# The Mass DUI Guy - Mass DUI Lawyer Rory Munns - Full Content > The MASS DUI Guy - MASS DUI Lawyer Rory Munns has over 11 years of experience defending Massachusetts DUI cases. Call today at 401-573-2265. --- ## Fall River DUI Court — What to Expect in Bristol County URL: https://massduiguy.com/fall-river-dui-court/ A single arrest for operating under the influence can shake your career, your finances, and your freedom. In Fall River, the district court handles a heavy volume of OUI cases every month, and the system moves fast. If you are facing a charge in Bristol County, knowing what happens inside Fall River District Court is your first step toward protecting yourself. **Call 401-573-2265 — available 24/7. Free consultation.** ## Understanding Fall River District Court Fall River District Court is where most Bristol County OUI cases begin and end. Located on South Main Street, this court hears everything from arraignments to trials for drunk driving charges. Judges pay close attention to evidence handling, breath test calibration records, and police report accuracy. Knowing the local court culture and having an attorney who knows the prosecutors and judges gives you a real advantage. Fall River District Court has its own pace and rhythm — different from Taunton, New Bedford, or Attleboro — and a lawyer who works these courts regularly can navigate it efficiently. Fall River District Court OUI cases follow a predictable schedule. Arraignment happens quickly, often within days of arrest. Pretrial hearings follow, where your lawyer can challenge evidence or negotiate a reduction. If no agreement is reached, the case moves to trial. ## The Massachusetts OUI Court Process — From Arrest to Trial The Massachusetts OUI court process under M.G.L. c. 90, § 24 has several distinct stages. **Arrest and citation.** After arrest, you are issued a citation and your license is immediately suspended if you fail or refuse a breath test. Within 24 hours, the police file charges with the court. **Arraignment.** Your first appearance is the arraignment, where you enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, the court sets conditions of release. **Pretrial.** Your attorney reviews the police report, dashcam video, body-worn camera footage, and any field sobriety test results. The prosecutor may offer a plea deal — most commonly a continuance without a finding (CWOF) with probation. **Trial.** If the case goes to trial, a judge or jury hears the evidence and decides guilt or innocence. Most OUI cases never reach trial; they end with a plea agreement or pretrial probation. ## Massachusetts OUI Penalties The Massachusetts blood alcohol concentration limit remains 0.08 percent for drivers over 21. For commercial drivers, it is 0.04 percent. Drivers under 21 face a zero tolerance policy. Offense Max Jail Time Max Fine License Suspension Interlock First Offense 2.5 years (rare; probation typical) $5,000 Up to 1 year (hardship after 3 months) Possible Second Offense 2.5 years (mandatory minimum 30 days) $10,000 2 years 2 years post-reinstatement Third or Subsequent (felony) 5 years (mandatory minimum 180 days) $15,000 8 years (no hardship first 2 years) 2 years post-reinstatement Note: judges have discretion to impose harsher sentences based on aggravating factors like a BAC above 0.20, a minor passenger, or an accident causing injury. ## Defending a First-Offense OUI in Massachusetts A Massachusetts first-offense OUI does not automatically ruin your life. Many first offenders qualify for a disposition that avoids a criminal conviction. The most common option is a continuance without a finding (CWOF), where you plead guilty but the court delays the finding. If you complete probation, the case is dismissed. Other defenses include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of the breath test, or the administration of field sobriety tests. Police officers must follow strict protocols. If they failed to properly calibrate the breathalyzer, did not have reasonable suspicion to pull you over, or improperly administered NHTSA-standardized field sobriety tests, your lawyer can file a motion to suppress evidence. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long does an OUI case take in Fall River District Court? Most cases resolve within three to six months from arrest to final disposition. ### Can I get an OUI dismissed in Fall River? Yes, if the police made a legal error during the stop or arrest. ### What happens if I refuse a breath test in Massachusetts? Refusing a breath test results in an automatic 180-day license suspension for a first refusal under Massachusetts implied consent law. ### Do I need a lawyer for a first offense OUI in Massachusetts? Yes. A first offense carries serious consequences including up to 2.5 years jail exposure, a permanent record, mandatory license suspension, alcohol education, and possible interlock. ### What is a CWOF and is it the same as a dismissal? A continuance without a finding (CWOF) is a disposition where you admit there are sufficient facts for a finding of guilty, but the court “continues” the case for a period of probation rather than entering a conviction. If you complete probation successfully, the case is dismissed. ## Charged With OUI in Fall River? Call Now. If you or someone you know is facing an OUI charge in Fall River District Court — or anywhere in Bristol County — do not wait. The 15-day window to request an RMV hearing for license suspension starts the day you are arrested. **Call 401-573-2265 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free consultation.** Massachusetts-licensed attorney Rory Munns at Bank & Munns defends OUI cases across Massachusetts. *This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.* --- ## Bristol County DUI Defense — What You Need to Know in 2026 URL: https://massduiguy.com/bristol-county-dui-defense/ If you have been arrested for OUI in Bristol County, Massachusetts, the court system you are about to walk into can feel impossible to navigate alone. A conviction can cost you your license, your job, and in repeat-offender cases, your freedom. Bristol County DUI defense requires knowing what changed, how to fight the charges, and who in the local court system you are dealing with. **Free 24/7 consultation: 401-573-2265.** ## Massachusetts OUI Laws — What Bristol County Drivers Need to Know Massachusetts has long imposed strict OUI laws under M.G.L. c. 90, § 24. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent, and BAC of 0.20 or higher carries enhanced penalties. For a first offense, the base fine starts at $500 but court costs and fees can push the total to $2,000 or more. Massachusetts uses the term OUI (Operating Under the Influence), not DUI. The terms are used interchangeably here, but the statute is always OUI. An attorney who handles Massachusetts OUI cases will know the precise statutory language and the testing protocols required to prove impairment beyond a reasonable doubt. Massachusetts also uses a lifetime lookback for prior OUI offenses — meaning a conviction from 20+ years ago still counts toward enhanced sentencing on a current offense. ## The OUI Court Process in Bristol County Bristol County DUI cases are heard in the following courts depending on where the arrest happened: - **Fall River District Court** — heavy DUI caseload, often willing to consider negotiated dispositions for defendants with clean records - **New Bedford District Court** — Bristol County’s largest court by volume - **Taunton District Court** — generally adheres closely to sentencing guidelines - **Attleboro District Court** — handles cases from the northern part of the county Most OUI cases start with arrest, citation, and arraignment. After arrest, you receive a summons with an arraignment date — usually within days. At arraignment, a judge reads the charges and sets bail conditions, often including no alcohol consumption and restricted driving privileges. ## Penalties for a First-Offense OUI in Massachusetts Penalty Category Statutory Range Fine $500 to $5,000 License suspension 1 year (hardship license possible after 3 months) Ignition interlock Possible (mandatory for high BAC and repeat offenders) Alcohol education program Mandatory Driver Alcohol Education Program (DAEP) Jail time Up to 2.5 years (rare for first offense) Probation Typical term 1-2 years with conditions For a second offense, mandatory minimum 30 days of jail time, longer license suspension (2 years), and mandatory ignition interlock for at least 1 year following reinstatement. Third and subsequent offenses are felonies. Breathalyzer refusal carries its own consequences. A first refusal triggers an automatic 180-day license suspension. Subsequent refusals carry 3-year suspensions. ## Bristol County OUI Defense — Why Local Knowledge Matters A general practice lawyer rarely has the focused knowledge required when your license and livelihood hang in the balance. A Bristol County OUI attorney handles these cases regularly and understands the nuances of local court procedures, prosecutor tendencies, and scientific challenges to field sobriety tests. Your attorney can hire forensic toxicologists or accident reconstruction specialists to challenge unreliable blood alcohol tests or the logic of field sobriety exercises. Cross-examination can focus on systematic errors in the testing protocol or mistakes in the police report. OUI plea bargaining is a common strategy. Prosecutors frequently offer first-time offenders a continuance without a finding (CWOF). This lets you complete probation and a driver alcohol education program without a conviction on your record. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between OUI and DUI in Massachusetts? There is no legal difference. Massachusetts uses OUI (Operating Under the Influence) instead of DUI. The penalties, court process, and defense strategies are identical to other states’ DUI laws. ### How long will a first OUI stay on my record in Massachusetts? A first-offense OUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently unless you obtain a pardon or expungement through a narrow statutory pathway. ### Can I refuse a breathalyzer in Massachusetts? You can refuse, but it is not recommended without legal advice. A first refusal triggers an immediate 180-day license suspension under Massachusetts implied consent law. ### Do I need a lawyer for a first offense OUI in Bristol County? Yes. Even a first offense carries a mandatory license suspension, fines up to $5,000, possible jail time up to 2.5 years, and the possibility of an ignition interlock requirement. ### How much does a Bristol County OUI defense lawyer cost? Flat fees for a first-offense OUI typically range from $2,500 to $7,500 in the Bristol County market. ## Charged With OUI in Bristol County? Call Now. If you or a loved one has been charged with OUI anywhere in Bristol County — Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Attleboro, or Foxborough — the time to act is now. The 15-day window to request an RMV hearing for license suspension begins the day you are arrested. **Call 401-573-2265 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.** Free consultation. Massachusetts-licensed attorney Rory Munns at Bank & Munns defends OUI cases throughout Massachusetts. *This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.* --- ## Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney: What to Expect and How to Prepare URL: https://massduiguy.com/massachusetts-criminal-defense-attorney/ If you or someone you know is under investigation or has been charged with a crime in Massachusetts, the difference between a conviction and a dismissal often comes down to who represents you. Hiring a Massachusetts criminal defense attorney means choosing someone who understands current laws, sentencing rules, and local court procedures. **Free 24/7 consultation: 401-573-2265.** ## Why Choosing the Right Attorney Matters Massachusetts criminal law has shifted in recent years. Bail reform, marijuana offense rules, expanded discovery requirements, and juvenile justice changes have reshaped how prosecutors and judges approach cases. Police are also using more body camera footage and digital evidence than ever before. A Massachusetts criminal defense attorney must stay current with these developments to build effective strategies. For example, current pretrial detention rules allow release without cash bail for many low-level offenses. But for serious charges like armed robbery or repeat OUI, judges may hold defendants without bail through dangerousness hearings. ## Types of Cases a Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Handles ### DUI / OUI Charges Lawyers who focus on DUI defense handle thousands of OUI cases each year in Massachusetts. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent under M.G.L. c. 90, § 24. ### Felony Defense A Massachusetts felony defense attorney handles crimes punishable by more than 2.5 years in state prison. These include drug trafficking, armed assault, manslaughter, and burglary. ### Assault and Domestic Violence Domestic assault charges have become more aggressively prosecuted in Massachusetts following statutory updates in recent years. A conviction can mean a firearm ban, loss of child custody, and a permanent criminal record. ### Theft and Property Crimes Shoplifting, larceny, and breaking and entering are common Massachusetts criminal cases. For first-time offenders, a skilled attorney may secure a pretrial diversion program that results in dismissal after community service. ### Drug Offenses Although recreational marijuana is legal for adults in Massachusetts, possession of more than the legal limit, possession of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, or prescription drugs without a prescription remains illegal. Drug trafficking charges carry severe mandatory sentences. ## The Cost of Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Massachusetts Fee Type Typical Range What It Covers Flat fee for misdemeanor $2,500 – $5,000 All pretrial work, one trial day Flat fee for felony $7,500 – $15,000+ Comprehensive representation through trial Hourly rate $350 – $600 per hour Case-by-case; common for complex litigation Retainer $5,000 – $20,000+ Deposit against hourly or flat fee These are general industry estimates. Costs vary based on the attorney’s experience, the location of the case, and the severity of the charge. Always get a written fee agreement before retaining counsel. ## What Happens During a Criminal Defense Case - **Arrest or citation.** You are either arrested and booked or issued a summons to appear in court. - **Arraignment.** You appear before a judge, hear the charges, and enter a plea. - **Pretrial conference.** The prosecution and defense share evidence. - **Motion practice.** Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss weak charges, or challenge the legality of the arrest or search. - **Plea negotiation or trial.** Many cases resolve through a plea agreement. - **Sentencing.** If convicted or after a plea, the judge imposes penalties. ## Common Mistakes to Avoid When Facing Criminal Charges in Massachusetts - **Speaking to police without a lawyer.** Anything you say can be used against you. - **Posting about your case on social media.** Prosecutors can use your own posts as evidence. - **Hiring a general practice attorney.** Criminal defense is a specialized field. - **Ignoring court dates.** Failing to appear results in a warrant for your arrest. - **Waiting too long to hire counsel.** ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How do I find a good criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts? Start by searching for a top-rated criminal defense lawyer who focuses on criminal cases. Look for client reviews, case results, and membership in organizations like the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. ### What is the difference between a criminal defense attorney and a public defender? A public defender is a government-appointed lawyer for defendants who cannot afford private counsel. A private Massachusetts criminal defense attorney can devote more time and resources to your case. ### Can a Massachusetts criminal defense attorney get charges dropped before trial? Yes. Your lawyer can file motions to dismiss based on lack of probable cause, illegal search, or insufficient evidence. ### How long does a typical criminal case take in Massachusetts? Misdemeanor cases can resolve in a few weeks to a few months. Felony cases often take six months to over a year. ## Charged With a Crime in Massachusetts? Call Now. If you need immediate assistance, contact a Massachusetts criminal defense attorney today. **Call 401-573-2265 — available 24/7 for free consultations.** Massachusetts-licensed attorney Rory Munns at Bank & Munns defends criminal cases across Massachusetts. *This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.* --- ## OUI vs DUI in Massachusetts: Key Legal Differences and Penalties URL: https://massduiguy.com/oui-vs-dui-massachusetts/ Massachusetts law never uses the term DUI. Every drunk driving charge falls under the Operating Under the Influence (OUI) statute, M.G.L. c. 90, § 24. That simple distinction trips up many drivers who assume DUI and OUI are separate crimes. They are not. The penalties for a Massachusetts OUI are severe, and the legal process is unforgiving if you try to go it alone. Understanding the OUI vs DUI legal distinction is the first step toward protecting your license, your freedom, and your future. The confusion is understandable. Most states use DUI. Massachusetts uses OUI. The two terms mean the same thing: driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher, or driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. If you are arrested anywhere in Massachusetts — Boston, Worcester, Bristol County, Plymouth County, the Cape — you will be charged under the Massachusetts OUI statute, not a DUI law. Knowing the OUI vs DUI difference helps you hire the right lawyer before a costly mistake in court. **Call 401-573-2265 for a free 24/7 consultation.** ## What Is the Difference Between OUI and DUI in Massachusetts? On a national level, DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. OUI stands for Operating Under the Influence. Massachusetts lawmakers chose OUI because the state defines “operating” more broadly than “driving.” You can be charged with OUI even if your car is parked, the engine is off, and you simply hold the keys. If you are in control of the vehicle, you can be charged under Massachusetts OUI laws. That broader definition means a routine parking lot call can turn into a court date. Police officers often arrive at a scene where a driver is sleeping in a parked car. If the key is in the ignition or within reach, prosecutors can pursue an OUI charge. This is why the OUI vs DUI legal definitions matter more than you might think — a parked car is not a safe haven, and you cannot rely on the “I was parked” defense without a thorough understanding of the case law. For Massachusetts residents, the takeaway is simple. Whether you call it OUI or DUI, you face the same criminal statute, the same potential jail time, and the same license suspension. If you have been arrested in Massachusetts, the charge will read OUI. Do not get hung up on terminology. The charge carries the same weight and requires immediate attention from a skilled Massachusetts OUI attorney. ## Massachusetts OUI Penalties The Massachusetts OUI penalties are set by statute under M.G.L. c. 90, § 24. The consequences are harsher than many people expect, and Massachusetts uses a lifetime lookback for OUI priors — meaning a conviction from 20+ years ago still counts toward enhanced sentencing on a current offense. Offense Jail Fines License Loss Ignition Interlock First OUI Up to 2.5 years (often probation) $500 – $5,000 1 year (hardship possible after 3 months) Possible Second OUI 30 days – 2.5 years (mandatory 30 days) $600 – $10,000 2 years (hardship after 1 year) 2 years minimum post-reinstatement Third OUI (felony) 180 days – 5 years (mandatory 180 days) $1,000 – $15,000 8 years (no hardship first 2 years) 2 years minimum For a first offense, many people assume they will just pay a fine and move on. That is rarely the case. Prosecutors are aggressive, and judges often impose probation, alcohol education programs, and community service. The first-offense OUI penalties also include a mandatory Driver Alcohol Education Program that the defendant must pay for. Without a strong defense, a first OUI stays on the driver’s record for life and counts toward enhanced sentencing for any future offense — there is no statute of limitations on lookback. ## How an OUI Attorney Can Help Your Case Facing an OUI charge alone is never a good strategy. An experienced Massachusetts DUI attorney understands the local courts, the prosecutors, and the nuances of the Massachusetts OUI statute. Bank & Munns has built a practice around fighting these charges. We challenge the stop, the field sobriety tests, and the breathalyzer calibration. One of the most effective ways to fight a charge is to attack the evidence. A skilled lawyer will request the calibration logs of the breathalyzer, review police dashcam and body camera footage, and examine whether the officer had legal grounds for the stop. In many cases, a motion to suppress the evidence can lead to dismissal or charge reduction. The Massachusetts drunk driving landscape remains tough on defendants, but aggressive representation can still produce favorable outcomes. Aggressive representation from day one can change the trajectory of the case, whether this is your first arrest or a subsequent offense. ## What to Do Immediately After an OUI Arrest Your actions in the hours following an arrest can affect your case for months. Take these steps: - **Request an RMV hearing within 15 days.** The first thing to do is request a hearing with the Registry of Motor Vehicles within 15 days to challenge the automatic license suspension. Missing that deadline means you lose your right to dispute the suspension. A Massachusetts DUI attorney can handle that hearing and often secure a hardship license that allows you to drive to work or school. - **Do not speak to police without a lawyer present.** Everything you say during booking or in the holding cell can be used against you. Police officers are trained to get suspects to admit drinking. Even a statement like “I only had two beers” can become evidence at trial. Stay silent and ask for your attorney. - **Preserve any evidence.** If you took photographs of the scene, if you have receipts showing you ate a meal before driving, or if you recorded the stop yourself, share those items with your lawyer. These details can support the defense that you were not impaired. An attorney can also subpoena the maintenance records of the breath testing equipment used at the station. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is an OUI the same as a DUI in Massachusetts? Yes, they are legally identical. Massachusetts uses OUI (Operating Under the Influence) while other states use DUI. The penalties, definitions, and consequences are the same. If you are charged with OUI in Massachusetts, it is the equivalent of a DUI charge elsewhere. ### What is the penalty for a first OUI in Massachusetts? A first OUI carries up to 2.5 years in jail, a fine of $500 to $5,000, a one-year license suspension, and a mandated alcohol education program. Jail time is rarely imposed on a first offense — most first-time offenders receive probation with conditions including the alcohol education program, community service, and possible ignition interlock. ### Do I need a lawyer for a first OUI offense? Yes. A conviction stays on your record permanently and counts toward Massachusetts’ lifetime lookback period for future arrests. An attorney can negotiate a plea to a lesser charge, challenge the evidence, or win a dismissal. Without legal representation, you are far more likely to accept a deal that carries long-term consequences. ### How long does an OUI stay on my record in Massachusetts? A first OUI conviction remains on your Registry of Motor Vehicles record for life. It also appears on your criminal record indefinitely. There is no simple expungement for an OUI in Massachusetts. That is why fighting the charge aggressively at the start is so important. A conviction can affect employment, insurance rates, and professional licensing for decades. ### What is the ignition interlock requirement in Massachusetts? If you are convicted of an OUI, the court may order you to install an ignition interlock device that prevents your vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The device is required for various periods depending on the offense level. The cost is paid by the driver — typically $80 to $120 per month plus installation. Violating the interlock terms can extend the suspension period. ## Call a Massachusetts OUI Defense Attorney Today The distinction between OUI and DUI in Massachusetts is mainly cosmetic, but it matters because the law defines “operating” broadly. Do not get hung up on terminology. If you have been arrested anywhere in Massachusetts, call an experienced Massachusetts OUI defense attorney as soon as possible. Bank & Munns works with clients across Massachusetts. Your first step should be to learn your rights and fight the charge with someone who knows how to win. **Call 401-573-2265 right now. Available 24/7.** Massachusetts law gives you only 15 days to contest the license suspension. Do not waste that time. *This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every OUI case depends on facts not knowable from public materials.* --- ## How to Fight a DUI in Massachusetts URL: https://massduiguy.com/how-to-fight-dui-massachusetts/ If you’ve been arrested for DUI (called OUI in Massachusetts), the next 15 days will affect your driving privileges for at least the next year. Massachusetts DUI laws carry serious consequences — license suspension, ignition interlock, fines, and potential jail time — and the system is unforgiving if you try to handle it alone. Anyone arrested for OUI in Massachusetts needs a clear plan to fight the charges and protect their driving privileges. This page walks through the court process, the most effective defense strategies, and what to do immediately to preserve your options. **Free 24/7 consultation: 401-573-2265.** ## Understanding the DUI Court Process in Massachusetts The DUI court process in Massachusetts begins the moment you are pulled over. An officer observes driving behavior, administers field sobriety tests, and may request a breathalyzer. Refusing the chemical breath test triggers an automatic 180-day license suspension under the state’s implied consent law for a first refusal — even if you’re never convicted of OUI. After an arrest, you are arraigned in district court. At that hearing, the charges are read, and you either plead not guilty or enter a plea agreement. Most experienced attorneys advise pleading not guilty to allow time for proper defense investigation and motion practice. Discovery follows, where the prosecution shares evidence such as dashcam video, body camera footage, police reports, and breath test records. Your lawyer examines this material for procedural errors, calibration failures, or testing equipment problems. A pretrial conference may lead to a resolution, but if no acceptable deal is reached, the case proceeds toward trial. The entire process typically takes three to six months and can extend longer when complex motions are filed. ### The Role of Arraignment At arraignment, the judge sets bail and conditions of release. You may be required to install an ignition interlock device depending on the circumstances of your arrest. Many defendants are relieved to learn they can continue driving with a hardship license while the case moves forward, provided they retain an attorney quickly enough to file the necessary RMV paperwork. ## Key DUI Defense Strategies in Massachusetts Winning a Massachusetts OUI case often depends on the defense strategies your attorney employs. The most common challenges include attacking the validity of the traffic stop, challenging breathalyzer calibration records, field sobriety test administration challenges, body cam and dash cam analysis, and blood draw warrant compliance under *Birchfield v. North Dakota* (2016). ### Medical and Physiological Defenses Mouth alcohol, GERD, diabetic ketosis, and certain over-the-counter medications can produce falsely high breath test results. An experienced lawyer works with medical experts to present these as alternative explanations. The “rising BAC” defense also applies when a driver consumed alcohol shortly before driving and had not yet absorbed it at the time of the stop — meaning the BAC at testing was higher than at the time of driving. ## Massachusetts OUI Penalties Massachusetts OUI penalties are governed by M.G.L. c. 90, § 24. They escalate significantly with prior offenses, and Massachusetts uses a lifetime lookback for OUI priors — meaning a conviction from 20+ years ago still counts toward enhanced sentencing today. Offense Fines Jail License Loss Ignition Interlock 1st Offense $500 – $5,000 Up to 2.5 years (often probation) 1 year (hardship possible after 3 months) Possible 2nd Offense $600 – $10,000 30 days – 2.5 years (mandatory 30 days) 2 years (hardship after 1 year) Yes — 2 years post-reinstatement 3rd Offense (felony) $1,000 – $15,000 180 days – 5 years (mandatory 180 days) 8 years (no hardship for first 2 years) Yes — 2 years Beyond the statutory penalties, an OUI conviction in Massachusetts triggers SR-22 high-risk insurance for license reinstatement, mandatory enrollment in a Driver Alcohol Education program, RMV reinstatement fees, and substantial increases in auto insurance premiums for years. ## Dealing With a DUI License Suspension in Massachusetts The license suspension notice often arrives within 30 days of arrest. For a first-offense conviction, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) suspends your license for one year. However, you can request a hearing to challenge the suspension or apply for a hardship license that allows limited driving to work, school, or medical appointments. **You have only 15 days from the date of the suspension notice to request an RMV hearing.** Missing that deadline forfeits the opportunity to dispute the suspension. ## Why You Need a Massachusetts OUI Attorney Self-representation in an OUI case is almost always a losing strategy. The law is technical, evidence rules are strict, and prosecutors have years of experience. A dedicated Massachusetts OUI attorney understands the nuances of evidentiary breath testing, police report writing, and motion practice. They can negotiate for reduced charges (reckless driving instead of OUI, for example) or pursue a “continuance without a finding” that avoids a conviction on your record. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the best way to fight a DUI in Massachusetts? The best approach is to hire an attorney immediately, plead not guilty at arraignment, and have your lawyer investigate the stop, tests, and equipment. ### Can I get a hardship license after a DUI in Massachusetts? Yes. For a first offense, you can apply for a hardship license after a portion of the suspension period. You must complete a Driver Alcohol Education Program, pay a $500 fee, install an ignition interlock device, and carry an SR-22 insurance certificate. ### What are the penalties for a second OUI in Massachusetts? A second offense carries fines of $600 to $10,000, 30 days to 2.5 years in jail (mandatory minimum 30 days if the prior was within 10 years), a 2-year license suspension, and an interlock requirement for a minimum of 2 years post-reinstatement. ### Does refusing a breathalyzer help my case? Refusing a chemical breath test triggers an automatic 180-day license suspension for a first refusal but does not prevent OUI prosecution. However, refusal removes the breath test result as evidence, which can sometimes give your attorney an advantage at trial. ### How long do I have to act after a Massachusetts OUI arrest? You have 15 days from the date of the suspension notice to request an RMV hearing. ## Charged With OUI in Massachusetts? Call Now. Taking swift action is the best way to fight Massachusetts OUI charges. **Call 401-573-2265 — available 24/7 for free consultations.** Massachusetts-licensed attorney Rory Munns at Bank & Munns defends OUI cases throughout Massachusetts. *This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.* --- ## Summer DUI Arrests on Cape Cod URL: https://massduiguy.com/summer-dui-arrests-on-cape-cod/ Cape Cod is a popular summer vacation spot. New Englanders flock to its beaches, festivals and other attractions. Cape Cod also features many bars and pubs. People tend to drink a bit more when on vacation. Many people spend the entire year looking forward to their Cape Cod trip. You probably did not anticipate getting a DUI. Unfortunately, summer DUI arrests on Cape Cod are common. Ideally you should never drink and drive. If you were caught with a BAC over .08, The Mass DUI Guy – Rory Munns can help. ## Massachusetts DUI Law Many people are killed or injured by drunk drivers. This leads to strict DUI laws. Summer DUI arrests on Cape Cod are no joke. Even if this is your first offense you could have your license suspended, pay thousands in fines and fees and even end up in jail. If this is not your first DUI, the penalties get worse. Maybe you were arrested for a DUI and refused to take a chemical test? Under implied consent laws you can still face charges and your license can still be suspended. An attorney can formulate a case that disputes the charges. If the DUI arrest was not lawful or you weren’t technically arrested for DUI, the charges could be dropped Summer DUI arrests on Cape Cod do not have to ruin your life. An experienced DUI attorney can help. Attorney Rory Munns will fight for your rights. He will careful inspect every aspect of your case. There are so many laws related to DUI, searches and arrests. Rory has been helping DUI defendants for years. He has the experience and motivation to defend you. ## Cape Cod DUI Lawyer Rory Munns If you were one of the many summer DUI arrests on Cape Cod, contact Rory Munns, The MASS DUI Guy immediately. He is available 24/7 for free consultations at **401-573-2265**. Call now to get the Mass DUI Guy working on your case. It is crucial that you seek legal advisement. You don’t want to make any mistakes that will hinder your case. Rory will let you know how to move forward. Summer DUI arrests on the Cape may ruin your vacation, but they don’t have to haunt you. We can help. --- ## Massachusetts DUI Laws: The Basics URL: https://massduiguy.com/massachusetts-dui-laws-basics/ 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. --- ## Is a DUI Expungement Possible in Massachusetts? URL: https://massduiguy.com/dui-expungement-massachusetts/ 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. --- ## What Should You Do When You are Pulled Over For Suspicion of DUI? URL: https://massduiguy.com/pulled-over-for-suspicion-of-dui/ 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: What You Should Know URL: https://massduiguy.com/driving-under-the-influence-of-drugs/ 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. --- ## Arguing With Cops During DUI Stop URL: https://massduiguy.com/arguing-with-cops-during-dui-stop/ 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 - ### 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. - ### 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. - ### 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. - ### 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. - ### 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. - ### 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. - ### 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. --- ## The Science Behind Marijuana DUI Testing URL: https://massduiguy.com/marijuana-dui-testing-science/ 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. --- ## Disney Stars DUIs: How Common Are They? URL: https://massduiguy.com/disney-stars-duis-common/ 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. --- ## DUI With Children in the Car URL: https://massduiguy.com/dui-with-children/ 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. --- ## Health Hazard: Don’t DUI Into the Water URL: https://massduiguy.com/health-hazard-drunk-driving-water/ 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. --- ## Too Drunk to Drive But Don’t Know If I Can Sleep On the Side of the Road URL: https://massduiguy.com/too-drunk-to-drive/ 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. --- ## Can Liquor Stores Refuse Service to Intoxicated Customers in Massachusetts? URL: https://massduiguy.com/liquor-stores-drunks-refusal/ 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 Drinking Culture in New England URL: https://massduiguy.com/irish-drinking-culture-new-england/ 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. --- ## Massachusetts Agency Holding Back DUI Data URL: https://massduiguy.com/dui-data-agency-holding-back/ 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. --- ## Marijuana DUI: Laws, Testing, and Penalties URL: https://massduiguy.com/marijuana-dui-laws-massachusetts/ 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. --- ## Drugged Driving Is Becoming a Bigger Issue Than Drinking and Driving URL: https://massduiguy.com/drugged-driving-drunk-driving/ 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. --- ## How Can a DUI Affect Your Education? URL: https://massduiguy.com/dui-affect-education/ 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. --- ## Can Alcohol Rehab be an Effective Way to Reduce Repeat DUI Offenders? URL: https://massduiguy.com/alcohol-rehab-duis/ 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 – Learn Your Rights URL: https://massduiguy.com/massachusetts-dwi-law-learn-rights/ 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. --- ## Are Field Sobriety Tests Accurate? URL: https://massduiguy.com/field-sobriety-tests-accurate/ 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. --- ## Common Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse URL: https://massduiguy.com/common-warning-signs-alcohol-abuse/ 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. --- ## Your DUIs Affect on Your Car Insurance: What You Need to Know URL: https://massduiguy.com/duis-affect-car-insurance-need-know/ 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. --- ## Crazy DUI Stories of Recent Memory URL: https://massduiguy.com/crazy-dui-stories-recent-memory/ ## 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: Massachusetts DUI Laws for Minors URL: https://massduiguy.com/drinking-and-driving-underage-massachusetts/ 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. --- ## How Witness Credibility Impacts Car Accident Claims URL: https://massduiguy.com/witness-credibility/ 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 in the State of Massachusetts URL: https://massduiguy.com/auto-insurance-massachusetts/ ## 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. ### In Massachusetts, No-Fault Auto Insurance Protects Drivers By: - Reimbursing medical payments, up to the policy limits, if you are injured in an accident caused by another driver. - Covering medical payments if you’re injured in an accident for which you are responsible. However, this coverage only exists if you opt for it when you buy.   ## What Does No-Fault Insurance Cover? ### Personal Injury Protection (PIP) May Help Cover: - Your medical bills related to the car accident, - Any passengers’ medical bills related to a car accident, - Lost income due to time missed from work, - Additional childcare costs accrued during recovery from car accident, and - Household services if injuries prevent you from being able to do necessary tasks for a period of time. Not all PIP programs cover all these points. Go over your policy or consult your agent in order to clarify what exactly your no-fault auto insurance covers. ### No-Fault Insurance Does Not Cover - Medical bills that exceed limits provided by PIP, - Lost wages that exceed limits of PIP, - Damage to other people’s property, or - Damage to your vehicle.   ## Minimum Requirements in Massachusetts The State of Massachusetts requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of insurance coverage. These minimums include: - $20k per person involved in an accident. - $40k per accident that results in bodily injury to other people. - $8k per person and accident for personal injury protection (PIP). - $20k per person if injured by an uninsured driver. - $40k per accident with an uninsured driver. - $5k per accidents that include damages to another person’s property. ## 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. ### Comparative Fault in Legal Claims In the State of Massachusetts, a victim of a motor vehicle accident has up to 3 years to file a comparative fault claim. Accordingly, a judge determines the amount of an award by determining the amount of fault of the guilty party. Presumably, anyone who is more than 50% at fault for an accident cannot claim additional compensation beyond what is provided by their insurance policy. ## After an Accident in Massachusetts If you are involved in a car accident in the State of Massachusetts, stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives. Document as much as you can regarding the accident and be meticulously detailed when reporting information to an officer. Then, your insurance company looks at all records of an accident to determine if legal action against the negligent party is prudent. If your insurance company agrees you deserve additional compensation beyond what no-fault auto insurance in the State of Massachusetts provides, contact Rory Munns Attorney at Law. Munns’s experienced legal representation wins clients the compensation they need to continue with their lives after a car accident. ### Call Rory Munns Attorney at Law at 401-573-2265. --- ## Top 5 Reasons to Attend University of Massachusetts at Amherst URL: https://massduiguy.com/top-5-reasons-attend-university-massachussetts-amherst/ 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. --- ## Four Celebrity DUI Stories You Can Learn From URL: https://massduiguy.com/four-celebrity-dui-stories/ 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. --- ## 3 College Parties Where Drunk Driving Created a Tragedy URL: https://massduiguy.com/3-college-parties/ 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.   --- ## How to Get a Hardship License in Rhode Island URL: https://massduiguy.com/hardship-license-in-rhode-island/ 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 401-573-2265. --- ## How to Defend Yourself Against a Massachusetts DUI Accusation URL: https://massduiguy.com/how-to-defend-massachusetts-dui-accusation/ 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 401-573-2265. --- ## Need an OUI Attorney? – Rory Munns Can Help URL: https://massduiguy.com/need-an-oui-attorney-chad-f-bank-can-help/ 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 401-573-2265. --- ## What a New Bedford DUI Lawyer Can Do for You URL: https://massduiguy.com/new-bedford-dui-lawyer-can-do-for-you/ 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 401-573-2265. --- ## How to Build a Strong DUI Defense URL: https://massduiguy.com/how-to-build-a-strong-dui-defense/ Being charged with a DUI puts you in a situation that can’t be ignored. The penalties for being found guilty can be severe, even for your first offense. And the consequences of having a DUI on your record can haunt you for the rest of your life. The good news is that it’s possible to put together a strong DUI defense, fight the charges, and preserve your freedoms. But not every defense is a strong DUI defense. And some strategies will do you more harm than good. These are the essential components of a strong DUI defense that you will want to rely on in any and every circumstance: ## Understand The Consequences This is an important but often dismissed part of a strong DUI defense. As was mentioned above, a DUI conviction can cause a lot of problems for you. No matter what the circumstances are, you will want to do everything possible to avoid being convicted. Understanding how much is on the line can motivate you to pursue a strong DUI defense and put in the hard work that it takes to aggressively fight for your rights and freedoms. ## Find the Right Lawyer You may be tempted to represent yourself in court. More likely is that you reach out to the first DUI lawyer you can find. In either case, you should not expect to put forth a strong DUI defense. A quality lawyer is the single greatest asset you can have in this process. That means they have extensive experience fighting DUI charges, know how the local police and prosecutors operate, and respect how serious a DUI charge truly is. Taking the time to find a lawyer who is truly committed to providing you with a strong DUI defense will help to make a bad situation better at every step along the way. ## Learn the Law for a DUI Defense Even if you do not plan to represent yourself, it’s worth your time and effort to study the applicable DUI laws. That way you understand how much is at stake, and what kind of tools the police and prosecutors will be using against you. If there is an aspect of the law that jumps out at you, don’t hesitate to point it out to your lawyer. Sometimes a single detail is what separates a strong DUI defense from an average one. ## Record Your Recollections As soon as you can after you are arrested, write down everything you can remember about the time before, during, and after your DUI arrest. No detail is irrelevant. And if you can supply pictures, audio recordings, or any other supporting media it will only help to make your narrative stronger. Once you reach court, the police and prosecutor will present their own version of events. You will want to be able to challenge that story, so don’t let the passage of time cloud your memory. A strong DUI defense depends on having your version of events. ## Be Willing to Make Amends A strong DUI defense can come in many forms. But in general, you will not want to appear cocky or unrepentant when you enter court. And if it’s clear that you made a mistake even if you are not technically guilty under the letter of the law, you will want to appear appropriately contrite. Sometimes the best DUI defense is accepting a lesser sentence rather than fighting to be found not guilty. That might mean attending alcohol treatment classes or some other form of counseling. This is always the better alternative to hefty fines or a lengthy jail sentence. ## Accept the Right Advice You probably know someone else who has been arrested for a DUI. They might have their own ideas about what a strong DUI defense looks like and encourage you to follow the same strategy they relied on. You can also go online and find dozens of ideas for how to fight a DUI charge by questioning the credibility of the police or making a principled stand for your rights. Be aware that the only strong DUI defense is one that has been specifically tailored to the circumstances around your arrest. You should never rely on amateur advice, and you should be eager and able to follow the lead of a DUI lawyer who you trust. With so much on the line, you can’t afford to roll the dice of a long-shot strategy. When you are arrested for a DUI, you will want to get in contact with a dedicated DUI lawyer as soon as you possibly can. A strong DUI defense depends on having time to prepare. Plus, with a lawyer on your side you can sidestep the types of traps that the police and prosecutors often set for DUI defendants. Rely on Rory Munns Attorney at Law to provide the kind of strong DUI defense you’re looking for. Call 401-573-2265 to get immediate advice and guidance. --- ## Rory Munns, Esq., is the Premier DUI Defense Attorney to Defend Your Rights! URL: https://massduiguy.com/need-a-dui-defense-attorney/ Getting arrested for a DUI in Massachusetts can have devastating consequences. Even if you’ve never been arrested for a DUI before, you can face a series of hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time if you’re convicted of the crime. For this reason, you need to contact Rory Munns, Esq., the top DUI defense attorney in Massachusetts, if the minute you’ve been arrested for a DUI. Even if this is your first time needing a DUI defense attorney, Rory Munns, Esq., can help you avoid the extensive penalties, fines, license suspensions, and jail time. ## Why do you need the aid of a DUI defense attorney like Rory Munns, Esq.? Massachusetts has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. Even a first-time conviction for the crime of driving under the influence can lead to up to $5,000 in fines, up to a year of a license suspension, and more than two years in jail. And the penalties get worse with each subsequent conviction! That’s why you need the aid of the most trusted DUI defense attorney in Massachusetts – Rory Munns, Esq., — to vigorously defend your rights in a court of law the minute you get arrested. As someone with more than a decade of experience with successfully defending seemingly impossible cases, Rory Munns, Esq., is more than prepared to take his years of experience as the top DUI defense attorney in Massachusetts and apply it to your case. Rory Munns, Esq., is known throughout the state for exposing both faulty police work and faulty apprehension methods during the DUI arrest process. His tireless efforts, combined with his years of experience as a successful DUI defense attorney, make him the first choice for most Massachusetts residents who need an aggressive litigator to handle their matter. While past results do not guarantee future success, and no two cases are exactly alike, Rory Munns, Esq., is confident that he can help you with your case, no matter how impossible it may seem to you. He offers a free, no obligation consultation to all prospective clients, so he can thoroughly review your case and offer you advice on the best course of action. For more information about us, and to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today and find out for yourself why Rory Munns, Esq., is the most trusted DUI defense attorney in Massachusetts! --- ## Massachusetts Does Not Share DUI Information with Other States URL: https://massduiguy.com/massachusetts-does-not-share-dui-information-with-other-states/ ## Massachusetts Does Not Share DUI Information with Other States Were you arrested for a DUI in another state? You are probably wondering how the out-of-state charges will affect your license.   Massachusetts is one of only 5 states that does not fully share DUI information with other states. The legal implications are major. ## Driver’s License Compact This compact was created to share driver’s license infractions and suspensions between states. The state where you live will treat your out-of-state charges as if the violations were committed in your home state. This only holds true with member states. If a state is not part of this compact they will not share or receive your information from the member states. If the state agrees to share DUI information, when you get home you could face an in-state DUI charge. Massachusetts does not share DUI information with other states through this compact. ## Implications Although Massachusetts is not a member of the Driver’s License Compact, they do share information through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). If you received an out of state DUI you should contact a Massachusetts attorney to find out the implications of your personal case. Attorney Rory Munns provides free legal consultations and is available 24/7. Certain DUI charges may be shared with Massachusetts through the RMV. You may not face in-state charges, but might have your license suspended. In order to get your license back legal action is needed. There are several laws and agreements that effect your fate. There are drivers with out of state DUIs that do not impact their Massachusetts license. Other drivers have their home state license suspended. Legal counsel is necessary to determine what is involved in your individual case. ## Call Attorney Rory Munns Massachusetts does not share DUI information with other states through the Driver’s License Compact, but information is still shared through the RMV. The Mass DUI Guy, Rory Munns is a skilled DUI attorney. He has helped many clients with cases similar to your own. Call 401-573-2265 to schedule your free consultations. Our phone lines are always open. You don’t want to delay. No one wants a surprise license suspension. If you are caught driving with a suspended license you may face further penalization. Let us help you get your driving rights back. --- ## Ray Bourque DUI – What Happened? URL: https://massduiguy.com/ray-bourque-dui/ Massachusetts is serious about enforcing drunk driving laws. Former Boston Bruin Defenseman Ray Bourque can now attest to this! On Friday night he was arrested for drunk driving with a Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) of .249. Apparently the Ray Bourque DUI incident started when he ran his Mercedes into a minivan. ## Ray Bourque, The Boston Bruins Legend Ray Bourque, a third round draft pick, was ranked by the NHL as the third greatest Defenseman of all time. In 1980 he won Rookie of the Year and was chosen on the First Team All-Star. Bourque continued winning games for Boston until 2000. In this time, he also earned the honor of holding the position of Captain longer than anyone else in Bruin’s history. In 2004 he was inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame. Anyone who has visit Massachusetts knows how much we love our sports. Ray Bourque is a household name and beloved icon throughout New England. He is used to being in headlines for breaking records, winning games, and receiving high honors. But today the headlines are about the Ray Bourque DUI arrest. This just proves that anyone in the state of Massachusetts can be arrested for driving under the influence. ## The Ray Bourque DUI Case With a BAC over three times Massachusetts’ legal limit, Bourque faces a variety of possible fines, license suspense and possible jail time. Because there was also property damage, this NHL legend may also face civil charges. So far there have been no reported injuries, which should save Bourque from even more severer penalties. There are many variables in any DUI case. It is always important to have an experienced DUI attorney on your side. Ray Bourque will rely heavily on his! ## The Mass DUI Guy Can you relate to the Ray Bourque DUI case? Are you also facing drunk driving charges? The Mass DUI Guy, Rory Munns, is here to help you end your own DUI nightmare. Once you have been arrested for DUI, time is of the essence. The sooner you call us; the sooner we can start working on your case. Part of this work includes informing you of your rights and ensuring you don’t make mistakes that can negatively impact your case. We have a great deal of experience defending DUI cases and will be able to help you get through this legal battle. The Ray Bourque DUI case is high profile, but we believe every citizen deserves to be defended effectively to the full extent of the law. Call us today at 401-573-2265. --- ## Massachusetts DUI Lawyer: How to Choose URL: https://massduiguy.com/massachusetts-dui-lawyer/ ## Massachusetts DUI Lawyer – The Mass DUI Guy Following a DUI arrest, it’s common to feel embarrassed, confused, and ashamed. But rather than accepting whatever punishment the court assigns, it’s essential that you hire a Massachusetts DUI lawyer instead. With a legal professional serving as your advocate, you can ensure that you are treated fairly by the system and that your rights are upheld. Learn how to choose a Massachusetts DUI lawyer who will put your interests first: ## Make a List of Potential Candidates There are multiple qualified lawyers working in your area, and it’s never a good idea to settle on the first one you find. Look in the yellow pages and online to locate candidates. You should also ask for recommendations from friends or family who have worked with a Massachusetts DUI lawyer in the past. Be conscious of who you ask, however. You don’t want your DUI charge to affect your personal or professional reputation before you have even gone to court. ## Vet the Attorney’s Credentials Not all lawyers are created equal, and identifying the best of the best takes a little research. First and foremost, make sure that any Massachusetts DUI lawyer you consider is properly licensed and has never been disbarred. Then look at the candidate’s ethical record, and consider where they went to law school. Finally, determine what kind of experience they have with DUI cases and what their track record has been. In general, it’s better to hire a local attorney because they have more experience with the courts, judges, and prosecutors you will be up against. ## Schedule a Consultation It’s essential to meet face to face with any Massachusetts DUI attorney before formally securing their services. During the meeting, be honest and upfront about the facts of your case, even if they are embarrassing or incriminating. Bring along any documents related to your case, particularly anything you have been given by the police or the courts. Spend some time speaking to the attorney about their professional background and their thoughts on your case. Then, afterward, gauge your level of trust, comfort, and confidence with the candidate. If you feel less than certain, consider someone else. ## Focus on the Fee A DUI charge can be incredibly expensive – up to $20,000 or more in some cases – but that doesn’t mean you have to pay an exorbitant amount to hire a good Massachusetts DUI lawyer. First, find out what fee you will pay and what level of service you will receive for that amount. Don’t be afraid to ask for the terms to be agreed upon in advance in a binding contract. If the fee is competitive compared to other lawyers and manageable within your personal budget, it’s money well spent. ## Speak to a Massachusetts DUI Lawyer Today The longer you wait to begin searching for and vetting attorneys, the weaker your case becomes. Call the Mass DUI Guy immediately at 401-573-2265. --- ## DUI Charges For BC Football Player URL: https://massduiguy.com/dui-charges-for-bc-football-player/ # Massachusetts DUI Attorney – Rory Munns ### DUI Charges For BC Football Player As of May 23rd, Boston College is going to be taking a huge setback in the receiver department. Troy Flutie (nephew to Heisman Trophy Winner Doug Flutie) was arrested near Natick and received DUI charges which has led to him ultimately being suspended indefinitely from the popular college football team. While this may come as a surprise to many, Troy is only 20 years old and of course not old enough even to be drinking. According to the report, Flutie was arrested around 1 o’clock in the morning after the police observed him crash into a curb. The local newspaper MetroWest Daily reports that Flutie is facing DUI charges including operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, being under 21 in possession of alcohol, and having an open container. The police also charged Flutie with many lane changing violations. Boston College after hearing the news released a statement stating that because of the receivers DUI charges he was suspended indefinitely by Coach Steve Addazio. The statement went on to say that the situation of the suspension and the likelihood of further sanction from BC would be pending the outcome of the courtroom proceedings. Of course, it goes without saying that Massachusetts takes DUI charges very seriously and without a strong Massachusetts DUI Attorney Flutie could be in some seriously hot water. In fact, without an attorney, there is little chance that he will be able to defeat these charges not matter how famous his father is in the football world. At the Law Office Of Mass DUI Guy Rory Munns, we understand the DUI / OUI process like the back of our hands. We believe in giving our all for out clients and making sure that we have everything taken care of from your free consultation to the appeals process if necessary. We have the training and experience and creative team that can help you through any difficult situation. If you have been arrested and would like to discuss your case with a Massachusetts DUI Attorney we are available at any time to assist you at 401-573-2265. --- ## Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer – Rory Munns URL: https://massduiguy.com/massachusetts-criminal-defense-lawyer/ # Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer 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 Massachusetts-licensed Criminal Defense Lawyer Rory Munns at Bank & Munns. ## 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 **401-573-2265** — available 24/7. --- ## Mass DUI Blog URL: https://massduiguy.com/mass-dui-blog/ --- ## Framingham DUI Attorney – Rory Munns URL: https://massduiguy.com/framingham-dui-attorney-chad-f-bank/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME * ## Framingham DUI Attorney New England has some of the most beautiful roads – and views – in the entire United States. However, Massachusetts – the heart of New England – has some of the toughest laws against drunk driving in the United States, which is why it’s essential to quickly enlist the aid of an experienced, tough Framingham DUI attorney like Rory Munns, Esq.,. If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence of any substance, with a decade-long track record of helping his clients beat the toughest of charges against them, Rory Munns, Esq., is the Framingham DUI attorney that residents have come to rely on. ## What are the benefits of working with a Framingham DUI attorney like Rory Munns, Esq.? Massachusetts’ punitive DUI laws are amongst the toughest in the nation. A trusted Framingham DUI attorney like Rory Munns, Esq., can help you with your case in several ways. For example: - A trusted Framingham DUI attorney like Rory Munns, Esq., can help you get the case against you dismissed. Because of his deep, intrinsic knowledge of the law, Rory Munns, Esq., can work directly with the prosecutor assigned to your case to get it dismissed. You may not realize it, but there are many mistakes that police make while in the process of arresting you. These mistakes, while seemingly minor, can make all the difference in getting the case against you dismissed! - Rory Munns, Esq., can help you get the charges against you reduced. Sometimes, a case is going to “stick” to you despite our best efforts to get it dismissed. But there is a bit of good news: Rory Munns, Esq., can always work out what’s called a plea bargain *with the prosecuting attorney. This plea bargain – sometimes called a plea deal – will require you to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for serving out a comparably minor sentence. Either way, it’s preferable to being convicted of DUI! - Rory Munns, Esq., can represent you in court in the event the case goes to trial. