Being arrested and charged with operating under the influence (OUI) in Massachusetts can carry major financial consequences beyond just legal penalties. Between fines, fees, assessments, license reinstatement costs, and other expenses, an OUI conviction can end up costing someone tens of thousands of dollars. Here we outline the various costs that can result from an OUI charge in Massachusetts.
Fines and Assessments
For first offense OUI in Cape Cod, the minimum fine is $500. However, total fines often exceed $1,500 after the application of various mandatory state assessments. These include a $250 head injury assessment, $50 OUI enforcement fund assessment, $250 operating under the influence assessment, and a $90 victim witness assessment. Fines increase for subsequent OUI offenses.
Probation Supervision Fees
It is common for OUI sentences to include a period of administrative probation ranging from one to three years. This probation supervision comes with a monthly fee in Massachusetts, usually around $65-$85 per month. Over several years, these monthly fees can amount to $2,000 or more in costs.
Alcohol Education Program
Massachusetts requires completion of an alcohol education program for OUI offenders, even first-time ones. Fees for these programs cost approximately $500 to $1,000. Some may qualify for state support to reduce costs, but most convicts must pay the full program fees out-of-pocket.
Court Costs
On top of fines and assessments, those convicted of OUI in Massachusetts also must pay court costs imposed by the jurisdiction. These can tally $100 or more. If you challenge the OUI charge in court, you may have to pay additional court fees.
Ignition Interlock Device
Massachusetts mandates the use of an ignition interlock device (IID) for one year or more for first-time OUI convictions if the breath test result was .15 BAC or higher. The driver must pay installation fees of $100 or more, monthly calibration and monitoring fees of around $80-100, and removal fees at the end of the term. Over one year, an IID can cost $1,500 or more depending on the provider.
SR-22 Insurance
Most OUI offenders in Massachusetts will need to obtain a special SR-22 certificate of insurance from their auto insurer for three years or longer to prove financial responsibility and restore their license. This can double or even triple annual policy premiums, costing several thousand dollars over time.
License Reinstatement Fees
To regain a suspended license after an OUI conviction, you must pay a $500 reinstatement fee in Massachusetts. Depending on the offense, you may also have to pay an additional $100 public safety fee and a $50 National Driver Register fee when applying for reinstatement.
Towing and Impound Fees
After an OUI arrest, police will tow and impound the vehicle in Massachusetts. The fees to retrieve the vehicle typically start at $150 for the tow itself, plus accruing storage fees of $20 or more per day. Within just a week, these impound fees can escalate to $500 or beyond.
Theft and Burglary
After an OUI arrest, police will tow and impound the vehicle in Massachusetts. The fees to retrieve the vehicle typically start at $150 for the tow itself, plus accruing storage fees of $20 or more per day. Within just a week, these impound fees can escalate to $500 or beyond.
Lost Income
The OUI criminal process can be lengthy, often taking many months from arrest to conviction and license suspension. During this drawn out period, the defendant may experience lost wages from missed work due to court dates, lack of transportation, or even job loss resulting from the criminal charges. This lost income can ultimately amount to thousands of dollars.
Conclusion
In addition to jail time, license suspension, and strict probation terms, those arrested for OUI in Massachusetts often face very significant financial consequences. All the fines, fees, costs and lost income stemming from an operating under the influence conviction can quickly add up to thousands of dollars even for first offenses. For repeat offenses, the overall financial toll of an OUI conviction easily reaches into the tens of thousands when compounding costs over many years.
The multitude of expenses – from court fines and probation fees to ignition interlock installation to multiplied insurance premiums – create an immense financial burden on individuals and families. For lower-income drivers, the costs may be prohibitive in exercising legal options. And having a DUI record also impacts future job prospects and insurance rates for years to come. The only way to avoid these cascading economic costs is to never drive impaired. But if you are facing an OUI charge, consulting with an attorney is wise to navigating the complex legal processes while seeking to minimize penalties and the costs associated with an OUI charge..
Call Us
If you have been arrested for OUI in Cape Code, it is critical to speak with an experienced OUI defense lawyer before making any statements. A conviction carries major financial consequences, but a skilled attorney knows how to defend your rights and potentially avoid a guilty verdict and your attorney will also fight to keep your costs low or be able to find your programs to cover some of your costs. Contact our OUI legal defense team today at 774-561-2689 for a free consultation on your case. Don’t let an OUI charge derail your finances and future. Call now. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
FAQ
What are the penalties for a first-offense OUI on Cape Cod?
For a first OUI offense on Cape Cod, potential penalties include license suspension for 45-90 days, completion of an alcohol education program, probation of up to two years, fines and fees up to $5,000, and possible ignition interlock requirement. Jail time up to 2.5 years is possible depending on circumstances.
What should I do if I am arrested for OUI on Cape Cod?
If arrested for OUI on Cape Cod, it is critical to exercise your right to remain silent and politely decline answering questions. Call an experienced Cape Cod OUI defense lawyer immediately for advice on how to proceed. An attorney can help protect your rights, seek to get evidence dismissed, and work to achieve the most favorable resolution.
What should I do if I am stopped for OUI on Cape Cod?
If stopped on Cape Cod for suspicion of OUI, you should remain calm and polite with the officer. Do not admit to drinking or being impaired. Decline field sobriety tests or portable breath tests. Ask if you are free to leave and if not, state you wish to remain silent until your lawyer is present.
