A 3rd offense DUI charge in Massachusetts is extremely serious. Weston Mass DUI 3rd offense is a felony and under Melanie’s Law, there is a lifetime lookback when counting prior offenses. This means that all prior convictions or alcohol program assignments count as priors, no matter when and where they were committed. All 3rd offenders will be ignition interlock required. 

Minimum Mandatory 6 Months in Jail

A Weston MA third offense DUI carries a minimum mandatory jail sentence of 6 months in jail or a house of correction. A third offender could be sentenced to up to 5 years in state prison. Third offense fines range from a minimum of $1,000.00 up to $15,000.00. The DUI Attorneys featured here may be able to help you avoid this mandatory jail sentence. Attorney Paul B. Watkins has achieved excellent results handing this aspect of drunk driving cases.

A 3rd Offense OUI Could Mean 13 Years With No License

A 3rd offense drunk driving conviction will result in an automatic 8 year loss of license, with the ability to be considered for a hardship license after the offender has served 2 years of the 8 year revocation. Also, individuals with 2 prior DUIs on their records who refuse a chemical test will have their licenses suspended for 5 years upon refusal. The 8 year DUI 3rd offense revocation will not commence until the 5 year breathalyzer refusal suspension concludes. This “stacking” of suspensions is legal.

The 90 Day In-Patient Third Offender Program

Those convicted of a third offense drunk driving charge will be required to attend and complete a mandatory alcoholism evaluation by the Mass. Department of Public Health, or another similar court approved program, as well as a ninety (90) day residential in-patient DUI treatment program and any required aftercare. The Registry will require proof of completion and a discharge summary showing a risk of recidivism prior to considering a defendant for a hardship license.

Hire the Best Mass. DUI Lawyer You Can Afford

If you have been accused of operating under the influence and you have 2 prior convictions, you need to hire the best Weston Massachusetts DUI lawyer which you can afford. You’re facing a felony charge and a conviction can have major and long-term consequences.
Attorney George E. McCarthy, Jr. has given third offenders their licenses and lives back by fighting the prosecution’s case and getting not guilty verdicts for many of his grateful DUI clients. Call 508-656-0057 today for a free consultation and case review. The initial consultation is free and you will likely feel a lot better after speaking with a lawyer who specializes in DUI defense.