A Boston, Massachusetts man has been sentenced to five years in jail following a 2010 car accident, in which he struck and killed a pedestrian after drinking and driving.
Prosecutors say that the 25-year-old man was leaving a concert at the TD Garden in Boston, when he hit the young man, who had recently graduated from Northeastern University. The driver, who was also speeding, fled from the scene of the drunk driving accident. Three months later, he was apprehended with the help of video surveillance. In addition to the five-year sentence, the man also had his license revoked for 15 years. The man pleaded guilty to motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of alcohol, operating under the influence (OUI), and leaving the scene of an accident.
In Massachusetts, like other states, operating under the influence (OUI) is a serious crime. A driver is considered to be under the influence of alcohol if he has at least a .08 blood alcohol content (BAC). In the event a driver injures or kills another person while operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, more severe criminal charges will be brought. A driver charged with operating under the influence (OUI) can face harsh consequences, including jail time and/or hefty fines.
In addition to criminal charges for OUI, as seen in the case above, a driver may have his license suspended or revoked. Whether or not a license is suspended or revoked following an OUI arrest often hinges on specific circumstances. In Massachusetts, if a driver arrested for OUI refuses a breathalyzer, his drivers' license will automatically be suspended for at least 180 days. If the offending driver has three or more OUI convictions, his license may be revoked for life. If the driver does submit to a breath test and ultimately has a BAC of .08 or higher, the driver's license will be suspended for at least 30 days.
Police officers are always looking out for drunk drivers, especially around the holidays. If you have been charged with OUI, contact the experienced Quincy and Cambridge criminal lawyers at Bellotti Law Group. Our criminal attorneys can inform you about your rights and help you avoid an OUI conviction and/or minimize its unpleasant consequences.
An OUI charge can be overwhelming, emotionally and financially. At Bellotti Law Group, clients can ease their concerns and turn over their fears our experienced Greater Boston drunk driving lawyers. We address the legal and financial details while you and your family focus on moving on with your lives. We pride ourselves in partnering closely with clients and working to understand their individual concerns to help obtain the best solution.
Bellotti Law Group serves Greater Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Braintree, Brookline, Newton, the South Shore, and all of Massachusetts. Our offices are located in Cambridge and Quincy. Contact us today at 617-225-2100 or toll-free at 800-334-3476.