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we cannot negotiate any type of dismissal or plea bargain/deal with the prosecutor. In that case, we will exercise our right to go to trial, and Rory Munns, Esq., will work tirelessly to defend you in a court of law! To get your free, no obligation consultation from the Framingham DUI attorney that residents have counted on for more than a decade – Rory Munns, Esq. – contact us today. --- ## Domestic Assault Attorney URL: https://massduiguy.com/domestic-assault-attorney/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME Getting arrested in Massachusetts is never an easy thing, but getting arrested on a domestic assault charge is even more distressing. Thanks to the nature of the charges, if you’re convicted of domestic assault – even if it’s only your first time – you could be looking at extensive fines, an order of protection placed against you, and even jail time! That’s why, if you’re arrested for domestic assault, you need to contact the law offices of Rory Munns, Esq., to rigorously defend your rights and get you the justice you deserve. As an attorney who has decades of experience working with all types of domestic assault defendants, Rory Munns, Esq., has earned a reputation for being a rigorous advocate who fights for – and gets – justice for his clients. ## What are the consequences of a domestic assault conviction? The consequences from these types of convictions can be dire. Depending on the nature of your crime, whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, and whether this is your first time being arrested for a crime, you could be looking at the following consequences: - A prison sentence that can last for several years. - Statutory fines in the thousands of dollars. - Restitution to your victim(s) that could range in the thousands of dollars, depending on the extent and nature of their injuries. - Required enrollment in an anger management and/or domestic violence class. - A suspension of your driver’s license for any reason whatsoever (meaning you won’t even be able to drive to work!) - A no contact order (commonly referred to as a restraining order) put in place against you on your victim’s behalf (which can be devastating if you have children with the victim). - Up to five years’ probation. - If your assault involved sexual violence, you could be required to register as a sex offender, and this registration will follow you for the rest of your life, no matter which state you move to. In short, getting convicted of a domestic assault can be devastating for your present, and for your future. That’s why you need to contact Rory Munns, Esq., the minute you’ve been arrested for such charges. Rory Munns, Esq., is pleased to offer a free, no obligation consultation to all his prospective clients to discuss the details of their case. For more information about us and our services, contact Rory Munns, Esq., today, and find out for yourself why he’s the domestic assault attorney you can trust! --- ## Rory Munns, Esq., Fall River Criminal Defense Attorney URL: https://massduiguy.com/fall-river-criminal-defense-attorney/ ### FALL RIVER CRIMINAL ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME * Whether arrested for a felony, a misdemeanor, or a violation, getting the proper defense in court should be the first thing on your mind. And while hiring a Rhode Island criminal defense attorney like Rory Munns, Esq., will provide no guarantee that your case will be dismissed, it will certainly ensure that your rights are protected and that you’ll get the justice you deserve. And while you may think that you can defend yourself in a court of law, the reality is, there are many disadvantages of going into court without the aid of an aggressive Fall River criminal defense attorney like Rory Munns, Esq. ## What can happen if you go into court without hiring a Fall River criminal defense attorney? Going into court without an aggressive Fall River criminal defense attorney like Rory Munns, Esq., by your side to defend your rights will, ultimately, hurt your case, no matter what you’ve been charged with. ## The prosecutor will come after you When a prosecutor takes your case to trial, be rest assured that it is their job to put you in prison for as long as they can convince a jury of your peers to do so. The burden of proof lies on their shoulders, and therefore, they won’t enter the court without a mountain of evidence against you. If you want to have any chance of overcoming that mountain of evidence, and have reasonable doubt implemented into the minds of the jury, you’ll need the aid of an experienced Fall River criminal defense attorney like Rory Munns, Esq. ## A plea deal may not be able to be negotiated If you’re facing serious penalties for the crime you’ve committed, your best chance at a reduced sentence will come in the form of a plea deal*. Sometimes referred to as a plea bargain, a plea deal is one where you, as the defendant, will plead guilty to a lesser crime in exchange for a required sentence, like community service or a short jail term. Without the aid of a trusted Fall River criminal defense attorney like Rory Munns, Esq., you may not be able to negotiate the best type of plea deal for your situation. ## Contact Rory Munns, Esq., today! While past results certainly do not guarantee future success, having a free, no obligation consultation with Rory Munns, Esq., to discuss the details of your case will go a long way in helping us help you get the justice you deserve. So contact Rory Munns, Esq., today and find out why so many people trust him to be the Fall River criminal attorney to handle their case! --- ## DUI First Offense in Massachusetts? Contact Rory Munns, Esq., URL: https://massduiguy.com/dui-first-offense/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME The most common misconception people have, when it comes to getting charged with a DUI, is that a DUI first offense isn’t a big deal. But, the reality is, nothing could be further from the truth: in Massachusetts, a DUI first offense can lead to excessive fines, license suspension, and even jail time! For that reason, you need to contact Rory Munns, Esq., the minute you’ve been arrested for a DUI, even if you’ve never been arrested for a DUI before. You shouldn’t have to face the prospect of the charges tied to a DUI first offense alone! ## What can happen with your DUI first offense? ## In Massachusetts, a DUI first offense is not a minor charge. If arrested, and ultimately convicted of a DUI for the first time, the following can happen: - Getting fined: in Massachusetts, if found guilty of a DUI first offense, the law states that you will have to pay up to $5,000 between fines and state penalties. No matter what you do for a living, or how much money you make, having to pay $5,000 is a huge financial burden on you and your family. - You will lose your license: depending on the severity of the DUI, and depending if any accidents occurred in the process of driving under the influence, you could lose your license for up to one year. This can make traveling to and from work very difficult, especially if you don’t live near any form of public transportation. - Jail time: this, perhaps, is the most severe penalty that you can face in Massachusetts. If convicted of a DUI, even if it’s only your first time convicted, you could face up to 30 months (more than two years) in jail. Jail time is enough to cause an undue financial and emotional strain on yourself and your family. With these types of penalties, it’s easy to see why you would need the aid of an experienced DUI attorney like Rory Munns, Esq., to handle your case. As a lawyer who has several years of experience serving the greater Massachusetts community, Rory Munns, Esq., has earned the reputation of being a vigorous defender of his clients’ rights, and someone who can get them the results they deserve. You shouldn’t have to face the prospect of a DUI conviction alone. Instead, you should enlist the aid of Rory Munns, Esq., the premier DUI attorney in Massachusetts, to get you justice. To schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today, and find out why Rory Munns, Esq., is the only attorney you can trust to handle your DUI first offense. --- ## Woonsocket DUI Attorney URL: https://massduiguy.com/woonsocket-dui-attorney/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## 3 Reasons You Need a Woonsocket DUI Attorney When you get a DUI, it is easy to conclude that there is no possible defense. That is never the case. With the help of a Woonsocket DUI attorney, you can contest any DUI charge and defend your rights and freedoms in court. This is not only an effective strategy, but it’s a necessary one. Here are three important reasons that you need a Woonsocket DUI attorney to represent you. - DUI Laws and Penalties are Significant: Getting a DUI in the state of Massachusetts is never a slap on the wrist. If you are a first-time offender, you can still be subject to jail time, substantial fees, and a suspended license. If you have been arrested for a DUI before, those penalties will increase significantly. That is why you should never simply accept the penalty assigned by the court. Work with a Woonsocket DUI attorney to argue for your innocence or plead your sentence down to something that is fair. - Multiple Charges Puts You at Risk: If you have already been convicted of DUI and get accused of it a second, third, or subsequent time, the penalties are swift and severe. You may be forced to pay thousands of dollars in fines. You could receive a multi-year prison sentence. You could go without your license for an extended period. If you are at risk of having multiple DUI charges on your record you need to have a Woonsocket DUI attorney defend you. - Your Reputation is at Stake: Even if the court decides to offer you a lenient sentence, a DUI conviction on your record can have consequences for the rest of your life. You may find it hard to find work or a place to live, your character may be called into question at critical moments, and your standing with friends and family will be impacted. A Woonsocket DUI attorney can help you uphold your innocence and keep your record clean. The quicker you contact a Woonsocket DUI Attorney the sooner your defense begins. Contact Rory Munns attorney at law by calling 774-206-9222 at your earliest convenience. --- ## University of Massachusetts at Amherst DUI Attorney URL: https://massduiguy.com/university-of-massachusetts-at-amherst-dui-attorney/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## University of Massachusetts at Amherst DUI Attorney – Rory Munns University students are not necessarily known for making the best decisions, and their judgment can certainly be impaired by having one too many drinks. However, if your momentary lapse of judgment results in you being arrested for driving under the influence, you will need to enlist the aid of a trusted University of Massachusetts at Amherst DUI Attorney. Don’t face the courts alone, because if you are convicted of a DUI, you may find your entire university life in jeopardy! ## Without a trusted University of Massachusetts at Amherst DUI Attorney by your side, you could be in serious trouble! Massachusetts has particularly tough penalties for those who are convicted of a DUI, especially if, while driving under the influence, you have an accident that causes grave bodily injury or death. If that happens, even if you’ve never been convicted of a DUI before, you will be charged with a felony that will result in hefty fines, license suspension, and jail time if you’re convicted. And if you’re a university student, more problems await you just from your arrest, let alone your conviction. For example, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst has very strict policies against students who get arrested for DUI’s – even one arrest, without conviction, can result in suspension from school, loss of scholarships, and even expulsion from your academic program! Other universities in Massachusetts have similar policies to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. That’s why you will need the aid of Rory Munns who is extremely experienced in handling these types of cases. As a former prosecutor and experienced attorney, the law offices of Rory Munns will work tirelessly to fight for your rights and get you the results you want! While no law office can give you a guarantee as to the outcome of your case, the law office of Rory Munns takes pride in being led by an aggressive, trusted, and fair attorney like Rory. Rory Munns has defended countless people in seemingly impossible cases and gotten them the results they deserved. So if you’ve been arrested for a DUI, don’t go through it alone in front of the courts. Instead, contact Rory Munns for your free, no obligation consultation, and find out for yourself why he’s been the University of Massachusetts at Amherst DUI Attorney residents and students alike have been able to count on. --- ## Mansfield DUI Attorney – Rory Munns URL: https://massduiguy.com/mansfield-dui-attorney/ ### MANSFIELD DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## Need a Mansfield DUI Attorney? Contact Rory Munns Today! Getting arrested for a DUI is never easy, especially when you’re looking at penalties resulting from the strictest DUI laws in the country. So, if you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you’ll be needing the assistance of a trusted Mansfield DUI attorney like Rory Munns. ## Why is Rory Munns the most trusted Mansfield DUI attorney? Rory Munns is the Mansfield DUI attorney Rhode Island residents have been able to rely on for more than a decade. He has handled the most difficult of DUI cases and has gotten many clients the justice they deserve against their DUI charges. Even if you’ve been charged for the first time with a DUI charge in Rhode Island, the penalties can be severe. If convicted, you can expect a fine up to $500, a license suspension for up to 18 months, and even jail time for up to a year! What’s worse, subsequent convictions will lead to even stricter penalties, more jail time, heavier fines, longer license suspension time, and even a requirement to get an IID device installed on your car! When you’re faced with such severe penalties for a DUI, it makes sense that you would contact Rory Munns, the most trusted Mansfield DUI attorney, to handle your case. Each DUI case is dealt with by Rory personally, and he devotes the utmost attention to each situation, no matter what punishments you may be facing. As a dependable, experienced Mansfield DUI attorney, Rory Munns is committed to getting you the justice you deserve, and to protecting your rights in a court of law. Rory Munns is pleased to be the only Mansfield DUI attorney to offer his services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Having this accessibility means that his clients can put their minds at ease – he will be available no matter the time, day or night. So if you’ve been arrested for a DUI, contact Rory Munns, the premier Mansfield DUI attorney that Rhode Island residents have trusted for more than 10 years. --- ## Middlesex DUI Lawyer URL: https://massduiguy.com/middlesex-dui-lawyer/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME # Middlesex DUI Lawyer – Mass DUI Guy ## Rory Munns is the Most Trusted Middlesex DUI Lawyer ! Getting arrested for a DUI happens to the best of us, but the DUI laws in Middlesex County are severe. As such, if you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you’ll need to call Rory Munns, the most trusted Middlesex DUI lawyer you will find. As the premier Middlesex DUI lawyer that has been helping its residents for more than 15 years, Rory Munns can help you navigate through even the seemingly most difficult cases. ## Why do you need a Middlesex DUI lawyer if you’ve been arrested? Because of the strictness of the Massachusets DUI laws, hiring a Middlesex DUI lawyer like Rory Munns is your best bet if you’ve been arrested. The first time you get arrested – and convicted – for a DUI in Massachusets, you are subject to fines up to $500. After that, you are subject to such penalties as getting your license suspended – or even revoked – additional fines, forced rehab, and even jail time! But hiring the right Middlesex DUI lawyer will help you avoid all of that. That’s where the law offices of Rory Munns comes in: we understand the ins and outs of the DUI law in Massachusets, and we will use our extensive knowledge of the court system to fight for your rights and get the justice you deserve. And while past results do not guarantee future outcomes, the law office of Rory Munns is pleased to offer you a free, no obligation consultation so he can prove to you that he is the premier Middlesex DUI lawyer for a good reason. ## Contact Rory Munns, the Premier Middlesex DUI lawyer, today! For more information about Rory Munns, the premier Middlesex DUI lawyer, contact us today. --- ## Wheaton College Criminal Defense Lawyer – Rory Munns URL: https://massduiguy.com/wheaton-college-criminal-defense-lawyer-rory-munns/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## Wheaton College Criminal Defense Lawyer Wheaton College is a unique college located between Boston and Providence. Known for both academic and athletic excellence, Wheaton is a school students should feel proud to attend. Students receive individualized attention, helping them to achieve the most out of their college experience. Unfortunately, young people are prone to make mistakes. When a student gets arrested, they need to contact a Wheaton College criminal defense lawyer quickly. ## College Arrests When a student gets arrested it is unfortunate, but not uncommon. College students are often under a lot of stress and are also curious to explore their new independence. Common college arrests include: - DUI - Underage Drinking - Fake IDs - Drug Possession - Hazing - Theft When you get arrested, you do not want to talk to the police. The police officer would not apprehend you if he didn’t already think you are guilty. Because of this, law enforcement will try to get you to self-incriminate yourself. Instead of talking to the police, contact a Wheaton College criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Rory Munns will protect your rights. ## College Convictions You may be wondering if you need to hire a Wheaton College criminal defense lawyer. You must understand the consequences of criminal convictions. First, you will have to deal with legal penalties. These could include jail, probation, fines, license suspension, mandatory classes and community service. During a free consultation, Wheaton College Criminal Defense Lawyer Rory Munns will tell you more about your specific charge. Next, you will have to deal with scholastic consequences. The police will notify Wheaton College, and it will be up to the school to enforce additional penalizations. Penalties could include: - Academic Suspension - School Expulsion - Cancellation of Scholarships - Exclusion from Sports Teams After you finish school, penalization does not stop. You will have a mark on your criminal record which will hurt you in the job application process. You could even get entirely excluded from certain professions. After working hard to get to this point in your education, you don’t want to ruin your chances of success. Contact a Wheaton College Criminal Defense Lawyer immediately. Free Consultation Wheaton College Criminal Defense Lawyer Rory Munns offers free legal consultations. You can reach him 24/7 at 774-206-9222. Rory has over ten years of experience defending the rights of those accused. He will use his skill and expertise to support your case properly, protecting your future against unjust hindrances. Contact a qualified defense attorney today. --- ## Stonehill College Criminal Defense Lawyer – MASS DUI Guy URL: https://massduiguy.com/stonehill-college-criminal-defense-lawyer-mass-dui-guy/ ## Stonehill College Criminal Defense Lawyer Stonehill College is a respected Massachusetts school which bases their curriculum on the acquisition of knowledge and faith. Formerly called Catholic College, Stonehill still emphasizes Catholic beliefs. If you attend Stonehill College and get arrested, it puts you in a precarious situation. Those convicted will face penalties from the state as well as from the college. You need a Stonehill College criminal defense lawyer immediately. ## Common Student Crimes Regardless of the offense you are charged with, Stonehill College Criminal Defense Lawyer Rory Munns can provide you with valuable legal advice. However, here are a few typical college crimes: - Underage Drinking: In Massachusetts, it is illegal for persons under the age of 21 to buy, possess or consume alcohol. If you used a fake ID to purchase the liquor, you would face an additional charge. There are exceptions to this law and valid defenses that can be used to clear your name. - DUI: Because of the amount of deaths and injuries caused each year by drunk drivers, Massachusetts comes down hard on perpetrators. When accused of a DUI, it is imperative that you contact a Stonehill College Criminal Defense Lawyer. You could face jail time, license suspension, fines and mandatory recovery treatment. - Drug Possession: College students are known for experimenting with drugs. Although your best option is to concentrate on your studies, it is common to get curious. The United States has traffic stop, search, and seizure laws based on the 4th Amendment. If the police infringed on your rights, Rory will find out. - Hazing: This long-time college tradition has recently become a topic for legislation. It is now illegal to conduct any initiation activity that could cause harm to the pledge or other innocent people. If you get arrested for hazing, Stonehill College Criminal Defense Lawyer Rory Munns can help. ## Criminal Conviction Consequences When a student gets convicted of a crime, he will have to deal with many consequences. The judge determines your first set of consequences. Your particular sentence will depend on the crime you committed. To find out more, schedule a free consultation with Stonehill College Criminal Defense Lawyer Rory Munns. Your university will impose the next set of consequences. Stonehill College has a strict ethics code that they enforce. Possible consequences include: - Loss of Scholarships - Kicked off Sports Teams - Suspension - Expulsion ## Attorney Rory Munns If you are a student who is charged with a crime, it is important that you contact a Stonehill College Criminal Defense Lawyer immediately. You don’t want one mistake to destroy your future. Call Rory anytime at 401-573-2265 for a free consultation. Rory can help you protect your future. --- ## UMASS Dartmouth Criminal Defense – Rory Munns URL: https://massduiguy.com/umass-dartmouth-criminal-defense-chad-f-bank/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## UMASS Dartmouth Criminal Defense Are you a University of Massachusetts student? Were you arrested? UMASS Dartmouth criminal defense attorney Rory Munns can help. For over 15 years, Rory has been defending New England’s accused. He will use his skill and experience to protect your rights. ## Common College Charges It is estimated that by the age of 23, one out of three people will be arrested. A college conviction is tragic, but not rare. A good UMASS Dartmouth criminal defense attorney can protect you from harsh consequences. Here are some typical college charges: - Underage Drinking: Many college students get caught drinking before their 21st birthday. In the state of Massachusetts, it is illegal to buy, consume or possess alcohol if you are under the age of 21. However, there are exceptions to the law. During a free consultation, Rory Munns can tell you more about the best UMASS Dartmouth criminal defense strategy for you. - DUI: DUI is one of the most common criminal charges for college students and older adults. The criminal penalties for a DUI could include jail time, fines and license suspension. Because Massachusetts aggressively prosecutes DUI charges, it is important to have an experienced attorney defending your rights. - Drug Possession: College campuses are known for being a place where young adults experiment with drugs. Former presidents and presidential candidates had even admitted to trying marijuana when they were in college. Unfortunately for the students who get caught, you are now facing criminal drug charges. UMASS Dartmouth criminal defense attorney Rory Munns will defend your 4th amendment rights. - Theft: Were you accused of stealing? Attorney Rory Munns has helped many clients fight theft charges. The penalties for theft depend on the dollar amount of items stolen and the way you stole them. Rory will provide you with personalized information during a free consultation. - Hazing: Hazing has long been part of college