OUI ATTORNEY

Let Our OUI Attorney Fight for You in  Bristol, Norfolk, & Plymouth Counties, Massachusetts

OUI (Operating Under the Influence) can refer to any level of impairment from intoxicating substances. OUI charges can be based on impairment from any substance, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and illicit drugs, whereas DWI and DUI charges specifically focus on alcohol intoxication and other recreational drug use. OUI charges present a spectrum of legal gray areas, rather than the binary choice of guilty or not guilty. 


If you have been a victim of wrongful arrest or conviction, seek expert legal counsel from the Law Office of Michael P Carroll PC. OUI cases in the Bay State are governed by an intricate web of regulations and evidentiary standards.

We consider all the nuances involved in such cases, from the initial traffic stop and standardized field sobriety testing to the scientific principles underlying breath, blood, and urine analysis. In cases where law enforcement violated your rights or the evidence is flawed, we aggressively pursue dismissal of the charges altogether. Alternatively, under less favorable circumstances, we can explore options to potentially reduce your criminal sentence. 


What makes us truly stand out is our client-centric approach combined with tailored strategies. Schedule your appointment today. 

Your Legal Options As a Defendant in an OUI Case

The legal options available to OUI defendants in Massachusetts are varied and often depend on the specific circumstances of the case.


Below is a breakdown of your potential legal options:

Plea Bargaining

In some cases, negotiating a plea agreement with the prosecution would be a viable strategy. By pleading guilty, defendants may be able to secure reduced charges or minimized penalties, such as shorter jail terms, lower fines, or limited license suspensions. However, this option requires careful consideration, as it involves admitting guilt and accepting the associated consequences.

Trial by Judge or Jury

For those maintaining their innocence or seeking to challenge the prosecution's evidence, exercising their right to a trial is an option. During a trial, the defense can cross-examine witnesses, scrutinize the legality of the traffic stop, and contest the reliability of chemical tests or field sobriety assessments. With our firm on your side, you can build a strong defense that could either lead to an acquittal or dismissal of charges.

Alternative Dispositions

Depending on the specifics of your case and the judge's discretion, alternative sentencing options might be available. This could include a continuance without a finding (CWOF), which allows for dismissal of the charges upon successful completion of probation, or a suspended sentence, where the jail time is imposed but not served initially, potentially offering a chance to avoid incarceration altogether.

Expired Look-Back Period

Massachusetts has a "look-back" period for prior OUI offenses, currently set at 7 years (10 the accused is a habitual offender). If the defendant's last OUI conviction occurred more than a decade ago, they may be eligible for sentencing as a first-time offender, potentially mitigating the severity of the penalties.

GET A QUOTE

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

If you need a lawyer Michael Carroll is the way to go. Knowledgeable, and professional can't think of anyone else better. If ever need lawyer again he's who I will call!

Mike S.

Grateful for Mike’s help! He is professional, supportive, and responded quickly to my questions. The legal system can be overwhelming and Mike helped me make sense of it. He is not only knowledgeable and experienced, but also friendly and easy to talk to. He charged a very fair price for the value of his services. I highly recommend.

Colleen C.

He listened to me and was by my side through the whole process. The road was hard at times but the outcome of my divorce was better than I expected.

Sylvia S.

Mike is a great attorney with superb negotiating skills. Mike is the go-to person any time I need to run a case by him for his opinion. Mike has a great knowledge of the defense side of a case having been a BI adjuster for many years.

Jeffrey L.

Expertly helped very quickly (with time constraints) and efficiently with great professionalism and affability. Would absolutely recommend his services.

Dante B.

Most excellent lawyer- very hard worker-easy to talk to -always looks out for my better behalf. totally happy !

Steve L.

Potential Consequences of an OUI Conviction

License suspension

A conviction can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, making it difficult to go about your daily life.

Fines

OUI convictions can carry substantial fines, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on your case.

Jail time

For repeat offenders or those facing aggravated charges, a conviction may result in jail time.

Alcohol education programs

Many jurisdictions require offenders to attend court-mandated alcohol education or treatment programs.

Increased insurance premiums

A conviction for OUI may cause your insurance rates to rise significantly or cancel your policy altogether.

Criminal record

An OUI conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record, which can have long-term consequences for employment and other areas of life.

What is an OUI Charge?

OUI, or Operating Under the Influence, is a charge filed when a person is found operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. This charge is common in many states, and although it is similar to a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), the terminology may vary by jurisdiction.


To be charged with OUI, law enforcement officers typically rely on various methods, such as a breathalyzer test, field sobriety tests, or observations of impaired driving behavior. In most cases, a person can be arrested for OUI if their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) exceeds the legal limit of 0.08%. However, you can still be charged if your BAC is below this level if you are visibly impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Choosing the Right OUI Lawyer for Your Defense

Facing an OUI charge can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming experience, but with the right legal representation, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced OUI attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process. With years of hands-on experience in handling OUI cases and a proven track record of success, we are well-equipped to provide you with the best defense possible.


Our team is committed to defending your rights and working relentlessly to ensure that you are given a fair chance in the courtroom. We take the time to understand the unique aspects of your case, investigate all evidence thoroughly, and explore all possible defenses to minimize penalties and protect your future. We know how important your case is, and we’re dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you.


If you are facing an OUI charge, don’t delay—contact our office today for a consultation. Let us help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for the best results possible.

Our Relentless Pursuit for Your Justice

Being charged with an OUI felony can be a harrowing experience as it can stay on your criminal record for life. Apart from potential hefty fines and incarceration, consequences include lengthy license suspension. Our experienced criminal justice attorney Michael P. Carroll can help you explore plea bargains, challenge faulty evidence, or even pursue dismissal if law enforcement overstepped their bounds. Michel will actively investigate the details of your arrest to uncover weaknesses the prosecution might have overlooked. 


Talk to our representative today for more information.

Share by: