Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence and attracts severe Massachusetts drunk driving penalties. The severity increases with the number of offence committed and within what period. Implied Consent law in this state makes it mandatory for all drivers to co-operate when they are stopped under the suspicion of dui. This co-operation means they must take the chemical test when asked to. Refusal to take the test will be treated as additional serious offence, which will attract additional penalties. If you have not been convicted before under dui charges, refusal to take the test will attract driving license suspension for 180 days. On the other hand, if you have a previous record of dui conviction, the suspension will be for three years. These penalties will be applicable even if the charges against you get dismissed in the court.
First Dui Conviction In Massachusetts
You must be ready for the following Massachusetts drunk driving penalties when you get convicted for the first time.
- You will have to attend an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program as assigned by the court.
- You will face suspension of your driving license for a period of twelve months.
- As per the state laws, there are three types of monetary fine you have to pay – $50 DUI Victim Trust Fund, $250 Assessment, and a basic fine that may range from $500 to $5,000.
- You are also very much likely to be sent to jail imprisonment for a maximum period of thirty months.
Second Dui Conviction In Massachusetts
A second time conviction will result in the following Massachusetts drunk driving penalties.
- Suspension of driving license for a maximum period of twenty-four months. However, you may be allowed to apply for a restricted license (or hardship license) after one year from the date of suspension, but you will be required to get ignition interlock device fitted in your vehicle in order to be able to obtain the hardship license.
- You will have to pay at least $600 as monetary fine, which can go as high as $10000 depending upon the severity of the offence committed.
- A minimum thirty days of jail term is mandatory, which can be extended up to thirty months.
Third Dui Conviction In Massachusetts
Get ready for more severe Massachusetts drunk driving penalties if it is a third time conviction.
- A third time conviction will result in a longer suspension of driving license, which can be as long as eight years. However, the state laws also provide you an option to apply for a hardship license after twenty-four months from the date of suspension, but again, ignition interlock device will be required to obtain that license.
- The monetary fine can be as high as $15000; a minimum of $1000 of fine is mandatory.
- At least 150 days in jail; the maximum imprisonment period can be as long as five years.
Fourth Dui Conviction In Massachusetts
The following Massachusetts drunk driving penalties apply.
- Your driving license will be suspended for ten years. You can be eligible for a restricted license only after five years from the date of suspension. Here again, you must first get an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicles in order to get your application for a restricted license approved.
- At least $1500 of monetary fine; the maximum fine that can be charged for a fourth dui conviction in Massachusetts is $25000.
- Minimum twelve months of jail term is mandatory, which can be extended for a maximum period of five years.
Fifth Dui Conviction In Massachusetts
The Massachusetts drunk driving penalties for a fifth time conviction in a dui case can be very severe.
- If you get convicted for the fifth time, you will lose your driving license permanently with no option to get a restricted license.
- The monetary fine can be as high as $50000; the minimum mandatory fine is $2000.
- You can be sent to jail for five years; minimum two years of jail term is mandatory.