fraternity tradition. However, the law has recently gotten involved. You now face criminal charges if accused of reckless initiation methods. Rory can help you fight hazing charges. ## Criminal Conviction & Your Education After a student is arrested, the authorities usually notify the University. College students have to deal with penalization from their University, as well as penalization from the government. Possible University penalties can include: - Losing scholarships - Being kicked off sports teams - Receiving Suspensions or Expulsion - Being kicked out of student housing Don’t let one mistake ruin your college experience and future career. You need the right UMASS Dartmouth Criminal Defense for you. Rory will aggressively defend your rights so that you can have a productive college experience. --- ## Foxborough DUI Lawyer URL: https://massduiguy.com/foxborough-dui-attorney/ A **Foxborough DUI lawyer** defends drivers charged with OUI in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The town sits at the intersection of Routes 1, 95, and 495, plus the access roads to Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place. Foxborough Police and Massachusetts State Police run heavy DUI enforcement on event days and on weekend nights year-round. Hire a Foxborough DUI lawyer the same day as the arrest and the 15-day RMV clock and the 30-day discovery window both work in your favor instead of against you. Bank & Munns has handled Foxborough OUI cases since the firm’s founding. We are dual-licensed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, which matters for the steady flow of RI drivers who get popped at Gillette Stadium events or on the highways heading home. Most cases resolve through a 24D Disposition that protects your record. A Foxborough DUI lawyer who knows Wrentham District Court can spot the openings other lawyers miss. ## Foxborough OUI Law and Common Charges Massachusetts charges drunk driving as Operating Under the Influence (OUI) under M.G.L. c. 90, section 24. The legal limit is 0.08 percent BAC for adult drivers, 0.04 percent for commercial drivers, and 0.02 percent for drivers under 21. The charge applies to alcohol, drugs, prescription medication, and combinations. Foxborough OUI cases run the full range from first-offense misdemeanors to felony second and third offenses with mandatory jail time. Companion charges that often come bundled with a Foxborough OUI arrest: - **Negligent operation** — driving in a manner that endangers the public - **Refusal to submit to a breath test** — automatic 180-day RMV suspension on a first refusal, regardless of the criminal outcome - **Open container** — civil penalty but adds weight to the OUI - **Leaving the scene** — if an accident was involved - **OUI causing serious bodily injury** — felony with prison exposure - **OUI manslaughter** — felony with mandatory minimum prison time ## Wrentham District Court — Where Foxborough OUI Cases Go Foxborough OUI cases are arraigned at Wrentham District Court at 60 East Street in Wrentham. The court is roughly 15 minutes from the stadium and serves as the venue for most misdemeanor OUI cases originating in Foxborough, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Franklin, and surrounding towns. Felony OUI charges move to Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham. The Wrentham OUI docket is heavy. Game-day Mondays are particularly busy, with arraignments queued from Sunday-night Patriot Place arrests. The prosecutors handle OUI in volume and have standard plea offers for first offenses. A Foxborough DUI lawyer who appears regularly at Wrentham knows which prosecutor will offer a CWOF and which will push for a guilty plea, and structures the case accordingly. ## Foxborough DUI Hot Zones — Where Stops Happen Foxborough Police and Massachusetts State Police concentrate DUI patrols in predictable corridors: - **Route 1 (Washington Street)** — Patriot Place corridor, restaurant and bar density, post-event traffic - **Route 95** — heavy enforcement on game-day evenings and weekend nights, particularly near the Foxborough exits - **Route 495** — north and south traffic from Worcester County and Cape Cod - **Route 140** — connector to Mansfield and Norton - **Stadium parking lots** — Gillette and Patriot Place lots, including Lighthouse Lot and Tailgate Lot - **Patriot Place commercial district** — restaurants, bars, hotels around the stadium - **Foxboro Common and downtown Foxborough** — local restaurant and bar enforcement Sobriety checkpoints in Foxborough are usually publicized in advance per Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules. The checkpoint must be authorized by a supervisor, follow neutral selection criteria, and limit detention time. Procedural breakdowns at a checkpoint can support a motion to suppress. ## Game-Day Enforcement Spike Patriots home games, Revolution matches, Boston Legacy FC matches, World Cup 2026 fixtures, NCAA championships, MA high school football state championships, Savannah Bananas, and major concerts all bring elevated DUI enforcement to Foxborough. Police presence ramps up before, during, and especially after each event. Tailgate-related drinking that starts five hours before kickoff produces a steady flow of post-event OUI arrests. If your OUI arrest happened on a stadium event day, the case overlaps with the broader event-arrest pattern at Gillette. The defense angles, court routines, and surveillance considerations differ from a typical weekend OUI. See our dedicated coverage of Gillette Stadium criminal defense for the full picture on event-day arrests. ## Massachusetts OUI Penalties That Apply in Foxborough The penalties scale by prior offenses and aggravating factors. The numbers below reflect the Massachusetts statute as it applies in Foxborough cases. Offense Jail Fine License Suspension Other First OUI Up to 2.5 years $500 to $5,000 1 year (24D reduces) 24D Disposition often available Second OUI (within 10 years) 60 days minimum, up to 2.5 years $600 to $10,000 2 years 30 days mandatory inpatient or 14-day program Third OUI (felony) 180 days minimum, up to 5 years $1,000 to $15,000 8 years Mandatory minimum jail time Fourth OUI (felony) 2 years minimum, up to 5 years $1,500 to $25,000 10 years Mandatory minimum 1 year served Refusal — first n/a (civil) n/a 180 days Separate from criminal case Beyond the criminal penalties, an OUI conviction in Foxborough adds insurance costs (multi-year SR-22 surcharge), employment risk (especially for CDL holders, healthcare workers, and educators), and travel restrictions for some countries (Canada in particular). A Foxborough DUI lawyer fights to avoid the conviction record entirely through a 24D Disposition, dismissal, or reduction. ## The 24D Disposition — Massachusetts First-Offense OUI Path Most first-offense Foxborough OUI cases resolve through what defense lawyers call a 24D Disposition. Under M.G.L. c. 90, section 24D, eligible first-offense defendants can plead to a continuance without a finding (CWOF) with reduced penalties: - License suspension reduced from 1 year to 45 to 90 days - Hardship license available after 3 days for work or medical needs - Mandatory alcohol education program (typically 16 weeks) - Probation period (typically 1 year) - Reduced fines - No conviction record if probation completed successfully A 24D Disposition is not automatic. The defendant has to qualify (no prior OUI within 10 years), the prosecutor has to agree, and the judge has to accept. A Foxborough DUI lawyer negotiates the terms, files the paperwork, and walks the defendant through the program requirements. ## Defenses to a Foxborough OUI Charge Every OUI case is defensible. Common defenses in Foxborough cases: - **Bad stop.** Officers need probable cause or reasonable suspicion to pull you over. Generic claims of swerving or weaving may fail without dashcam corroboration. - **Faulty field sobriety tests.** The standardized tests have specific protocols. Tests run on uneven ground, in poor lighting, or without considering medical conditions create suppressible evidence. Game-day stadium parking lots routinely produce challenges to test administration. - **Breathalyzer issues.** The unit must be calibrated within strict windows. Massachusetts has had statewide breathalyzer evidence challenges in recent years that periodically affect OUI cases. Maintenance logs missing or expired void the reading. - **Rising BAC defense.** If your BAC was rising at the time of the test, you may have been under the legal limit while actually driving. - **Medical conditions.** Diabetes, neurological conditions, GERD, and inner ear problems can mimic intoxication. - **Procedural violations.** Failure to read implied consent, denying a phone call, or interfering with access to a lawyer can support suppression motions. - **Stadium-event factors.** Mass arrests in chaotic crowds produce identification errors, mixed-up evidence, and procedural breakdowns. Surveillance footage often contradicts the police report. ## Why Hire Bank & Munns as Your Foxborough DUI Lawyer Bank & Munns has handled Foxborough OUI cases for years. We know Wrentham District Court. We know the Foxborough Police DUI unit and the State Police barracks that cover the area. We know which surveillance camera angles cover Patriot Place and the stadium parking lots. We have negotiated CWOFs, dismissals, and reductions across hundreds of Foxborough cases. For Rhode Island residents arrested in Foxborough — a steady share of the Foxborough OUI docket because of the Patriots fan base — we run the case across both states with a single dual-licensed lawyer. That coverage is uncommon and matters when an OUI in MA produces RI license, insurance, and employment consequences. Related practice areas: Massachusetts DUI defense statewide, Gillette Stadium criminal defense, breathalyzer refusal cases, and first-offense OUI. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What court hears Foxborough OUI cases? Most misdemeanor OUI cases go to Wrentham District Court at 60 East Street in Wrentham. Felony OUI charges (third offense and beyond, OUI with serious bodily injury, OUI manslaughter) transfer to Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham. ### How fast do I have to hire a Foxborough DUI lawyer after arrest? Same day or next morning is best. The 15-day RMV refusal hearing deadline is the most urgent clock if you refused the breath test. The 30-day discovery window starts running at arraignment. Surveillance footage from event-day arrests can be overwritten within days. ### What is a 24D Disposition? A 24D Disposition is the standard first-offense OUI plea in Massachusetts. It allows a continuance without a finding (CWOF) with reduced penalties: shorter license suspension, hardship license eligibility, alcohol education, and probation. If probation completes successfully, no conviction enters your record. ### Can I beat a Foxborough OUI? Many Foxborough OUI cases are winnable. Common winning strategies include challenging the stop, suppressing breathalyzer results, attacking field sobriety test administration, and finding procedural errors. Stadium-event arrests often have identification or procedural issues that support dismissal. ### Will a Foxborough OUI affect my CDL? Yes. A first OUI conviction triggers a 1-year CDL disqualification regardless of whether you were driving the commercial vehicle at the time of arrest. Federal regulations override state-level plea deals. CDL holders need a lawyer who understands the federal layer. ### I am from Rhode Island. Can my RI lawyer handle a Foxborough OUI? Only if the RI lawyer is also licensed in Massachusetts. Most are not. Bank & Munns is dual-licensed and can handle the Massachusetts criminal case AND the Rhode Island license, insurance, and employment consequences with one lawyer. ### What if I refused the breath test in Foxborough? Refusing the breath test triggers an automatic 180-day RMV license suspension under Massachusetts implied consent law, regardless of the criminal outcome. You have 15 days from the arrest to request a hearing. A Foxborough DUI lawyer can fight the refusal at the RMV hearing while running the criminal case in parallel. ### Will an OUI keep me out of Canada? Canada considers OUI a serious offense and may deny entry to anyone with an OUI conviction on their record for years after the conviction. Avoiding the conviction through a 24D Disposition, dismissal, or reduction is the cleanest way to preserve Canada travel. ## Talk to a Foxborough DUI Lawyer Today If you were arrested for OUI in Foxborough, do not wait to call a lawyer. The 15-day RMV deadline runs whether you act or not. Surveillance footage from stadium event arrests can disappear within days. The longer you wait, the fewer options stay open. Call Bank & Munns today for a free consultation. We will pull the report, lay out the strategy, and tell you exactly what to expect from the case. --- ## Westport DUI Attorney URL: https://massduiguy.com/westport-dui-attorney/ # Westport DUI Attorney – The Mass DUI Guy If you were arrested for DUI in Westport, MA you need a talented DUI defense attorney. A DUI conviction can lead to: - **Expensive Fines and Fees** - **License Suspension** - **Jail Time ** - **Criminal Conviction on Your Record** Don’t let one mistake ruin your life. Westport DUI attorney Rory Munns believes everyone deserves a second chance. You need a Westport DUI attorney who can build you a strong defense using his experience to fight for you. We are experienced, knowledgeable and competent and have defended hundreds of DUI cases. Put our experience in defending DUI cases to work for you. **Experience** Westport DUI attorney Rory Munns concentrates on DUI and OUI cases. He has over 10 years of experience aggressively and successfully defending DUI cases. This experience has taught him what to look for and how the judge will react. You want a DUI attorney with a proven track record of success. Rory is the man for the job. **Knowledge** The laws involved in DUI cases are extensive. There is also always new legislation being introduced. Westport DUI attorney Rory Munns knows Massachusetts DUI law. He received his B.A. at Stonehill College and an MA and law degree from Roger Williams University School of Law. Because he went to school in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, he graduated with concentrated knowledge of both states. After 10 years of successful DUI defense, Rory has learned the ins and outs of DUI law and will put that knowledge to work for you. **Competence** You need a Westport DUI Attorney who is competent. Rory excels on paper, in negotiations and in the court room. He has the experience to know which defenses are successful. He has the knowledge to back up your defense and find the prosecution’s mistakes and is also competent in execution. Attorney Rory Munns has helped hundreds of people fight DUI charges. Some cases he has represented include: - **First DUI Offense** - **Multiple DUI Offenses** - **Chemical Test Refusal** - **DUI Accidents** - **DUI ****Vehicular Manslaughter** ## Free Westport DUI Consultation Westport DUI attorney Rory Munns provides free legal consultations. He is available for calls 24/7 at **401-573-2265**. A DUI in Massachusetts is a serious criminal charge. You don’t want to lose your license, pay the government thousands of dollars, go to jail or be denied a future job. You need an experienced, knowledge and competent attorney who knows how to defend your rights. You need Rory Munns. --- ## Brockton DUI Attorney URL: https://massduiguy.com/brockton-dui-attorney/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## Brockton DUI Attorney – The Mass DUI Guy If you got arrested for drinking and driving in Brockton Massachusetts you need to contact a Brockton DUI Attorney today. We all know that Massachusetts takes driving under the influence very seriously and if you are caught you are going to need someone to defend you in court. At the Law Office of the Mass DUI Guy we are available 24×7 to discuss you case and want you to know that we are going to assist your every step of the way. We understand that everyone makes mistakes, and the important thing is that you do not let them get out of hand by waiting. In most cases of DUI that we handle we often find that our clients were arrested incorrectly by the police, which leads to charges that are instantly dropped in court. While it is not always the case it is certainly proof that if you are not sure if you should contact a Brockton DUI Attorney for your case it doesn’t hurt to meet one for a consultation. Other times we find that people give up on their cases because they think that all hope is lost. When you get a DUI it is not time to lose hope, it is time to fight back. At our office our Brockton DUI Attorney is able to quickly evaluate your case and give you the best course of action to deal with your issues. If you would like to contact us we are available at any time for a free consultation at 774-206-9222. The Law Office of the Mass DUI Guy never sleeps. We are available 24 hours a day and always have a Brockton DUI Attorney who is ready to talk to you. We are able to travel to you if you have been detained and always ready to meet with you in our Massachusetts office. We know that you may feel discouraged and that you may not know what to do but you can rest assured that we are always available to assist you. If you would like to contact a Brockton DUI Attorney we can be reached at 774-206-9222. --- ## Bristol County DUI Lawyer URL: https://massduiguy.com/bristol-county-dui-lawyer/ ### BRISTOL COUNTY DUI LAWYER AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## Bristol County DUI Lawyer Getting charged with DUI can be devastating for anyone. The consequences of such a serious charge can affect your ability to work, drive, and socialize. You may even face jail time. The first and most important action after arrest is to contact a Bristol County DUI Lawyer. For the best Bristol County DUI Lawyer, look no further than Rory Munns – The Mass DUI Guy. ### First Offense DUI in Massachusetts If you get pulled over in Massachusetts and the police have reason to suspect you are driving under the influence, you will be given a road test for DUI. Keep in mind that if your BAC registers 0.08 or above, you will be at risk for serious consequences. If you are arrested for a first offense DUI without the guidance of a Bristol County DUI Lawyer, you could face: - Up to 2.5 years in prison - Up to a year license suspension - Between $500 and $5,000 in fines - If you happen to have a child in the vehicle at the time of your arrest, you will also receive a Child Endangerment charge ### Second Offense DUI in Massachusetts If you are arrested for a subsequent DUI, you should already know that calling a Bristol County DUI Lawyer is going to help your case. You will wish you had the Mass DUI Guy on your side when you find yourself facing: - Fines of up to $10,000 - License suspension of up to 2 years - Extended periods of jail time up to and above 2 and a half years The fines, license suspension, and jail time will exponentially increase with each offense. When you get arrested in Massachusetts, you need to call the Mass DUI Guy. Call to schedule your consultation with a Bristol County DUI Lawyer. If you or a loved one has recently been arrested, contact us today at 774-206-9222. Office in Fall River. ### Bristol County DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns 161 S Main St Fall River , MA 02721 Phone: 774-206-9222 --- ## North Attleborough DUI Attorney URL: https://massduiguy.com/north-attleborough-dui-attorney/ ## North Attleborough DUI Attorney & Massachusetts DUI Lawyer North Attleborough (North Attleboro) is sometimes referred to as the jewel of Bristol County. With a long, rich history of outstanding businesses and other fantastic claims to fame, it is truly an excellent place to visit. Of course, when it comes to bars and restaurants there is no shortage either and with those come drinking. It is not likely that you have ever thought to yourself how good of an idea it would be to drink purposely and drive. Unfortunately, alcohol numbs these senses of reason, and many people end up with DUI offenses every year. Because of the rising number of drinking and driving, you could be subject to lose your license, penalties, and an enormous amount of fines. If you are arrested, you should contact a North Attleborough DUI Attorney so that you discuss the best options in your case. ## Your Future Could Be At Risk! DUI is taken very seriously in Massachusetts and the charges that go along with it are daunting. We cannot describe how important it is to your future that you not attempt to face these charges alone. If you are in need of assistance, the Law Office of North Attleborough DUI Attorney The MASS DUI Guy is ready to assist you today. When you contact our office, you will be met with the assistance of numerous former prosecutors and trial attorneys. We continually test and train our lawyers to be able to handle difficult high-stress situations to make sure that they can provide better service. When you work with one of our North Attleborough DUI Attorney, we will make sure that you and your family is taken care of and informed every step of the way. ## Contact Our Team Today When you get arrested, we know that things are going to look bleak, and you are not going to be sure what you should do. If you are arrested, you can rest assured that if you need help, the MASS DUI Guy will be there for you to help you get the results that you need. If you or a loved, one has been arrested for a drinking and driving in the North Attleborough area contact our office today. If you would like to discuss the possibility of being represented by North Attleborough DUI Attorney The MASS DUI Guy we are available at any time at 401-573-2265. --- ## Plymouth DUI Attorney URL: https://massduiguy.com/plymouth-dui-attorney/ # Plymouth DUI Attorney – The Mass DUI Guy When it comes to hanging out with