Melanie’s Law
A new drunk driving law called “Melanie’s Law” was signed into law on October 28, 2005. It was named after a young woman who was killed by a drunk driver. Its purpose is to increase the punitive and administrative sanctions for Drunk Driving (OUI) offenders in Massachusetts.
According to Massachusetts state law (http://www.mass.gov/rmv/rmvnews/2006/melanies_law.pdf) Melanie’s Law establishes a new offense of Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol and Operating After Suspension for Drunk Driving. This means that a driver, who was driving under the influence of alcohol while his/her license was already suspended for OUI, can be charged with two crimes simultaneously: 1.) OUI and 2.) OUI with a suspended license. The additional offense carries a minimum of a 1-year mandatory jail sentence.
| New Law | Penalty |
Loss of License |
OUI while operating after a |
1-year minimum mandatory |
1 year license suspension |
Ed Sharkansky is an experienced Boston DUI lawyer and can help you fight drunk driving charges effectively in Massachusetts courts. Contact our office now and learn more about how we'll defend you in court. Drunk driving charges can be very serious and effect the quality of your life. Don't assume the police were competent and their techniques were correct, and testing equipment was absolutely correct. Mistakes happen and they shouldn't cost you your license, job or freedom. OUI charges can be fought against successfully by a competent DUI Lawyer. Call Ed Sharkansky to fight those drunk driving charges.