Mother's Against Drunk Driving has urged Massachusetts legislatures to enact legislation that would require anyone convicted of even a First Offense Massachusetts OUI charge to have the ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. This was according to a Patriot Ledger news report by Christian Schiavone.
Under the current version of Massachusetts OUI laws only a Second Offense requires an individual to have the ignition interlock device installed.
The legislation is being pushed by the family of Melanie Powell who pushed for more stringent penalties in the 2004 revisions to Massachusetts OUI laws now referred to as Melanie's Law. Ron Personi the grandfather of Melanie spoke about the proposed changes on the Sixth Anniversary of Melanie's Law.
Statistics show that since the passage of Melanie's law OUI fatalities in Massachusetts have decreased by 24%. Ignition Interlock legislation is a priority for Mother's Against Drunk Driving. Currently 27 States have an ignition interlock requirement for first time offenders.
The threat of ignition interlock legislation would make it more imperative for anyone charged with a Massachusetts OUI offense to hire an experienced attorney to ensure that there case can be proven by the Commonwealth.
