Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog
Summer is time for relaxation and fun. If you take that fun too far, however, it can result in a number of less-than-fun consequences, including charges for criminal offenses such as OUI, disorderly conduct, or assault. You may even find yourself behind bars. Follow the tips below to have fun, and avoid getting charged with OUI, this summer season.
- No open containers in the car. You don’t need to be drinking to get charged. It is illegal to have an open container in an unlocked compartment of your car. For example, a half-full bottle of rum in the center console, or in the back seat, can get you in big trouble. If you are traveling to a party and taking previously-opened containers of alcohol, make sure that they are all safely stowed in the trunk, where they can’t be reached while the vehicle is in use.
- Zero tolerance for underage drivers. If you are under 21, you can get charged with an OUI offense for any amount of alcohol in your system. In MA, a driver is “over the limit” with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more. But even 0.01 can result in an OUI if you’re under 21. A MA OUI defense attorney can help you determine how to proceed if you’re facing charges for an underage OUI offense.
- Even prescription drugs can lead to an OUI. If drugs – even prescribed medications – impair your ability to drive, you may find yourself facing charges for OUI. And the drugs in question don’t have to be controlled substances such as oxycodone or ADHD meds. Even antihistamines can result in an OUI if they impair your ability to drive safely.
- Have a plan for how to get back to your home or hotel before the night begins. Prior to heading out for the night, talk to your friends and determine your end-of-night plan. Will you walk? Will you call an Uber? Is there a designated driver? And if you’re staying in an unfamiliar location, like a hotel, write down the address in case you aren’t as clear headed at the end of the evening.
- If all else fails, contact your attorney. If you made a mistake and you’re facing OUI charges, a skilled Boston OUI defense attorney can help you fight them. Many OUI stops, especially during the busy summer season, are riddled with errors that can be used to your advantage. For example, a faulty breathalyzer test can result in inaccurately-high readings. It’s important to know your rights; you can refuse to take a breath test. However, there are some serious implications for doing so. Refusing a breath test carries an automatic license suspension of 180 days. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether or not you should refuse a breath test. If you have no prior OUIs and you passed the field sobriety test, you have a better chance of winning your case if you refused the test than if you took it and failed. But, as with most things in life, there are no guarantees.
Altman & Altman, LLP – OUI Defense Attorneys Serving Boston and the Surrounding Areas
If you have been charged with OUI or any other criminal offense, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of individuals charged with crimes for more than 50 years. People make mistakes. Don’t make another one by hiring the wrong attorney. Even a first-time OUI offense can be costly. In addition to fines and other fees, you may be required to pay for the installation of an interlock ignition device (IID) in order to have your license reinstated. If you’ve been charged with any type of criminal offense, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
