Under Massachusetts DUI law, a first offender convicted of an OUI will generally suffer a 45 day loss of license and be required to complete and alcohol education program known as the 24D program. It is only with a second offense OUI conviction that Massachusetts imposes the requirement that a motorist have the ignition interlock device installed prior to restoration of a Massachusetts driver's license.
Proposed legislation in Congress if passed would deny federal highway funds to states that do not impose ignition interlock requirements on 1st time DUI offenders. Numerous states have already begun to require ignition interlock devices for 1st offense DUI convictions.
What is often overlooked in the debate over the interlock device is the cost to the operator of installing the device, such as the costly installation fee and monthly service fees. The debate over the expansion of the ignition interlock device makes it crucial to avoid a 1st offense conviction for DUI because even if your conviction occurs prior to any change in the law, the Registry of Motor Vehicles may still require the installation of the ignition interlock device, either because your license has not been reinstated or as a condition of renewal of a drivers license. Since most judges impose essentially the same disposition even after a conviction after trial, the importance of retaining an experienced Massachusetts DUI lawyer has never been more important and is crucial to preserve your driver's license.
