Being implicated in an Operating Under the Influence (OUI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) case isn’t something to be taken lightly. While it must be avoided in the first place, you must get a lawyer who can help you deal with it. An attorney can assist you in the case, but there’s a possibility of being charged guilty. When confronted with this situation, your lawyer can still help you mitigate the potential penalties by getting a hardship license as quickly as possible.
Here at The Fernandez Firm, we have the best Boston criminal lawyers. Our highly experienced attorneys have defended various clients in drunk driving cases for years. Our ultimate goal is to achieve the best possible outcome in criminal cases. If you’ve been involved in an OUI or DUI case and are looking to obtain a hardship license, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll talk about what a hardship license is in MA and how to obtain one. Keep reading to see how your lawyer can help.
OUI or DUI case in MA
In Massachusetts, it is strictly prohibited to drive under the influence of alcohol. More specifically, any adult 21 years old and above must have a Blood Content (BAC) level of 0.08 or lower to legally drive or operate a vehicle.
When a police officer pulls you over and reads your BAC with 0.02 or higher, you will automatically be charged with an OUI or DUI. That’s when obtaining a lawyer becomes imperative.
If you are arrested, and bail is posted, you will be given a chance to appear in court and defend your case, where you can enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Keep in mind that your license will be automatically suspended for 30 days if you didn’t pass a breathalyzer test. If found guilty, you will receive penalties such as jail time, hefty fines, and license suspension depending on the number of offenses you’ve committed.
What to know about a hardship license in MA
If ever your license is suspended due to an OUI or DUI, you can obtain a hardship license. For the uninitiated, it is a restricted license allowing you to drive for 12 hours, seven days a week. However, you must provide valid documentation showing that you’ll suffer from a significant “hardship” if you aren’t granted this license. In most cases, this hardship may have to do with work, school, or medical visits.
The approval of your hardship license depends on a handful of factors. The specific violation for which your license is suspended is the most crucial factor. Other variables to be considered include your driving history, age (if under 21), criminal record, and relevant driving facts. Hence, hiring a lawyer who can help you obtain a hardship license can make a world of difference.
Conclusion
At this point, you now know what a hardship license in MA is and how to obtain one. Be sure to consider all the valuable information discussed above. Ultimately, it is best to work with a highly reputable attorney who can help you handle your OUI or DUI case and obtain a hardship license.
As a criminal law firm in Massachusetts, The Fernandez Firm specializes in personal injury, criminal defense, and medical malpractice. If you need a criminal lawyer in Boston for your OUI/DUI case, get in touch with us today for a free consultation!
