In Massachusetts, it is against the law to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A motorist can be convicted of OUI if they have a BAC level of 0.08% or higher, or are otherwise incapable of safely operating their vehicle. OUI is also considered a serious criminal offense that can carry significant consequences, including jail time and fines in the thousands of dollars.
A skilled New Bedford OUI lawyer can help people charged with this crime protect their rights and seek a favorable outcome in court. An attorney can assist in the investigation of the case and review all the evidence to determine the best strategy. They can also fight for the best legal outcome based on the specific facts of the case and the evidence presented to the jury.
Assessment of Evidence
An OUI lawyer will carefully review all the evidence against a client, including police reports and chemical test results. They can assess whether any of the evidence was obtained illegally or if there were procedural errors. For example, if field sobriety tests were administered improperly or if breath test equipment malfunctioned, this could weaken the prosecution’s case against the defendant.
An OUI lawyer will also explore plea bargains and other alternatives with the prosecutor to minimize the client’s penalty. This could include reduced jail time, shorter license suspension or enrollment in alcohol education programs. They will also be ready to vigorously defend the client in trial if necessary. This includes questioning witnesses, challenging the accuracy of chemical blood and breath test evidence, and exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.