Brunch OUI | Massachusetts Daytime Drunk Driving
Bay Staters Drunk Driving at Brunch
Massachusetts ranks #6 in daytime drunk driving fatalities, according to a new study.
Insurance company QuoteWizard synthesized data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System to find the number of drunk driving fatalities between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The report, covering the years of 2013 to 2017, then compared this information to the total number of drunk driving fatalities overall.
Over this time, 50 of the 343 driving fatalities in the state were attributed to drunk driving. This represents a total of 14.57%. Only Alaska, Connecticut, New Mexico, Texas, and Rhode Island surpassed this figure. This number stands in stark contrast to the national average of 10.83%. The likelihood of being charged with a brunch OUI is higher than ever before.
Drunk Driving During Daylight Hours
Operating under the influence, or OUI, charges are not limited to nightlife. In recent years, more and more OUI and DUI charges have been filed against people in Massachusetts during daylight hours. Because more people are on the road, the circumstances surrounding a brunch OUI can be more dangerous; the likelihood of a catastrophic wreck increases, and you may face severe legal consequences.
While national studies reveal that drivers are more likely to be impaired at night, they also indicate that rates of daytime brunch OUI incidents are rising across the country. This may be attributed to daytime binge drinking, higher unemployment rates, or the influence of controlled substances (such as prescription medications). Regardless of the cause, driving while under the influence is an incredibly dangerous choice.
What is an OUI? Defining Drunk Driving.
Operating under the influence (OUI) is also referred to as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) – all of these terms refer to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The definition of “alcohol-impaired” is operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. In Massachusetts, men are more than twice as likely as women to get behind the wheel after imbibing.
The consequences for a brunch OUI are just as severe as those applied to nighttime transgressions.
First offense – OUI
- Up to 2.5 years in jail
- Fine of $500 to $5,000
- License revoked for 1 year
Second offense – OUI
- 60 days to 2.5 years in jail (minimum 30 days served)
- Fine of $600 to $10,000
- License revoked for 2 years
3rd offense – OUI
- 180 days to 2.5 years in jail, or 2.5 to 5 years prison (minimum of 150 days served)
- Fine of $1,000 to $15,000
- License revoked for 8 years
Daytime or brunch OUI incidents may also involve the transportation of child passengers; this increases both the dangers and penalties of driving while intoxicated. OUI incidents involving passengers under the age of 14 may result in child endangerment charges, which can carry fines of $1,000 to $5,000, license suspension, and months to years in jail.
Drivers under the age of 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance policy. If they are found driving with a BAC of 0.02% (and less than 0.08%), they are subject to special penalties, even if not convicted of a standard OUI. They may face a 180-day license suspension (one year if under the age of 18).
Avoiding a Brunch OUI
There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of bottomless drink specials, as long as one does so responsibly. Before arriving at the bar or restaurant of your choosing, arrange for one of your friends to serve as a designated driver. Some establishments will provide complimentary soft drinks, mocktails, or discounted meals for individuals who commit to an alcohol-free brunch.
If none of your friends are willing to take on this role, or if everyone drank more than they intended, have a backup plan in place. Ask another friend or family member to pick you up or utilize a ridesharing app like Lyft or Uber to get home safely. A brunch OUI may have serious consequences for your future – don’t risk it again in the future.
Brunch OUI Defense
If you have been charged with driving under the influence, there is hope. We will build a comprehensive defense that zealously defends your rights under the law. DUI and OUI cases are not as cut-and-dry as they may seem – there are often options for alternative, more lenient sentencing or issues with the way your traffic stop was conducted. Our experienced team will identify every possible avenue to defend you.
Ensure that you have the best defense to a brunch OUI charge. Coughlin Law Group defends those who have been caught drunk driving in Massachusetts. If you have been arrested for an OUI offense, please call a Boston OUI lawyer immediately. As soon as you call Coughlin Law Group, one of our skilled legal professionals can begin working on your case.