your friends around the Plymouth, Massachusetts area, drinking and driving are not usually in the plan. But of course like most things we do not plan for things can get out of hand very quickly. If you grab some drinks with friends and get pulled over by the police, do you know what you should do? Do you know which Plymouth DUI Attorney is going to be right for your case? At the Law Office of the Mass DUI Guy, we understand that you are under a lot of stress when you get arrested, and we want to make sure that you get your charges taken care of quickly. The Plymouth DUI Attorney at the Law Office of the Mass DUI Guy is ready to defend you in your drunk driving case. Our office is dedicated to its clients and wants to make sure that its clients are informed about their case every step of the way. We are careful to prepare effective defenses that involve investigations, tenacity, and communication with witnesses and others involved. Our Plymouth DUI Attorney is coached to approach every situation to make sure that our clients have a defense that they can count on even when the going get tough. ## Our office is well prepared to assist our clients with: - Breathalyzer Refusal - Chemical Test Refusal - DUI Under 21 - Hardship License - Cinderella License - 1st Offense DUI in Massachusetts - 2nd Offense DUI in Massachusetts - 3rd Offense DUI in Massachusetts - 4th Offense DUI in Massachusetts - 5th Offense DUI in Massachusetts ## Contact Us Today If you or a loved one has been arrested for driving under the influence and you have decided, you are going to fight it contact us today. Our goal is to work to make sure that no one in Plymouth is convicted of a DUI in the future. If you would like to speak with a Plymouth DUI Attorney, contact our office today to schedule a free consultation. At your consultation, we will go over every angle of your case to see if there were errors involved with your arrest or in any proceedings. We will let you know what we feel is the best course of action moving forward and what you can expect as a result in your case. To schedule a consultation with one of our Plymouth DUI Attorney’s call us today at 401-573-2265. --- ## Attleboro DUI Attorney URL: https://massduiguy.com/attleboro-dui-attorney/ ### ATTLEBORO DUI ATTORNEY** AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## Attleboro DUI Attorney – The Mass DUI Guy Whether you were having dinner with friends to celebrate a birthday or leaving the club with your friends if you choose to drink and drive you are at risk of driving under the influence. It is important that you realize that Massachusetts takes DUI very seriously and without an Attleboro DUI Attorney** by your side you could be facing a wide array of punishments. If you are found guilty of a first offense DUI or first offense OUI in Massachusetts you could be facing up to 30 months in jail, 500 to 5000 dollars in penalties, and a year of license suspension. If you are arrested for subsequent DUI, you will also be subject to additional charges. ## The Assistance You Need At the Law Office of The MASS DUI Guy, our talented team has been handling DUI cases for many years. We understand your need to move quickly through your case so that you can get on with your life. If you have been arrested in Attleboro, call today to speak with one of our Attleboro DUI Attorney’s at 774-206-9222. When it comes to being arrested for a DUI in Attleboro, you do not just want anyone representing you. Our attorneys have reviewed and understood the process in which arrests should be made and the mistakes the police make. We will work to compile the evidence that is stacked against you and uses this to help prove that you are in fact not guilty. The Law Office of The MASS DUI Guy and our Attleboro DUI Attorney is also prepared to handle subsequent DUI charges, as well as prepared to handle charges that often accompany DUI. We are also able to work with our partners to help those who have been arrested in the state of Rhode Island. ## Contact Us Today If you or a loved one has been arrested for driving under the influence in Attleboro, we are available at any time to defend you. Our qualified Attleboro DUI Attorney team will work with you every step of the way to make sure that you are taken care of from the beginning to the end of your case. We are available day or night to take your call at 774-206-9422. --- ## Dartmouth DUI Attorney URL: https://massduiguy.com/dartmouth-dui-attorney/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME # Dartmouth DUI Attorney – Massachusetts DUI Lawyer Whether you are a student at the illustrious University of Massachusetts Dartmouth or just live in town, you have likely experienced everything Dartmouth has to offer. There are many excellent restaurants, bars, and other attractions that bring tourists into town during the warm months of the year. We can all remember a time that we have gone out with friends and had a few too many drinks and decided we should take a cab home and pick our car up the next day. But what happens when you drive home? Are you prepared for the risks of losing your license, fines, and other penalties incurred when you get a DUI? If you have been arrested in Dartmouth, you need to call the Mass DUI Guy and talk to a Dartmouth DUI Attorney. At the Law Office of the Mass DUI Guy, our Dartmouth DUI Attorney has been handling cases of driving under the influence in Dartmouth for many years. We understand the need to a quick, efficient defense in your case to make sure that you get the best results. ## Do Not Face Your Charges Alone! Massachusetts takes DUI very seriously and if you are found guilty of drinking and driving you are going to be facing penalties. You should not have to face these sanctions alone, and our Dartmouth DUI Attorney is ready to make sure that you do not have too. Our talented team is led by seasoned trial attorneys and former prosecutors who have decided to assist the community as Dartmouth DUI Attorneys. We will help you navigate the complicated areas of the legal system to make sure that you get the defense and assistance that best fits your case. Our Dartmouth DUI Attorney will make sure that you stay informed through every step of the process. ## You Can Count On Us When you call the Mass DUI Guy, you are getting more than a single Dartmouth DUI Attorney you are getting a team. Our team is prepared to handle all the charges that typically accompany DUI including drug offense, assault, and battery, theft, etc. If you lose your license in the process of getting your DUI, we will make sure to assist you in obtaining a hardship license if that is applicable. If you or a loved one has been arrested for driving under the influence contact the Mass DUI Guy and tell him you need a Dartmouth DUI Attorney to represent you. Our office is available at any time to provide you with a free consultation at 774-206-9222. --- ## Taunton DUI Lawyer URL: https://massduiguy.com/taunton-dui-attorney/ A **Taunton DUI lawyer** defends drivers arrested for OUI in Taunton, Massachusetts. The Taunton Police Department runs heavy impaired driving enforcement on Routes 24, 44, and 140. A single arrest triggers a cascade of legal deadlines, from the 15-day Massachusetts RMV refusal hearing to the arraignment at Taunton District Court. A Taunton DUI lawyer at Bank & Munns moves on the case the same day, files for the RMV hearing inside the window, and pushes for dismissal or a 24D Disposition before the prosecution builds momentum. The stakes are real. A first-offense OUI in Massachusetts carries up to 2.5 years jail exposure, fines up to $5,000, and a one-year license suspension if you take the conviction. But arrest does not equal conviction. Most Taunton OUI cases turn on the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of the field sobriety tests, and the reliability of the breath test. Knowing the deadlines and the procedure is what separates a clean outcome from a permanent record. ## What Happens During a Taunton DUI Arrest A Taunton OUI arrest typically starts with a traffic stop. The officer needs reasonable suspicion of a violation — swerving, speeding, running a red light, expired registration, broken taillight. If the officer detects alcohol odor, bloodshot eyes, or slurred speech, they ask you to step out of the vehicle for field sobriety tests. The standard battery includes the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), the walk-and-turn, and the one-leg stand. These tests are voluntary in Massachusetts. You have the right to politely decline. However, refusing the post-arrest breath test triggers an automatic 180-day license suspension on a first refusal under the Massachusetts implied consent law. Once arrested, you are booked at the Taunton Police Department. You may be held until sober or released on bail. The officer issues a citation with a court date at Taunton District Court, usually within a few weeks. The criminal case proceeds under M.G.L. c. 90, section 24, which makes it a crime to operate with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs. ## Taunton DUI Hot Zones — Where Stops Happen Taunton Police and Massachusetts State Police concentrate impaired driving enforcement on key corridors: - **Route 24** — north-south traffic from Brockton, Boston metro, and the Cape Cod corridor - **Route 44** — east-west connector to Plymouth and Providence - **Route 140** — feeder to New Bedford and Foxborough - **Downtown Taunton and Broadway** — restaurant and bar enforcement - **Silver City Galleria area** — commercial district patrols - **Route 138** — Raynham line traffic Sobriety checkpoints in Taunton run a few times a year, typically publicized in advance per Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules. The checkpoint must be authorized by a supervisor, follow neutral selection criteria, and limit detention time. Procedural breakdowns at a checkpoint can support a motion to suppress all evidence collected. ## Taunton District Court — Where Your Case Goes Taunton District Court handles all misdemeanor OUI cases originating from Taunton arrests. The court is at 40 Broadway in Taunton. Felony OUI charges (third offense and beyond, OUI with serious bodily injury, OUI manslaughter) transfer to Bristol County Superior Court. The Taunton OUI docket is steady. The prosecutors handle OUI in volume and have standard plea offers for first offenses. A Taunton DUI lawyer who appears regularly knows which prosecutor will offer a 24D Disposition and which will push harder, and structures the case accordingly. ## How a Taunton DUI Lawyer Builds Your Defense The defense in a Taunton OUI case starts with the police report, the dashcam footage, the body camera footage, and the breathalyzer maintenance log. Each piece can produce a defense or a plea leverage point. The 15-day Massachusetts RMV refusal hearing deadline is the first clock. Within 15 days of the arrest, the lawyer files for a hearing to fight the automatic license suspension separate from the criminal case. Win the hearing and your driving privileges stay intact while the criminal case plays out. Miss the deadline and the suspension goes through automatically. The criminal case starts at arraignment. The lawyer enters a not-guilty plea, addresses bail (typically personal recognizance for first-offense OUI), and sets the case for pretrial. From there it runs through pretrial conferences, motion practice, and either a 24D Disposition, a plea deal, or a trial. Most Taunton OUI cases resolve through negotiation, especially first offenses with no aggravating factors. If the case has issues — bad traffic stop, faulty breath reading, procedural error — a motion to suppress can kill the state’s evidence before trial. The lawyer files the motion, argues it at hearing, and forces the state to prove the evidence is admissible. If the motion succeeds, the case often gets dismissed or pled to a non-OUI charge like negligent operation. ## Massachusetts OUI Penalties That Apply in Taunton Taunton OUI arrests run on the state OUI statute. Penalties scale by prior offenses and aggravating factors. The 2026 statute applies to all current arrests. Offense Jail (Max) Fines License Suspension Other Requirements First Offense Up to 2.5 years Up to $5,000 1 year (45-90 days under 24D) Alcohol education program Second Offense (within 10 yrs) Up to 2.5 years (60 days mandatory) Up to $10,000 2 years Ignition interlock, longer education Third Offense (felony) Up to 5 years (180 days mandatory) Up to $15,000 8 years Possible inpatient treatment Refusal (first) n/a (civil) n/a 180 days Separate from criminal case Beyond the criminal penalties, an OUI conviction carries collateral consequences: insurance rates spike for years, CDL holders lose commercial driving privileges, employers in regulated fields may terminate, and travel to Canada becomes restricted. A Taunton DUI lawyer fights to avoid the conviction record entirely through a 24D Disposition, dismissal, or reduction. ## The 24D Disposition — Massachusetts First-Offense Path Most first-offense Taunton OUI cases resolve through what defense lawyers call a 24D Disposition. Under M.G.L. c. 90, section 24D, eligible first-offense defendants plead to a continuance without a finding (CWOF) with reduced penalties: - License suspension reduced from 1 year to 45 to 90 days - Hardship license available after 3 days for work or medical needs - Mandatory alcohol education program (typically 16 weeks) - Probation period (typically 1 year) - Reduced fines - No conviction record if probation completes successfully A 24D is not automatic. The defendant has to qualify (no prior OUI within 10 years), the prosecutor has to agree, and the judge has to accept. A Taunton DUI lawyer negotiates the terms, files the paperwork, and walks the defendant through the program requirements. ## Defenses to a Taunton OUI Charge Every OUI case is defensible. Common defenses in Taunton cases include: - **Bad stop.** Officers need reasonable suspicion. Generic claims of swerving without dashcam corroboration may fail. Touching the fog line once is not enough. Speeding alone may be enough but only with documentation. - **Faulty field sobriety tests.** The standardized battery has strict NHTSA protocols. Tests run on uneven ground, in poor weather, or without considering medical conditions create suppressible evidence. - **Breathalyzer issues.** The unit must be calibrated within strict windows. Massachusetts has had statewide breath test evidence challenges in recent years. Maintenance logs missing or expired void the reading. Mouth alcohol from breath fresheners or recent drinks can also throw off readings. - **Rising BAC defense.** If your BAC was rising at the time of the test, you may have been under the legal limit while actually driving. - **Medical conditions.** Diabetes, neurological conditions, GERD, and inner ear problems can mimic intoxication during field tests. - **Procedural violations.** Failure to read implied consent, denying a phone call, or interfering with access to a lawyer can support suppression motions. ## Why Hire Bank & Munns as Your Taunton DUI Lawyer Bank & Munns has handled Taunton OUI cases for years. We know Taunton District Court. We know the prosecutors and the judges. We know the Taunton Police DUI unit and the State Police barracks that cover the area. We have negotiated 24D Dispositions, dismissals, and reductions across hundreds of Bristol County cases. For Rhode Island residents arrested in Taunton — a steady share of the docket because of cross-border traffic on Routes 24 and 44 — we run the case across both states with a single dual-licensed lawyer. That coverage is uncommon and matters when an OUI in MA produces RI license, insurance, and employment consequences. Related practice areas: Massachusetts DUI defense statewide, Bristol County DUI defense, Fall River DUI defense, New Bedford DUI defense, and breathalyzer refusal cases. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What court hears Taunton OUI cases? Most misdemeanor OUI cases go to Taunton District Court at 40 Broadway. Felony OUI charges (third offense and beyond, OUI causing serious bodily injury, OUI manslaughter) move to Bristol County Superior Court. ### How fast do I have to hire a Taunton DUI lawyer after arrest? Same day or next morning is best. The 15-day RMV refusal hearing deadline is the most urgent clock if you refused the breath test. The 30-day discovery window starts running at arraignment. Surveillance footage and witness recall both decay quickly. ### Can I refuse the breath test in Taunton? Yes, but refusing the breath test triggers an automatic 180-day license suspension on a first refusal under Massachusetts implied consent law. Refusal can also be used against you at trial. Discuss the trade-offs with your lawyer before deciding. ### What is a 24D Disposition? A 24D Disposition is the standard first-offense OUI plea path in Massachusetts. It produces a CWOF with reduced penalties: shorter license suspension, hardship license eligibility, alcohol education, and probation. If probation completes successfully, no conviction enters your record. ### Can I get a Taunton OUI dismissed? Many cases are. Dismissals come from successful suppression motions on bad stops, faulty field tests, or breathalyzer issues. Even when full dismissal is not realistic, plea reductions to non-OUI charges like negligent operation are common. ### I am from Rhode Island. Can my RI lawyer handle a Taunton OUI? Only if the lawyer is also licensed in Massachusetts. Most are not. Bank & Munns is dual-licensed and can handle the Massachusetts criminal case alongside the RI license, insurance, and employment consequences with one lawyer. ### What happens if I miss my Taunton court date? The judge issues a default warrant for your arrest. The warrant stays active until you turn yourself in or get arrested. Failure to appear can produce additional charges and may affect your case. Contact a lawyer immediately if you miss a date. ### Will an OUI keep me out of Canada? Canada considers OUI a serious offense and may deny entry to anyone with an OUI conviction for years. Avoiding the conviction through a 24D Disposition, dismissal, or reduction is the cleanest way to preserve Canada travel. ## Talk to a Taunton DUI Lawyer Today If you were arrested for OUI in Taunton, do not wait. The 15-day RMV refusal hearing deadline runs whether you act or not. The 30-day discovery window starts at arraignment. Surveillance footage from the night can be overwritten within days. Call Bank & Munns today for a free consultation. We will pull the report, lay out the strategy, and walk you through the dismissal angles, 24D path, and any other options that fit the case. --- ## New Bedford DUI Attorney – Rory Munns URL: https://massduiguy.com/new-bedford-dui-attorney/ ### NEW BEDFORD DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## New Bedford DUI Attorney New Bedford is a beautiful town in Massachusetts filled with many exciting attractions and even better nightlife. Whether you choose to hang out with friends near Clarks Cove or closer to Route 6, a good time is almost always had with friends and family. When hanging out with friends turns to dinner and drinks things can get out of hand quickly. When you decide to leave the bar to head to your hotel or back home it is important to remember one thing. Massachusetts takes driving under the influence very seriously. If you are caught you are going to be in a world of trouble. If you get arrested for a DUI on the coast, your first call should be to New Bedford DUI Attorney Rory Munns. Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns has been handling DUI cases for many years. Our New Bedford DUI Attorney is available at any time to assist you with your case at 774-206-9222. ## First Offense DUI in Massachusetts If you are pulled over in Massachusetts and the police believe you to be driving under the influence you will be tested. It is important to know that if your BAC is 0.08 or above you will be at risk for severe penalties. If you are arrested for a first offense DUI without the assistance of a DUI Attorney you could face: - Up to 2 and a half years in prison - Up to 12 months license suspension - Fines ranging from $500 up to $5,000 If you have a child in the car with you as well at the time of your arrest, you will also be charged with Child Endangerment. ## Second Offense DUI in Massachusetts If you are being arrested for a subsequent DUI, you should already know that calling New Bedford DUI Attorney Rory Munns is in your best interest. You will want our Mass DUI Defense experience on your side when you are faced with: - Up to $10,000 in fines - Up to 2 years license suspension - Extended periods of jail time up to and above 2 and a half years The fines, license suspension, and jail time will continue to exponentially increase with each offense. When you get arrested in Massachusetts, you need to call the Mass DUI Guy to schedule a consultation with a New Bedford DUI Attorney. If you or a loved one has been arrested contact us today at 774-206-9222. ### New Bedford DUI Attorney Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns 161 S Main St Fall River , MA 02721 Phone: 774-206-9222 --- ## Fall River DUI Lawyer – Rory Munns URL: https://massduiguy.com/fall-river-dui-lawyer/ ### FALL RIVER DUI LAWYER AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## Fall River DUI Lawyer It would be nearly impossible to judge any criminal case, especially a DUI / OUI based solely on the arrest, video, police testimony, or breathalyzer results. There are many factors that come into play in defending against a DUI / OUI arrest in Fall River. If you have been arrested in Fall River for DUI / OUI you need an experienced Fall River DUI Lawyer on your side. Being charged with OUI / DUI is a very serious matter and you should retain an experienced attorney right away. For this charge you face potential fines, surcharges, driver’s license suspension or revocation. Everyday our DUI Defense firm represents persons charged with DUI offenses including breathalyzer refusal. The implied consent law says you have to submit to a sobriety test in Fall River. There is a process to get your license back or to get a cinderella license but you need an experienced Fall River DUI Defense Attorney on your side. ## Experienced Fall River Defense Attorney After being arrested for a DUI its normal to be scared. The consequences of being charged with DUI can effect your life and your career. You can lose your license and pay thousands of dollars in fines and insurance hikes. Fall River DUI Attorney Rory Munns is in court EVERY DAY fighting DUIs. I have successfully defended hundreds of people charged with DUI / OUI and will put my experience to work for you. You cannot put your future in the hands of an attorney that does not focus their practice on Fall River DUI Defense. The consequences are too great. Fall River DUI Defense Attorney Munns has hundreds of positive online reviews and testimonials. ### Contact Experienced DUI Lawyer Rory Munns Today For the BEST DUI defense call Fall River DUI Defense Attorney Rory Munns today at 401-573-2265 or fill out our contact form. Drunk Driving is a serious offense and you need experienced counsel as soon as possible. Fall River DUI Attorney Munns is available 24/7 for a free consultation and we service all of Bristol and Plymouth Counties. We offer our legal services at affordable prices with flexible payment options. ### Fall River DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns 161 S Main St Fall River , MA 02721 Phone: 401-573-2265 --- ## Fight a DUI in Massachusetts URL: https://massduiguy.com/fight-a-dui-in-massachusetts/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY** AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## How to Fight a DUI The most searched term after a DUI is “How to Fight a DUI” and it is understandable since a DUI can negatively affect your future including higher insurance rates, fines, loss of license, lack of job opportunities and not to mention the criminal charges consequences. The first step in How to Fight a DUI** is to call experienced DUI attorney **Rory Munns at 401-229-5088** to discuss the best plan of defense for your case. ## The DUI Process Every DUI case is unique to itself, but one thing is for sure, after being arrested for DUI, your case will move quickly, and expenses will pile accumulate fast. So as soon as you share your case with me I will begin to formulate a defense strategy personalized to your needs. I will begin by looking at the entire arrest process to see how it was handled, setting up meetings and moving petitions along the proper channels. When we meet, we can discuss how we will work together to defeat your DUI. There are a lot of things we need to take into consideration including: - **The Breathalyzer:** The breathalyzer used by the police in Massachusetts is not always accurate. Since they are such delicate machines, they can frequently malfunction and are not always calibrated well. Also, things, like being on a low carbohydrate diet or having diabetes, can also contribute to a higher BAC. Another major factor to consider is that if you waited a long period after you were originally pulled over you may have absorbed more alcohol indicating that you may not have been as inebriated at the time that you were pulled over. - **Why were you pulled over?:** A DUI charge happens when police notice that you were not operating a motor vehicle according to the rules of the road. The police cannot pull you over simply for a DUI. They must prove that they had probable cause to do so such as seeing you driving recklessly. If they solely pulled you over for a suspicion of a DUI you have higher chances to win your case. - **If the police made any mistakes (which they usually do) in the arrest process:** The list of mandatory steps on a DUI stop is extensive. From the timing between the two obligatory readings on the Breathalyzer they must obtain, as well as allowing you to make a private phone call before you take the test – which should be to me at **401-229-5088**. An arrest for DUI is scary and can bring unfortunate consequences if not dealt properly. Hiring a competent Massachusetts lawyer to fight a DUI gives you the best chances to win your case. Fight a DUI in Massachusetts with **Rory Munns the DUI Guy | Call 401-229-5088** --- ## MASS Breathalyzer Refusal Attorney URL: https://massduiguy.com/mass-breathalyzer-refusal-attorney/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY** AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## MASS Breathalyzer Refusal Attorney Take it from an MASS Breathalyzer Refusal Attorney, being pulled over by a police officer can make your palms sweat in any situation and even more so if you’ve had a drink or two. You may be thinking, “Officers can smell fear, but more importantly, can they smell the tinge of alcohol on my breath?” They key in any DUI situation is to remain calm. If an officer begins questioning whether or not you’ve been drinking, their mind is already made up. They WILL try to pin you with a DUI – even if you’ve only had one beer. At this point, the only thing that matters is giving yourself the best chance you have to fight the MASS DUI in court. ### An MASS Officer Will Try For A Confession During any pullover, the officer has one goal: get a confession. Getting a confession in any form makes a conviction easier. Once an officer pulls you over, no matter the reason, they will be looking for any signs of inebriation which will give them reasonable cause for suspicion. Once an officer has reasonable cause of suspicion, they will then be able to continue their investigation. ### Field Sobriety Test and Portable Breathalyzer Test The next step in the officer’s investigation is to administer tests for inebriation. There are two tests the officer will administer in the field: the Field Sobriety Test (FST) and the Portable Breathalyzer Test (PBT). Massachusetts Officers have the right to administer such tests, but you also have the right to refuse them. If you’ve been pulled over, it’s in your best interest to refuse both of these tests. The FST and PBT are designed for failure, even when sober. Your performance in these tests will be used to convict you in a court of law. ### Implied Consent and Chemical Testing Massachusetts follows the rule of implied consent. Meaning once you refuse the FST and PBT, you will unfortunately be giving the officer implied consent of driving under the influence. The officer will more than likely place you under arrest for a DUI and bring you into the station where you will have to take a chemical test. Take the chemical test. The reason being that a good MASS DUI lawyer can get the chemical test thrown out in court so long as you didn’t take the FST or PBT. Without the field sobriety tests the officer is left without probable cause and without probable cause, there is no DUI. If you have been charged with Breathalyzer Refusal In Massachusetts call The MASS DUI Guy Rory Munns today at 401-229-5088.** --- ## Thank You URL: https://massduiguy.com/thank-you/ ### Thank You for your submission, Attorney Munns will get back to your shortly ### If you require immediate assistance please call 401-573-2265 --- ## Blog URL: https://massduiguy.com/blog/ --- ## Contact Us URL: https://massduiguy.com/contact-us/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ### Contact Us – Available 24 Hours per Day – 7 Days per Week ### Fall River DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns 161 S Main St Fall River , MA 02721 Phone: 401-573-2265 --- ## The MASS DUI Guy – MASS DUI Lawyer Rory Munns URL: https://massduiguy.com/ ### MASS DUI Lawyer** Available 24/7 Free Consultations CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME # MASS DUI Lawyer – Fall River DUI Lawyer ## Massachusetts DUI Lawyer Rory Munns has 10+ Years of Experience in Fall River DUI Defense and MASS Breathalyzer Refusal Defense. ## Strong DUI Defense Attorney Rory Munns specializes in Fall River Mass DUI defense and OUI defense cases. He knows that a DUI is a serious offense in Massachusetts , and he has over a decade of experience practicing DUI defense law in and around Massachusetts. Every case is taken seriously as the law office of MASS DUI Lawyer** Rory. F. Munns fights aggressively for his clients. ## Competence Massachusetts DUI laws are some of the stricter of the country. When it comes to a Massachusetts DUI Defense, you can’t afford anything less than the best Massachusetts criminal lawyer. You will need outstanding representation to defend your rights and beat this type of charge. When you hire MASS DUI Lawyer Rory Munns and his team, you will be part of the process. Not only will you be provided with excellent DUI defense strategies, but represented by the best in MASS DUI / OUI legal representation. ## DUI Knowledge Rory Munns has received his B.A. from UCONN and his J.D. from Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol, RI. He is an experienced Massachusetts DUI Lawyer, who concentrates his legal practice in the areas of OUI / DUI Defense, Criminal Defense, Family Law and Personal Injury. Mr. Munns handles all state and federal criminal cases. ## DUI Experience Every legal, technical, social and biological aspect of your case needs to be examined for defense. When you hire the law office of Rory Munns, your DUI case will be personally handled by Rory Munns, Esq. From police procedure and probable cause to racial profiling, MASS DUI Lawyer Rory Munns will examine, review and prepare the strongest legal defense for your case. ### What Our Clients Say ** “Mass DUI Lawyer Rory Munns was amazingly helpful and provided me “peace of mind” on a Saturday afternoon when a family member was arrested after getting into a car accident and being charged with a DUI and was being detained at the Police Station. I called Rory and immediately after getting this news and he was very responsive and calming. He was able to facilitate her release within hours. This was a life saver as she was undergoing chemo therapy treatment and spending the night in jail was unacceptable. It gave me great relief to be able to bring her home! In addition he helped her throughout the entire legal process and was able to get the DUI Dismissed! I am grateful to Rory for being caring and extremely responsive. He was very knowledgable and his expertise and guidance throughout the process was second to none!” L.S.** ** “To the Law Offices of MASS DUI Lawyer Rory Munns I was referred to Rory after I was charged with a DUI and Breathalyzer Refusal. My friend told me, Rory is a BEAST!!!!!! And that he was!! Rory was able to get my DUI charge amended to a Reckless Driving, with No Loss of License and he was able to get the Breathalyzer Refusal Dismissed!! Rory was nothing short of Amazing!! Thank you Rory you are the BEST DUI Lawyer!” C.F.** ** “To the Law Offices of MASS DUI Lawyer Rory Munns: Rory was a lifesaver for me! He put me at ease about my case the first time we met. I was involved in an at fault accident and charged with driving under the influence. He was very confident that he would get me the minimum sentencing for my OUI charge, and that he did. I am so grateful for all of his help and highly recommend his services.” K.B.** ** “Rory was very knowledgeable, professional and caring! I was arrested for a DUI and breathalyzer refusal. I called Rory at 6 in the morning on a Saturday and he took my call. We spoke briefly and Rory could sense my anxiety and agreed to meet me at his office at 9 am the same day! I could not believe it! He made me feel so at ease and extremely confident in his no nonsense approach. Rory was able to get the DUI dropped down to a Reckless Driving charge and he got the Breathalyzer Refusal Dismissed! I didn’t lose my license which saved my job! I would recommend Rory to Everyone and Anyone in need of the BEST OUI Lawyer!” M.L.** ## Why entrust your DUI defense to MASS DUI Lawyer Rory Munns? If not properly managed a DUI or OUI can cause hard life altering changes. A DUI is one of the most traumatizing events you can face. Penalties, jail time and a permanent record may follow you for years to come. Favorably, with the help of a skilled attorney, a Massachusetts DUI charge can be challenged. Do not face it alone. Call **MASS DUI Lawyer** Rory Munns for a partner you can trust. It’s a common misconception that once you’ve been convicted of a DUI all hope is lost. But this may not be the case. With over a decade’s worth of experience serving MA DUI clients, Rory Munns has successfully represented clients facing Massachusetts DUI charges with creativity and integrity to get their sentence reduced or even dismissed. MASS DUI Lawyer Rory Munns has the experience and know-how to help you uncover options you didn’t even know you had – even if you’ve already been convicted. ## Experienced MASS DUI Lawyer DUI Attorney Munns will take a proactive approach to evaluate every aspect of your case and prepare the strongest legal defense to challenge the charges you face. That is because when you hire Rory Munns, every aspect of your case will personally be handled by Rory Munns, Esq.. From legalities and social aspects to technical and biological technicalities of your DUI case. When it comes to a Massachusetts DUI Attorney you can’t afford anything less than the best. A DUI comes with severe charges and you will need an aggressive representation to beat this type of charge. Massachusetts OUI Lawyer Rory Munns and his associates provide only the best in DUI defense strategies and will ensure you are a part of the process while selecting the best method for your representation. DUI Defense Office in Fall River, MA 02721 - #### PENALTIES - #### LAWS - #### REPEAT OFFENSES - #### EXPUNGEMENTS - #### PENALTIES ### What Are the Penalties for DUI Convictions in Massachusetts? The State of Massachusetts takes a strong stand against drunk driving and penalties for a Massachusetts DUI are quite severe – and with good reason. The consequences and results of driving under the influence can be fatal. Massachusetts instates different penalties for driving under the influence according to age and blood and alcohol content. Drivers under the age of 21 face different penalties as opposed to drivers 21 years of age or older. ### First Time Offender 21 and Older with .08 – .10% BAC - Imposed fines of $100-$300 - License suspension for 1-6 months - Maximum sentence of up to 1 year in jail - Required community service: Minimum of 10 to Maximum of 60 hours - $500 Highway Safety Assessment fee - Completion of Driving school and/or an alcohol treatment program - #### LAWS ### Massachusetts DUI Laws In the State of Massachusetts, a DUI or a OUI is a criminal charge for Operating Under the Influence involving the suspected use of alcohol or drugs. Even though an individual is found guilty if their blood alcohol content – or BAC – is above .08, it is not uncommon to be convicted of a DUI regardless of how much of a substance is ingested in Massachusetts A person can be convicted of a DUI in Massachusetts if: - His/her blood alcohol content is .08 or above - The officer testifies based on certain observations that the driver was under the influence to a degree that renders them incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle - Some combination of #1 and #2 - #### REPEAT OFFENSES ### Repeat Massachusetts DUI Offenses A DUI in Massachusetts is a serious offense in and of itself, but repeat offenses call for even more tact. Repeat offenders face additional jail time, longer license suspensions, fines, penalties, and a required Ignition Interlock Device installed in their car. Repeat DUI offenders in Massachusetts are also subject to a five-year look back period. This means previous DUI convictions five years prior to the current accusation are taken into account during the sentencing. Second time DUI offenders are subject to 10 days minimum to 1 year maximum of jail time. Fines can reach up to $10,000, a license suspension of 1-2 years and a required IID. Third time DUI offenders face up to 2 1/2 years of jail time, fines of $15,000, license suspension for up to 8 years and a required IID. - #### EXPUNGEMENTS ### MASS DUI Lawyer Rory Munns Massachusetts DUI Attorney Rory Munns According to Massachusetts laws, there are different waiting periods for sealing depending on the outcome of the case. Crimes including firearms offenses and convictions that require registration, as sex offenders can never be sealed. But your DUI record can be sealed if you do not have an extensive criminal record apart from your DUI conviction, there are no other felonies on your history, and you have not been convicted of a similar offense in the last five years. MASS DUI Lawyer Munns takes each case seriously, and fights for his clients’ rights. ### How does Massachusetts Define OUI? Massachusetts defines the act of operating under the influence (OUI) as a an offense in which the operator of a motor vehicle, who is 21 years of age or older, operates the vehicle with a blood alcohol content level at or above .08%. The general consequences assigned to first-time offenders in Massachusetts DUI laws are pretty straightforward and very consistent. Upon being charged violators normally receive the minimum penalties for these offenses. - ## Summer DUI Arrests on Cape Cod Cape Cod is a popular summer vacation spot. New Englanders flock to its beaches, festivals and other attractions. Cape Cod also features many bars and pubs. People tend to drink a bit more when on vacation. Many people spend the entire year looking forward to their Cape Cod trip. You […] - ## Massachusetts DUI Laws: The Basics 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 […] - ## Is a DUI Expungement Possible in Massachusetts? 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 […] --- ## DUI Resources URL: https://massduiguy.com/dui-resources/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## Massachusetts DUI Resources The site below can give you an insight into the state laws regarding DUI offenses. With this information, you are putting yourself in the position of making smarter choices in the future if ever confronted with these circumstances. Remember that knowledge is power. Empower yourself with DUI resources with these links: - What is considered Operating Under the Influence in Massachusetts? - What are Massachusetts OUI/DWI Blood, Breath and Urine test requirements? - What are the Motor Vehicle offenses accountable by Massachusetts laws? - Overview of Massachusetts Courts --- ## Massachusetts DUI Results URL: https://massduiguy.com/dui-results/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY** AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## DUI Results- successful cases * A successful representation is measured by satisfied clients and Attorney Rory Munns** is proud to share his experience so you can make an informed decision on your case. Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer is the key to success. His effective track record of DUI results expresses professionalism, reliability and experience. Check out a few of the many successful DUI Results Rory Munns has gotten for his clients: #### DUI & Breathalyzer Refusal **Charge:** DUI and Breathalyzer Refusal** Facts:** Client was in a parking lot driving erratically driving in and out of cars. An unidentified person made a 911 call to the police arrive and pull client out of car. Police question him, detect strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, watery/bloodshot eyes. Police ask him to perform field sobriety tests and client fails and subsequently refuses breathalyzer.** Case Result:** - DUI: Amended to Reckless Driving-1 year filing – **No Loss of License** - Refusal: **Dismissed** #### DUI & Breathalyzer Refusal **Charge:** DUI and Breathalyzer Refusal** Facts:** Client was driving home late after a night of bar hopping. The Police stop my client for driving erratically. Police approach the car and smell alcohol permeating from my client’s breath and his eyes are bloodshot and watery. Client does not speak English, only Spanish. Police began to have client perform the Filed Sobriety Tests and client fails. Client is arrested and brought to the station and asked to take the breathalyzer, client refuses. The whole time the Police never get a Spanish interpreter to communicate with the client.** Case DUI Results:** - DUI: Amended to Reckless Driving, No Loss of License - Refusal:Dismissed #### DUI **Charge**: DUI & Breathalyzer Refusal** Facts**: Client was involved in a car accident and subsequently charged with DUI, his 3rd offense in the last 8 years. Client should have been subjected to a felony and up to a 2-year loss of license.** Case DUI Results:** - 90 day loss of license - $100 fine - No Felony #### DUI **Charge**: DUI** Facts**: Client was out to eat with friends and while driving home she hit a curb, causing a flat tire. While waiting for AAA, police pull behind her, go up to the window of the car and begin to ask her questions. Client is slurring her speech and cannot find her license and registration. Client is asked to step out of vehicle and perform field sobriety tests. Client fails tests and subsequently takes breathalyzer. Her results are over a .15.** Case DUI Results:** 30 day hardship license // 6 month interlock – **NO LOSS OF LICENSE** #### DUI & Breathalyzer Refusal **Charge**: DUI & Breathalyzer Refusal** Facts**: Client, while driving from a holiday party, rear-ended another vehicle stopped at a red light. Police speak with client and detect moderate smell of alcohol and slurred speech. Client is asked to step from car. She is uneasy and swaying while performing the field sobriety tests. Client was charged with DUI and subsequently refused breathalyzer.** Case DUI Results:** - DUI: 30 Day loss of license - Refusal:** DISMISSED** #### DUI **Charge**: DUI** Facts**: Client, a 21-year old army veteran, is driving home with two friends when the car goes off the road and gets stuck in the mud. Police arrive and all occupants are out of the car. Police charge client because it is his car. Client submits to a breathalyzer and the readings are over .15.