Acton OUI Defense Lawyer

Being charged with operating under the influence (OUI) in Massachusetts is serious business. The potential penalties can affect different parts of your life, from your driving privileges to your job opportunities and finances. If this happens to you, the OUI defense attorneys at Spring & Spring are here to provide you with a strategic and assertive defense.

With over 20 years of experience defending DUI/OUI cases, we’ve helped hundreds of clients achieve the best possible outcomes for their situations. Our Acton OUI defense lawyers bring an informed perspective to every case and will work diligently to make sure you’re treated fairly and your side of the story is heard.

Why Choose Spring & Spring for Your OUI Defense?

When you’re charged with OUI, you need a law firm that cares about your future and will treat you like you matter. Here’s what sets our legal practice apart at Spring & Spring:

• Unmatched Client Communication: You deserve to stay informed. Our team ensures you always know where your case stands, whether we’re negotiating a plea agreement or challenging the evidence. We keep in touch frequently and answer questions in a timely fashion, so you’re never left wondering what’s going on.
• Prosecutorial Experience on Your Side: Founder Chris Spring has a unique advantage as a former prosecutor. He understands how the other side operates, from their strategies to their weaknesses. With his insider knowledge, we know how to craft a defense that anticipates and counters the prosecution’s approach.
• Decades of Acton DUI / OUI Defense Success: Our team has been defending clients in DUI and OUI cases across Massachusetts for over two decades. We know the judges, prosecutors, and courthouses, and we use this familiarity to build a defense that has the best chance of success.
• Thorough Case Analysis: Every drunk driving case starts with a detailed review. During our investigation and the discovery process, our criminal defense lawyers examine the traffic stop, testing procedures, and police reports, looking for any procedural errors. For example, if a breathalyzer isn’t properly calibrated, we can challenge the results. Even small procedural mistakes could become an advantage.

Every drunk driving defense case is different, and so is our approach. If we find that your constitutional rights were violated during your stop or arrest, our Acton criminal defense lawyers can file motions to suppress evidence. We might also challenge the testing equipment’s accuracy or question the legitimacy of the police stop. Whatever the strategy, we tailor our legal services to fit your situation.

How an Acton OUI Defense Lawyer Can Help You

Getting charged with drunk driving can be upsetting, but having a skilled attorney by your side provides the support you need. Here’s how an experienced OUI defense lawyer can make a real difference in your case:

• Explaining the Law: Massachusetts DUI/OUI laws can be confusing, especially if this is your first encounter with the criminal justice system. Our criminal defense attorneys help you understand your rights and legal options. You’ll feel more confident knowing exactly where you stand.
• Identifying Possible Defenses: We examine every aspect of your case, from the moment you were stopped to the administration of any tests. Common defenses include questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer or blood tests, contesting field sobriety tests’ validity, or highlighting any procedural mistakes made by law enforcement that could work in your favor.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Many OUI cases are resolved through negotiations that reduce criminal charges or penalties. With Chris Spring’s background as a prosecutor, we know how to negotiate for a better outcome, whether that’s a reduced sentence or an alternative to traditional penalties.
• Courtroom Representation: If your case goes to trial, you need an experienced OUI attorney to represent you. Our Acton OUI defense lawyers will challenge the prosecution’s evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present a well-planned defense to protect your legal rights and your future.

Potential Consequences of OUI Convictions in Massachusetts

Massachusetts takes impaired driving offenses seriously, which is why the penalties can vary significantly based on factors like prior criminal offenses, your blood alcohol content (BAC), and other circumstances surrounding your case (e.g. recreational or prescription drugs in your system). Under Mass. General Laws c.90 § 24, potential criminal penalties are as follows:

• First-Time Convictions: A first OUI offense can lead to a fine between $500 and $5,000, a maximum sentence of 2.5 years in jail, and administrative penalties like the suspension of your driver’s license for up to one year. For some first-time offenders, alternative sentence dispositions are available that may allow you to avoid jail time, though this depends on your situation.
• Repeat Offenses and Aggravated OUI: Penalties increase with each additional criminal conviction. A second or third OUI offense could bring higher fines, longer prison time, and extended license suspension. In some cases, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
• Aggravating Factors: In cases where there are aggravating factors, such as causing an accident, having a BAC far above the legal limit, or having a child under 15 in the vehicle, penalties can become even more severe. In these situations, you could face felony charges, higher fines, and increased jail time.

Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Massachusetts, and What Happens if You Do?

Yes, you have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test in Massachusetts, but doing so has consequences. 

Under Massachusetts’ “implied consent” law, by holding a driver’s license, you agree to take a breathalyzer test if lawfully requested by a police officer. Refusing can lead to an automatic license suspension of 180 days for a first offense. For repeat offenders, the suspension period is longer, potentially up to several years. However, refusal can sometimes strengthen your defense in court since the prosecution won’t have BAC evidence. Our team can help you understand the implications of a refusal and determine the best defense strategy for your case.

Key Information About Concord District Court

If you’re facing an OUI charge in Acton, your case will likely be heard at the Concord District Court, located at 305 Walden St., Concord, MA. The court serves Acton and several surrounding communities, including Bedford, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, and Stow. Concord District Court sees hundreds of criminal cases each year, so familiarity with its procedures can be an advantage.

As part of our criminal law practice, Attorney Chris Spring has extensive experience in courthouses across Eastern Massachusetts, including Concord District Court. Being familiar with this court’s judges, staff, and procedures, our team brings local insights to your defense – a benefit that can be crucial in achieving the best result for your case.

Why Acting Quickly Matters in OUI Defense

If you’re facing an OUI charge, taking prompt action can make a big difference. Evidence from the scene, such as video footage or witness statements, can disappear over time. Acting quickly allows an experienced defense lawyer to gather critical evidence, talk to witnesses, and file any necessary motions before deadlines pass. An early start also increases our chances of finding procedural flaws or inconsistencies in the case against you.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with an Acton OUI Defense Lawyer

Facing an OUI charge can be intimidating, but having a skilled defense attorney on your side can help you feel more confident and prepared. At Spring & Spring, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case, explain your rights as well as the legal process, and explore possible defense options. During this meeting, we’ll get a clear picture of your situation and outline a strategy that makes the most sense for your case.

Take control of your defense today. Call Spring & Spring at (866) 606-8250 to schedule your free confidential consultation with our Acton OUI defense lawyers. We’re ready to help you move past this challenging time and fight for your future.