In many ways, OUIs don’t discriminate. Rich or poor, young or old, male or female, white, black, Hispanic, or Asian, no group is immune to getting arrested for OUI. There is one group that accounts for more OUIs annually in the US than any other – young, white males. The facts and figures below shed some light on the “who, why, and where” of OUIs. If you’ve been charged with an OUI offense, don’t attempt to “go it alone.” An experienced OUI attorney can make all the difference in the world.
OUI Statistics
- Nearly 30 people die in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents in the US every day.
- Alcohol-related crashes cost more than $59 billion annually.
- In 2013, nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the US involved alcohol.
- Over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for OUI in 2010.
- One of out of every three drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) above 0.08 percent involved in fatal crashes is between the ages of 21 and 24.
- About 18 percent of motor vehicle driver deaths involve drugs other than alcohol.
- In 2011, 17 percent of fatal crashes during the week involved drunk drivers, versus 31 percent on the weekends.
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 8.3 percent of weekend drivers assessed in a 2013/2014 study had alcohol in their systems.
- Males are more likely to drive drunk than their female counterparts (15.1 percent vs. 7.9 percent).
Some Good News and Some Bad News About OUI Statistics
Drunk driving actually seems to be on the decline. In fact, according to the NHTSA, the incidence of over-the-limit drivers decreased by about 80 percent between 1973 and 2014. That’s a significant drop. However, as these numbers decrease, the statistics on drugged driving has skyrocketed. Studies conducted by the NHTSA show that more than 15 percent of drivers tested positive for one or more illegal drugs. OUI charges apply to drugged driving just like drunk driving. If you made a mistake and got behind the wheel after a few too many drinks or after using recreational drugs, you may be facing OUI charges. The best line of defense is the help of a skilled Boston OUI defense attorney. Don’t let a mistake jeopardize a future job or housing. Get help today.
OUI Penalties
If you have been charged with an OUI offense, you may be facing the following penalties:
- First offense: Driver’s license suspension of up to 90 days, fines of between $500 and $5,000, and up to two-and-a-half years in jail.
- Second offense: Driver’s license suspension varies, mandatory installation of an interlock ignition device (IID), up to $10,000 in fines, and up to two-and-a-half years in jail.
- Third offense: Driver’s license suspension varies, mandatory installation of an IID, possible felony charges, a license suspension of up to eight years, up to $15,000 in fines, and up to five years in prison.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Premier OUI Defense Law Firm
If you have been charged with an OUI offense, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of individuals charged with criminal offenses for more than 50 years. We will analyze the details of your case to determine the most appropriate strategy for moving forward and will position you for the most favorable outcome. Don’t let a mistake ruin your life. Massachusetts comes down hard on OUI convictions. You may be looking at hefty fines, suspension of your license, the installation of an interlock ignition device, or even time behind bars. If you’re facing charges for OUI, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.