is that you do not need to be already arrested to contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer. The sooner you can begin working with an attorney the sooner you will be able to make a plan to get you the defense you need. So why is Rory Munns the best choice? Rory has been working with clients who have been accused of crimes for over a decade and knows the amount of work it takes to get his clients good results. As a former prosecutor, Rory knows the tricks that the prosecution will use against him and more importantly how to confront them.

When you are arrested, it is entirely natural to want to talk about the event with other people. It is important that you do not though you want to. The only person you should discuss your case with is your Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer since you have the benefit of Lawyer-Client Confidentiality. Rory and his team understand that you want to keep your case to yourself and get things taken care of completely.

Contacting A Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you were arrested and you would like to speak with a Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer, we are ready to hear from you. If you would like to meet, we are available at any time at our office or can come to the jail or the hospital if you are detained. We can be reached at 401-585-8800 or online at http://www.chadbanklaw.com/.