Less than 50% of Massachusetts DUI Charges End in Convictions
A recent review of the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle statistics on Drunk Driving Charges has revealed that less than 50% of all DUI / OUI Charges in the state result in convictions.
According to the Registry, for the three year period of 2006 through 2009, only 49% of drunk driving related charges ended up in convictions. Additionally, the conviction rate for all motor vehicle related crimes was between 52%-58% for that same period.
Data obtained from an independent agency reported that in 2009, there were a total of 12,369 OUI related arrests in Massachusetts. Of those, 108 involved alcohol-related fatalities; 12 of which involved drivers under age 21. Notably, between 1999-2009, drunk driving related fatalities in Massachusetts has dropped over 29%.
If these numbers are correct, then they are certainly indicative of the tremendous chances a person charged with Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs has at obtaining an acquittal in his/her case. Though every case is different and rests on its own specific facts, anyone charged with OUI / DUI should first weigh the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case against them and consider proceeding to trial.
Unfortunately, most First Time OUI Offenders are more concerned with only getting their driver’s license restored and of disposing the case as quickly as possible. Those first-time offenders who are not properly explained by their attorney the severe consequences of even a great “deal” on a first time DUI charge can be misled into thinking that they got off easy. The reality is that, even with the statutory “24D” disposition that results in a Continuance Without a Finding, the Registry of Motor Vehicles considers that disposition the equivalent of a ‘conviction’ or a Guilty finding.
For this and many other reasons, it is critical that, if you are charged with Drunk Driving Offense in Massachusetts, you should Consult with a Boston DUI Lawyer so that all your legal alternatives are properly explained to you. Boston DUI Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis is available 24/7 for consultation on all Massachusetts Drunk Driving Charges, including First Offense DUI / OUI and even 5th or Subsequent Offense OUI / DUI.
To schedule a Free Consultation, Click Here to Contact a Boston OUI Lawyer or call 617-325-9500.
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