July 25, 2016 | Criminal Defense Attorney
First Offense
- Five Hundred to Five Thousand Dollar Fine; Fees*
- Jail for not more than 2 ½ years;
- License loss:** one year from date of conviction; Work/Educational Hardship after 3 months; General Hardship after 6 months
Breath Test Refusal 180 Days **
24 D Alternative
- Probation for not more than two years: must attend and complete driver alcohol education program as a condition of probation.
- License loss: Not less than 45 not more than 90 days.
Upon entry into 24D program may apply for hardship license.
Second Offense
- Six Hundred to Ten Thousand Dollar Fine; Fees*
- Jail for not less than sixty days and not more than 2 ½ years; thirty days of sentence must be served;
- License loss** two years from date of conviction; Work/Educational Hardship after 1 year; General Hardship after 18 months. Must install Ignition Interlock Device for period of hardship (RMV requires IID for two additional years after hardship expires).
Breath Test Refusal 3 years **
Chapter 90 Section 24 (4) Alternative
- Two years’ probation: Conditions of probation attend and complete 14 day inpatient program and aftercare.
- 24D Alternative If one prior offense and the date of conviction is more than ten years from current arrest:
- Probation for not more than two years: must attend and complete driver alcohol education program as a condition of probation.
- License loss**: Not less than 45 not more than 90 days. Must install Ignition Interlock Device. (RMV requires IID for two additional years after hardship expires).
Third Offense (felony)
- One Thousand to Fifteen Thousand Dollar Fine: Fees*
- Jail for not less than one hundred eighty days and not more than 2 ½ years; one hundred and fifty days of sentence must be served; or
- State prison for not less than 2 ½ years and not more than 5 years; one hundred fifty days of sentence must be served;
- License loss** eight years from date of conviction; Work/Educational Hardship after 2 years; General Hardship after 4 years. Must install Ignition Interlock Device for period of hardship (RMV requires IID for two additional years after hardship expires).
Breath Test Refusal 5 years **
Fourth Offense (felony)
- One Thousand Five Hundred to Twenty Five Thousand Dollar fine; Fees*
- Jail for not less than two years not more than 2 ½ years; one year of sentence must be served;
- State prison for not less than 2 ½ years and not more than five years; one year of sentence must be served;
- License loss**: ten years from date of conviction; Work/Educational Hardship after 5 years; General Hardship after 8 years. Must install Ignition Interlock Device for period of hardship (RMV requires IID for two additional years after hardship expires).
Breath Test Refusal Life **
Fifth or Subsequent Offense (felony)
- Two Thousand to Fifty Thousand Dollar fine; Fees*
- Jail for not less than 2 ½ years; Two years of sentence must be served;
- State Prison for not less than 2 ½ years and not more than five years; Two years of sentence must be served;
- Lifetime license loss; No hardship.
* FEES: Any conviction or CWOF requires a $250.00 head injury fee, $50 victim of Drunk Driving fee and $50.00 victim witness fee. If placed on probation an additional probation service fee of $65.00 per month is assessed. If 24 D disposition $250.00 state fee and program costs.
** All license losses (ie: Breath test and conviction) run consecutive not concurrent.
No Hardship license for breath test refusal until case is concluded.
Read More on DUI/OUI Laws in Massachusetts