May 22nd, 2012
Posted in Boston, MA- Massachusetts lawmakers have proposed changes to DUI laws intended to close certain loopholes used by repeat offendors.
On Thursday, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that motorists, who admit there is enough evidence for a DUI conviction, but aren’t actually convicted are not subject to penalty increases. But lawmakers have introduced an amendment to the definition of a conviction which will include people who admit there is enough evidence for a guilty drunk driving conviction.
A DUI conviction can be avoided if the accused is pro-active and retains a Massachusetts DUI attorney immediately to work on a defense strategy.
The amended law would consider people, who refuse a breathalyzer test, as a first offender if they have been referred to an alcohol and substance abuse program for a previous offense.
State Attorney General Martha Coakley said, “We must respond quickly to close this loophole and ensure that repeat drunk drivers are taken off the roads.” Repeat offenders frequently refuse to blow, knowing that without a blood alcohol reading, prosecutors don’t necessarily have sufficient evidence for a DUI or DWI conviction.
The new law doesn’t change the definition of a conviction, but allows a judge to dismiss charges after a probationary period.
First time and repeat offenders face stiff penalties. Losing your driver’s license is one of the mandatory penalties for a first or repeat drunk driving conviction. A skilled DUI lawyer can often help a person keep their license on a restricted basis.
A DUI or DWI is a serious offense and should be taken lightly. The accused has a better chance of getting leniency from the courts with the representation of a Massachusetts DWI attorney and a well-built defense.
Tags: Alcohol And Substance Abuse, Attorney General Martha Coakley, Blood Alcohol, Breathalyzer Test, Defense Strategy, Drunk Drivers, Dui Conviction, Dui Laws, Dui Lawyer, General Martha Coakley, Leniency, Mandatory Penalties, Massachusetts Dui Attorney, Massachusetts Dwi Attorney, Massachusetts Legislators, Probationary Period, State Attorney General, Stiff Penalties, Substance Abuse Program, Supreme Judicial Court
