You come to Boston for a weekend. It could be for a work trip or a game at Fenway. But what starts as a simple visit can quickly take a serious turn. Now, you’re facing an OUI (operating under the influence) charge. You go back home thinking you can handle it from there? It’s not that simple.
Massachusetts applies its laws equally, regardless of where you come from. An OUI is a serious criminal charge. Ignore it or try to sort it out from another state, and you’ll quickly face bigger problems.
Before taking any action, it is important to understand how Massachusetts law applies to your situation.
Why Massachusetts OUI laws hit out-of-state drivers hard
Every state treats drunk driving differently. In Massachusetts, the rules are strict, the penalties are severe and the courts hold everyone accountable, regardless of where you live. This means that a minor offense at home can have serious penalties in Massachusetts. It’s important to understand these differences before addressing your case. Here’s what’s at stake:
- Out-of-state OUI charges aren’t easy to get rid of: You can’t just pay a fine and walk away from these types of charges
- Your presence in court is mandatory: When your case is heard in Massachusetts court, you’ll have to appear in-person, even if you live nowhere within the state
- Court dates are non-negotiable: You can’t miss a court date, or else you’ll risk a bench warrant
- Penalties will also apply in your home state: Any license restriction imposed in Massachusetts as part of your potential penalties for OUI will also apply in your home state
This charge isn’t going away on its own. It’s important to consult with a local attorney who understands Massachusetts law, not just an attorney from your home state.
Why you need a local attorney to fight your OUI
One of the biggest mistakes out-of-state drivers make is calling a lawyer back home or waiting for the court to contact them.
That doesn’t work in this state as out-of-state drivers can’t just show up in a Massachusetts court without permission. Judges and prosecutors in Middlesex, Suffolk and Essex counties expect quick action. A local lawyer knows how the system works and can represent you in court. That can save you time, money and stress.
The right local attorney just doesn’t help you with paperwork; they fight to keep your record clean.
An OUI is more than a ticket, it becomes a criminal record
An OUI conviction in Massachusetts stays on your criminal record permanently. It appears on background checks and can affect employment opportunities, professional licensing and even housing applications. If you’re ever charged with a similar offense in another state, that prior Massachusetts OUI will count against you. Prosecutors and judges will see your record, leading to harsher penalties for repeat offenses.
This is not something you can ignore. You need to take action before the court starts official proceedings against you.
Time is of the essence in your OUI case
If you’ve been charged with OUI, don’t wait and don’t hope it will go away. The longer you wait, the worse your situation becomes.
You may want to consult with a local criminal defense lawyer right away. You need someone experienced with the courts who can respond promptly to help safeguard your license, record and future. When it’s your freedom and reputation on the line, delaying it only makes it harder.