An OUI arrest in Massachusetts can feel like the ground shifting under your feet. From the moment the police stop your car, the process moves fast. Licenses are often suspended right away, long before you get a chance to defend yourself in court.
At Riccio Law, we stand with clients in Quincy and across Massachusetts facing these charges. Attorney Anthony Riccio’s experience as a former prosecutor means he knows how these cases are built and, just as importantly, how to challenge them.
The first days after an arrest are critical. License appeals and court deadlines come quickly, and waiting can result in lost options.
Contact Riccio Law today for a confidential consultation with a Massachusetts DUI lawyer who will take immediate action on your behalf.
In Massachusetts, the legal term for drunk or drugged driving is Operating Under the Influence (OUI). While many people still use “DUI” or “DWI,” the law recognizes OUI, and the charges are the same.
Police can charge someone with OUI if a breath test shows a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher. For drivers under 21, the limit is much lower at .02 percent. The law also covers drugs. If an officer believes that alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medication made a driver unsafe behind the wheel, that person can face an OUI charge.
An OUI is not just a traffic violation. It is a criminal offense, which means the case will go through the courts, and the penalties can impact your license, record, and even your freedom.
OUI cases in Massachusetts cover more than one situation. At Riccio Law, we handle a wide range of charges, including:
Each of these charges presents its own set of challenges. A Massachusetts OUI lawyer can explain the specific penalties you face and the defenses that may apply to your case.
An OUI conviction in Massachusetts brings severe penalties that can affect your freedom, your license, and your record. The consequences depend on whether it is your first offense or if you have prior convictions.
|
Offense |
Fines | Jail Time |
License Suspension |
| 1st Offense | $500–$5,000 | Up to 2.5 years | 1 year (possible reduction with program) |
| 2nd Offense | $600–$10,000 | 30 days to 2.5 years | 2 years |
| 3rd Offense (Felony) | $1,000–$15,000 | 150 days to 5 years | 8 years |
| 4th Offense (Felony) | $1,500–$25,000 | 1 to 5 years | 10 years |
| 5th Offense (Felony) | $2,000–$50,000 | 2 to 5 years | Lifetime |
Other consequences can include probation, court-ordered alcohol education programs, ignition interlock devices, and higher insurance costs. In cases with injuries or deaths, penalties rise even further.
The law moves quickly, especially when it comes to license suspensions. Speaking with an OUI defense lawyer early can help protect your options.
An OUI arrest often leads to a license suspension before the court case even begins. This happens through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), which handles administrative penalties separate from the criminal court.
If you refuse a breath test, the RMV can suspend your license immediately. The length of suspension depends on your age and prior record, and it can range from months to several years.
You have the right to challenge this suspension, but the deadline is short. In most cases, you must request a hearing with the RMV within 15 days of your arrest. At the hearing, a Massachusetts OUI lawyer can question the basis for the suspension and argue for reinstatement or a hardship license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments while your suspension is in effect.
Because the RMV process moves quickly and operates independently of the court system, having an attorney who understands both is crucial to protecting your driving privileges.
Police and prosecutors often present OUI cases as if the evidence is straightforward. In reality, these cases leave plenty of room for doubt. At Riccio Law, we focus on the details that can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.
Our approach can include:
An OUI case is not decided by accusation alone. A Massachusetts DUI lawyer with courtroom and trial experience can expose flaws in the case and use them to your advantage.
An OUI charge is a stressful, fast-moving, and personal experience. The outcome depends not only on the facts but on the lawyer guiding you through the process.
At Riccio Law, clients work directly with Attorney Anthony Riccio. His experience as a former prosecutor means he understands how police and prosecutors approach OUI cases and how to expose the weaknesses they overlook.
Our recognition in Super Lawyers 2025 reflects years of focused criminal defense work. However, what matters most is the way we handle each case: with discretion, personal attention, and a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
When your license, record, and reputation are on the line, you want a lawyer you can trust. Riccio Law delivers focused advocacy that helps clients move forward.
Many OUI cases in Massachusetts are heard in the Quincy District Court, making local knowledge a significant advantage. Procedures, prosecutors, and even the way judges handle these cases can differ from one court to another.
At Riccio Law, we represent clients in Quincy and throughout the South Shore. Our familiarity with the local courts and the surrounding RMV offices helps us anticipate challenges and guide clients through the process with confidence.
If you are searching for a Quincy DUI lawyer or Quincy OUI lawyer, Riccio Law provides the local presence and courtroom experience needed to defend your case effectively.
You may qualify for a hardship license, but this depends on your record, the charges, and approval from the RMV.
Yes. Insurance companies often classify you as a high-risk driver, leading to significant premium increases for several years.
Some countries, like Canada, restrict entry for people with OUI convictions. Restrictions vary, so it’s essential to check before traveling.
Massachusetts law does not allow sealing or expungement of an OUI conviction. Avoiding conviction is the only way to keep your record clear.
Immediately. Early representation protects your license at the RMV and strengthens your defense in court before deadlines limit your options.
After an OUI arrest, time is not on your side. Court dates and RMV deadlines arrive quickly, and every day without a plan makes the case harder.
At Riccio Law, you will speak directly with Attorney Anthony Riccio about your situation. We explain your options clearly and act immediately to protect your ability to drive and defend your record in court.
Contact Riccio Law now to schedule a confidential consultation with a Massachusetts OUI lawyer and take the first step toward regaining control.