** Case DUI Results:** DISMISSED #### DUI & Breathalyzer Refusal **Charge**: DUI & Breathalyzer Refusal** Facts**: Client leaves work and flips his car over on Route 95. Police arrive and speak to client. Client smells like alcohol, has bloodshot/watery eyes, slurred speech, and is uneasy on his feet. Client is asked to submit to field sobriety tests. Client fails and is charged with DUI and subsequently refuses breathalyzer.** Case DUI Results:** - DUI: 30 Day loss of license - Refusal:** DISMISSED** #### DUI (3rd Offense) **Charge**: DUI** Facts**: Client was involved in altercation with his girlfriend outside of his home and the police are called. Prior to their arrival client fled the scene. He was subsequently pulled over and charged with DUI third offense. A third offense is a felony charge that carries mandatory jail time*.** Case DUI Results:** Felony DUI was **amended to first offense DUI**, a misdemeanor with a 90-day loss of license. #### DUI & Breathalyzer Refusal **Charge**: DUI & Breathalyzer Refusal** Facts**: Client was stopped for speeding after a night out with friends. Client was slurring his words, and had bloodshot/watery eyes. He was asked to take field sobriety tests and police state he unsteady on his feet. Client subsequently failed the tests. Client refused the breathalyzer. He would have lost his job if he was convicted of a DUI or lost his license.** Case Result:** - DUI: DISMISSED - Refusal: 30-day hardship – 6 month interlock – **NO LOSS OF LICENSE// NO LOSS OF JOB** #### DUI **Charge**: DUI** Facts**: Client is a CDL driver. He gets stopped for numerous traffic violations. Client smells like alcohol and admits to drinking. He is asked to step out of the car. Client stumbles prior to taking the field sobriety tests. Client took breathalyzer and the readings were over .15.** Case DUI Results:** Charge amended to reckless driving – **NO LOSS OF LICENSE** #### DUI **Charge**: DUI** Facts**: Client is an 18-year old high school student. Client was stopped for speeding and subsequently charged with DUI. Client took breathalyzer and was over a .10.** Case DUI Results:** Charge amended to driving while impaired – 30-day loss of license – charge was expunged from her record after the conclusion of the 30-day suspension --- ## Expungement URL: https://massduiguy.com/expungement/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY** AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## Massachusetts Expungement If you are looking to clear your criminal record, Massachusetts Defense Attorney Rory Munns can help you erase your criminal history. After you have paid your fines and done your time, your criminal record ma still haunts you. It is a stamp in your file that makes it difficult to find a job and put your past behind. Sealing the records prevent it to interfere with routine job pre-employement background checks, for example. An expungement is defined by Black’s Law Dictionary as follows: “Process by which record of criminal conviction is destroyed or sealed from the state or Federal repository.” Though an expungement deals with a person’s criminal record, its motion is an action in which the person seeking an expungement acts as plaintiffs and asks the court to expunge the records. ## Expungement Eligibility An expungement is granted after certain requirements are met. These include: - A waiting period from when the incident occurred and the expungement - No intervening incidents - Having few prior incidents - The crime of conviction not be of a too serious manner - All sentence terms have been fulfilled - No pending proceedings - Disposed of the incident without a conviction - The plaintiff complete probation without incident Once all requirements are met, the petitioning plaintiff will file the civil lawsuit. ## Are DUI charges eligible for “expungement”? According to Massachusetts laws, there are different waiting periods for sealing depending on the outcome of the case. Crimes including firearms offenses and convictions that require registration as sex offenders can never be sealed. But your DUI record can be sealed if you do not have an extensive criminal record apart from your DUI conviction, there are no other felonies on your history, and you have not been convicted of a similar offense in the last five years. Having a DUI or other convictions expunged from your record could greatly improve the opportunities for your future. Gaining a clear record increases the possibilities of employment options and a better quality of life for those who have been charged with a criminal offenses. This especially holds true regarding specific industries that the convicted individual may want to explore later in life. If you are applying for a position in any law enforcement agency, childcare facility, teaching certificate or for admission to the legal bar you are required to share the terms of your conviction. MASS DUI Guy, Attorney Rory Munns Esq.** has handled the expungement of many cases involving DUI’s. His clients trust him to dedicate to their defense and Rory always rises to their expectation. He has built a solid reputation for results-driven strategies and his stellar reputation in the field of DUI convictions & expungements. **Call 401-229-5088 to schedule your free consultation with the MASS DUI Guy.** --- ## MASS DUI Laws URL: https://massduiguy.com/massachusetts-dui-laws/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY** AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME # Massachusetts DUI Laws Massachusetts is well known for having very strict ‘driving under the influence’ laws. Massachusetts DUI Laws are commonly called OUI ‘operating under the influence’ Laws and have been reinforced with more rigid laws in 2005 with the introduction of Melanie’s Law and the Ignition Interlock Devices Law. According to Massachusetts DUI Laws anyone operating a motor vehicle 21 years old and older, with Blood Alcohol Content level at .08% or above is considered “driving under the influence”. For Commercial drivers, the level is limited to .04% or higher. While for drivers under 21 years old the limit is .02%. It is important to remember that even if the level of alcohol in your blood is below the limits, you can still be convicted for driving under influence. ## Massachusetts DUI Laws – Penalties Offense License Suspension Jail Time Fine First Offense Up to 1 Year Up to 2 ½ Years Fines Up to $5,000 Second Offense Up to 2 Years Between 60 days and 2 ½ years Up to $10,000 Third Offense Up to 8 years Up to 5 years Fines Up to $15,000 Section 24. (1) (a) (1) Whoever, upon any way or in any place to which the public has a right of access, or upon any way or in any place to which members of the public have access as invitees or licensees, operates a motor vehicle with a percentage, by weight, of alcohol in their blood of eight one-hundredths or greater, or while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, or of marijuana, narcotic drugs, depressants or stimulant substances, all as defined in section one of chapter ninety-four C, or the vapors of glue shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred nor more than five thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two and one-half years, or both such fine and imprisonment. Massachusetts Laws ## MASS DUI Penalties Have you been charged with or accused of a DUI offense and you’re unsure what to expect? Familiarizing yourself with the penalties associated with these types of criminal charges could help you through the process. It can also impress the importance and high level of penalties connected with each case. The general consequence assigned to first-time offenders in Massachusetts DUI laws are pretty straight forward and very consistent. Upon being charged violators normally receive the minimum penalties for these offenses. For first time offenders in the State of Massachusetts those penalties may include: - Fines ranging from $500-$5,000 - Up to 2 1/2 years in prison - Maximum of 12 month license suspension - If a child under the age of 14 is present at the time of the arrest you may also be charged for child endangerment ## Repeat MASS DUI Offenses Facing charges for violations of MASS DUI laws** can be a scary feat and should be taken seriously. When facing DUI offenses as a repeat offender is even sterner. As the occurrences of DUI charges compound, the penalties become much more severe. For example an individual facing a DUI accusation for the second time around can be ordered to pay up to $10,000.00 in fines and may have a two year license suspension. As a repeat offender you are more likely to be sentenced with longer periods of jail time, license suspensions and higher amounts of personal fines. Having us in your corner will make all the difference in the outcome of your case. You don’t have to face your charges with an inexperienced attorney without a solid track record of DUI cases. Massachusetts DUI Attorney Rory Munns has successfully defended hundreds of clients against Driving Under the Influence accusations and he can do the same for you. Contact us at our Fall River office today for the expertise and attention your case deserves. We have experience in defending his clients from accusations of violations of **Massachusetts DUI laws**. | Call 774-206-9222 to schedule a free consultation regarding your DUI matters and get the legal representation you need to fight on your behalf. ### Massachusetts DUI Laws Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns 161 S Main St Fall River , MA 02721 Phone: 774-206-9222 --- ## MASS DUI Attorney URL: https://massduiguy.com/mass-dui-attorney/ ### MASS DUI ATTORNEY** AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME # MASS DUI Attorney – Rory Munns A DUI accusation can place your reputation and career in danger, even if you are not convicted. Only an experienced MASS DUI attorney** can effectively handle your case lessening your penalties and charges. It is not prudent to leave your life in the hands of the courts. Hiring representation to defend your rights is crucial and the earlier you contact our offices better. Rory Munns is the right guy to handle your defense in Massachusetts. He is knowledgeable about the severe DUI laws in the state and is willing to fight aggressively for your case in court. ## A DUI arrest can negatively affect your life – we won’t let that happen Life in a busy state like Massachusetts is full of surprises. One minute you are enjoying a drink with friends, celebrating with your family, cheering your favorite team or at a business party. The next minute you are driving home and bright lights start flashing in your rearview mirror. You are pulled over by the police. In an instance, you are in the hands of law enforcement. Arrested, fingerprinted, photographed in an unexpected turn of events. In truth, DUI is the most common criminal charge in our region. Dealing with a Massachusetts DUI charge is a serious matter and should be handled by a **MASS DUI Attorney**. ## Your job, driver’s license, and freedom are at risk – Don’t let a DUI/OUI take over your life Hiring the wrong MASS DUI Lawyer is a bad decision you can’t afford to make after being arrested for a DUI/OUI. The fear, nervousness and uncertainty you feel are understandable. This might probably be worst time of your life but remember that everybody makes mistakes. This error doesn’t make you a bad person, and it doesn’t make you a criminal either. This situation can be fixed. Let Rory help you fix this mistake. The penalties for a Massachusetts convictions can be life changing. In some cases, innocent people are charged with a DUI/DWI. Sometimes you are not impaired by your responsible consumption of alcohol but you are charged and convicted anyway. In this state, a DUI/OUI conviction can bring consequences such as jail time, loss of driving privileges, fines, or community service. In addition to that insurance rates might go up and a few job opportunities may be lost. ### Mass DUI Attorney Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns 161 S Main St** Fall River , MA 02721 Phone: 774-206-9222 ## Why MASS DUI Attorney Rory Munns? The high stakes on this type of charges call for an experienced DUI attorney. There are unique evidentiary issues to each DUI/OUI case. Every charge has its own details, there are no two similar cases.Every DUI case requires a skilled MASS Attorney by your side. When it feels like the world hangs on your shoulders, it is comforting to receive a helping hand. It is important to have someone you trust on your side when you are facing such serious charges. Our office will aggressively defend your rights. ## MASS DUI Attorney on your case My main goal is straightforward: to keep your record clear. I will work hard to absolve you of all charges, prevent you from losing your license and keep you from serving jail time. Call me, MASS DUI Attorney** Rory Munns at 401-229-5088. ## MASS DUI Lawyer – Common Questions We Get Asked Some of the most common questions about DUI related to the nature of what constitutes Driving under Influence. In the state of Massachusetts, a DUI is called an OUI or Operating Under Influence. The driver is considered intoxicated when operating a vehicle under the blood alcohol content level of .08% or more. As the “MASS DUI Guy”, handling DUI offenses is **MASS DUI Attorney** Rory Munns’s top priority. We fight for our clients, and we have aggressively defended cases for over a decade. When you hire us, you can rest assured you are making the best decision on your case representation. **You can beat a DUI charge with me by your side! Call MASS DUI Attorney** Rory Munns at 401-229-5088. ## DUI F.A.Q.’s ### If You’ve Been Charged with a DUI You May Be Wondering… **Q. Does a driver have to be drunk to be convicted of DUI?**** A. No. The main facet of a DUI charge is to show that the driver was affected by alcohol to the point where the substance influenced their ability to operate the motor vehicle safely. This does not always require the operator to be drunk. Q. Can a minor, under age 21, be charged of DUI?**** A. In the state of Massachusetts, a minor can be charged with an OUI when their BAC reads at .02% or above. Sometimes, if the officer notices that they have been influenced by alcohol they can also be charged. In this case, minor suffer penalties based on their ages. Q. When can a person be convicted for driving under the influence?**** A. When a driver or operator shows a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .08% or more, or when their reflexes have been impaired by drinking, he or she can be convicted for DUI. Q. Is there an exact level of alcohol that constitutes “driving under the influence”?** A. Drivers 21 and older are considered “driving under the influence” when their Blood Alcohol Content level is at .08% or higher. For Commercial drivers, the level lowers to .04% or higher. ## Experienced MASS DUI Attorney Serious charges like this require a level of experience and skill that delivers results. Reduced disciplinary actions, reasonable penalties, and minimum affects on your life. If you reside in the state of Massachusetts, that means calling the MASS DUI Guy, MASS DUI Attorney Rory Munns, Esq. at 774-206-9222. His DUI defense office is fully prepared to give your case the attention it rightfully deserves. --- ## About Us URL: https://massduiguy.com/about-us-mass-dui-guy/ ### FALL RIVER DUI ATTORNEY** AVAILABLE 24/7 FREE CONSULTATIONS CALL NOW EMAIL ME TEXT ME ## MASS DUI Guy – Rory Munns, Esq. Driving laws in Massachusetts are severe. Offenders can suffer harsh penalties if not guided by a competent MASS DUI Lawyer. Rory Munns is the guy to call when you find yourself in a drunk driving incident in Massachusetts. * Rory Munns is a skilled Mass DUI Lawyer. He has extensive experience defending clients accused or charged with DUI-related offenses. Mr. Munns is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and received his J.D. from Roger Williams University School of Law Over the years, DUI Attorney Rory Munns, has been able to place a spotlight on faulty police work and apprehension methods commonly found in DUI cases. As a result of his thorough investigations, DUI experience and unwavering commitment to his clients, he has forged a successful reputation in DUI defense. Along with his strong academic background and accomplished career; he brings his personal touch to each case. He understands that being faced with criminal charges brings anxiety, and he personally handles your DUI matters. When faced with a drunk driving issue contact our office for a dependable and knowledgeable representation. “If you get charged with a DUI, Rory Munns is the attorney you want by your side.” –M.R.* Attorney Munns believes that there is no room for error when dealing with the serious ramifications of a criminal conviction. He will investigate and defend your case aggressively. Every DUI case is different, only a consultation with a competent DUI lawyer can give you the right answers. The earlier you contact our office the best. Drunk driving cases are not like any other; only a DUI attorney can efficiently inform you of your options. Call the MASS DUI Guy for a free consultation | 774-206-9222 Rory Munns will aggressively defend you against DUI accusations in Massachusetts ** --- ## How often do DUI cases get dismissed? URL: https://massduiguy.com/faq-items/how-often-do-dui-cases-get-dismissed/ Any attorney who gives you a percentage before reviewing your case is either guessing or selling. The truth is that DUI case outcomes depend entirely on the specific facts — how the traffic stop happened, what field sobriety tests were administered, whether breath or blood testing followed the required procedures, whether probable cause existed, and a dozen other case-specific details. Some DUI cases are dismissed outright. Many resolve through reduced charges, diversion programs, or negotiated pleas that keep a conviction off the record. Others go to trial. The factors that separate a strong defense from a weak one are usually invisible to the person arrested — they’re things an experienced DUI attorney looks for in the police report, the evidence, and the procedural record that most people don’t know to examine. The honest answer to “how often” is: more often than most people expect, when a DUI attorney who actually knows DUI law reviews your case. Call 401-573-2265 to discuss your specific situation. Your case has its own facts — you deserve an answer based on them, not an average. --- ## What is the 80/20 rule for lawyers? URL: https://massduiguy.com/faq-items/what-is-the-80-20-rule-for-lawyers/ The 80/20 rule — also called the Pareto Principle — comes from Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who noticed about a century ago that 20% of the people in Italy held 80% of the wealth. In the legal world, lawyers apply the idea two ways. Some attorneys apply it to their practice: 20% of their cases generate 80% of their revenue, so they focus on the high-value cases where the most is at stake. More importantly for a client facing a DUI charge, the 80/20 rule also applies to case strategy. Roughly 80% of successful DUI outcomes come from 20% of the legal strategies — challenging the validity of the traffic stop, questioning breathalyzer calibration and maintenance records, scrutinizing the officer’s field sobriety test administration, examining probable cause, and reviewing the chain of custody on any blood or breath evidence. A DUI lawyer who understands the 80/20 rule focuses on the critical few elements that actually move outcomes, rather than scattering effort across every detail of the case. When you’re interviewing a DUI attorney, ask what strategies they prioritize first when reviewing a case — their answer tells you whether they know which 20% to work. Call 401-573-2265 to discuss your case. --- ## Does astigmatism affect the DUI test? URL: https://massduiguy.com/faq-items/does-astigmatism-affect-the-dui-test/ Astigmatism does not affect the field sobriety test police use to look at your eyes during a DUI stop. The test is called the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, or HGN. People often confuse the two terms because both involve the eyes — but they measure completely different things. Astigmatism is a vision problem corrected by glasses or contact lenses. HGN measures involuntary jerking of the eye when it follows a moving object. Alcohol and certain drugs increase that jerking, which is what the officer is looking for. Several legitimate medical conditions can cause natural nystagmus that has nothing to do with alcohol — including genuine nystagmus disorders, certain prescription medications, head injuries, neurological conditions, and even fatigue. If you were given an HGN test during a DUI stop and the officer claims it showed signs of impairment, an experienced DUI lawyer can challenge the test results when a legitimate medical explanation exists. Call 401-573-2265 to discuss your case. --- ## How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Massachusetts? URL: https://massduiguy.com/faq-items/how-much-does-a-dui-lawyer-cost-in-massachusetts/ The total cost of a DUI in Massachusetts extends well beyond the court-imposed fine. When you factor in fines, court costs, attorney fees, the 24D disposition program fees (for first offenses), RMV reinstatement fees, alcohol education programs, increased insurance premiums under Melanie’s Law, ignition interlock installation for repeat offenders, and potential hardship-license application costs, a first-offense DUI in Massachusetts can easily total $5,000 to $12,000 or more. This does not account for lost wages from missed work, license-suspension-related commuting costs, or the long-term impact on employment. Investing in quality legal representation can often reduce or eliminate many of these costs by securing better outcomes at every stage. ---