Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

No one ever thinks that they will be arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or operating under the influence (OUI). It is for this reason that most people haven’t got the faintest idea as to the required standards of an arrest for DWI let alone the detailed process that law enforcement officers are supposed to follow. If you are unsure of your legal rights and options for defense after being arrested for DWI in Massachusetts, you are not alone – many others have gone through the same challenging situation and effective legal assistance is available.

Prepare to Protect

When facing DWI charges, preparation is key in properly defending your rights and working to get charges reduced or dismissed altogether. Ted Cranney has been helping those charged with DWI and OUI obtain positive case outcomes for many years, ensuring that a thorough investigation into the details of the arrest is conducted. As a former prosecutor, Ted provides his clients facing DWI charges with effective legal defenses based on his solid understanding of what ammunition will be thrown his clients’ way, as well as how to adequately combat such legal attacks.

In many instances, a person arrested for DWI may be scared or intimidated into confessing to an offense that they actually didn’t commit. Even if a person did consume some amount of alcohol and/or drugs, there are specific laws in place that define at what level a person is legally “intoxicated” to the point of being a potential threat and danger to themselves and others on the road. It’s true that driving while intoxicated is never a good idea; however, just because a person was intoxicated or arrested for DWI doesn’t mean that he or she is in fact guilty and deserving of life-altering and expensive consequences.

What You Need to Know

Some of the main concerns individuals arrested for DWI have relate to the legalities and consequences surrounding the following:

• Failing a breath test
• Chemical test refusal or failure
• Number of prior DWI convictions
• Alcohol/drug programs
• Ignition interlock devices

Melanie’s Law

On top of these aspects of a DWI arrest, “Melanie’s Law,” which was signed into law on October 28, 2005, has enhanced the penalties and administrative sanctions for DWI offenders in Massachusetts. Under Melanie’s Law, a person who refuses or fails a chemical test is no longer provided with a 15-day temporary license; instead, their vehicle will be impounded for 12 hours. In addition, a person arrested for DWI may face the below additional charges:

• OUI with a suspended license
• Child Endangerment While OUI
• Manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Defend, Negotiate, Advocate

Boston DWI defense lawyer Ted Cranney believes that everyone deserves justice and the chance to make things right. Those facing DWI charges frequently feel ashamed, confused, and frightened about the uncertainties of the future. Will I lose my license? What about my job? Will my family and friends ever look at me the same way? Ted makes protecting his clients’ rights and defending their good name his priority. He not only strives to have your side of the story heard, he also uses the ethics of the law to defend, negotiate, and advocate for you.

There is no easy way out of a DWI arrest, but Ted is ready to apply his extensive and many years of experience to do everything possible to preserve your freedom and help you avoid jail time, steep fines, loss of driver’s license, and other repercussions. For more information about how Ted can help you overcome this difficult time, please call (978) 474-8670 for a free consultation.