Being charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Massachusetts is a serious matter that can lead to significant legal consequences. From hefty fines to jail time and the suspension of your driver’s license, a DUI conviction can have lasting effects on your personal and professional life. At the Law Office of William J. O'Neil, we specialize in defending individuals accused of DUI, ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.



In Massachusetts, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers over the age of 21 is 0.08%. For drivers under the age of 21, the limit is 0.02%. If you are found to be driving with a BAC at or above these limits, or if you are impaired by drugs or alcohol, you can be charged with DUI, also known as Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Massachusetts.

The penalties for DUI in Massachusetts vary depending on the circumstances of your case, such as whether it’s your first offense or if there were aggravating factors like a high BAC or an accident. Some of the potential penalties include:

• Fines: For a first offense, fines range from $500 to $5,000. Repeat offenders face even higher fines.
• Jail Time: First-time offenders may face up to 2 ½ years in jail. Subsequent offenses carry harsher penalties, with mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders.
• License Suspension: A first-time DUI conviction can result in a license suspension of up to one year. For repeat offenses, the suspension period increases significantly.
• Alcohol Education Programs: First-time offenders are often required to attend alcohol education or rehabilitation programs as part of their sentence.
• Ignition Interlock Device: Repeat offenders may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected on their breath.

Facing DUI charges without proper legal representation can be overwhelming and risky. A skilled DUI defense attorney can help protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and potentially reduce the penalties you face. Here’s why hiring an experienced attorney from the Law Office of William J. O'Neil is crucial:

1. Challenging the Legality of the Stop: Police must have a valid reason to stop your vehicle. If they lacked probable cause or did not follow proper procedures, your attorney can argue to have any evidence obtained during the stop dismissed.
2. Questioning the Accuracy of the Tests: Breathalyzer and field sobriety tests are not always reliable. Your attorney can challenge the accuracy of these tests by examining whether they were properly administered or if the equipment was faulty.
3. Negotiating with Prosecutors: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges or penalties. This could involve reducing a DUI charge to a less severe offense, such as reckless driving.
4. Developing a Strong Defense: An experienced DUI defense attorney will carefully review the details of your case to build a defense strategy that challenges the evidence and works to minimize the impact of the charges.
5. Minimizing Penalties: Even if a conviction cannot be avoided, your attorney can work to reduce the severity of the penalties, such as advocating for a shorter license suspension, reduced fines, or alternative sentencing options like probation or community service.

There are several defense strategies that may be used to challenge DUI charges, including:

• Improper Stop: If the police did not have a valid reason to stop your vehicle, your attorney may argue that the stop was unlawful and move to suppress any evidence obtained as a result.
• Inaccurate Breathalyzer Results: Breathalyzers can produce false readings if they are not properly calibrated or maintained. Your attorney can challenge the accuracy of your BAC results by questioning the reliability of the equipment used.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux or diabetes, can cause falsely elevated BAC readings. Your attorney may use this information to challenge the results of the breathalyzer test.
• Field Sobriety Test Errors: Field sobriety tests are subjective and can be influenced by factors such as nervousness, fatigue, or even uneven road conditions. Your attorney can argue that the results of these tests are unreliable and should not be used as evidence.

At the Law Office of William J. O'Neil, we understand that every DUI case is unique, and we are committed to providing personalized, aggressive defense strategies for our clients. We will investigate every detail of your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Our services include:

• Initial Case Evaluation: We will thoroughly review the facts of your case and advise you on your legal options.
• Representation in Court: Our experienced attorneys will represent you in court, advocating on your behalf and protecting your rights throughout the legal process.
• Negotiation and Plea Bargaining: If appropriate, we will negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges or penalties you face.
• Comprehensive Defense Strategy: We will develop a tailored defense strategy designed to challenge the evidence and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

If you’ve been charged with DUI in Massachusetts, the consequences can be severe. A skilled DUI defense attorney from the Law Office of William J. O'Neil can help protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and work to reduce the penalties you face. Don’t leave your future to chance—contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you fight your DUI charge.