DUI, OUI, and Drug Possession Lawyers

Criminal DUI/OUI Attorney in Framingham, MA

Don't risk conviction or your bright future by representing yourself in a DUI or OUI case. When you need a lawyer who will devote the time needed to obtain the best results, Bentley Law Group LLC has the experienced team of attorneys you need.

If you've been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) or operating under the influence (OUI), you could be facing the loss of your driver's license, heavy fines, skyrocketing insurance rates, a tarnished record, or reputation, or even jail time. This is an extremely serious situation that could negatively impact almost every aspect of your family life and career, not to mention your reputation in the community.

However, when you rely on Bentley Law Group LLC, you are defended by an attorney who knows how to protect your rights and respond to the allegations. Attorney Bentley will do everything possible to mitigate the consequences of a DUI arrest. We defend both adults and youths in the greater Boston area who face drunk driving charges.

In these cases, most attorneys work on a per-hour basis. Fees vary greatly from under $100 per hour to more than $500 per hour. The average range for DUI lawyers is $75-$200 per hour. At Bentley Law Group LLC, we take the uncertainty out of the fees. We will handle your DUI/OUI defense for a flat fee of $1,000.

We understand individuals have different expectations, finances, transportation options, and employment status, which is why we carefully weigh your various personal factors when deciding how to proceed with your case. Call us today to get started with a free same-day consultation.

Learn More About DUIs and OUIs

When you are being charged with a DUI or an OUI, there are two different routes you can take. Option one is to plea or admit wrongdoing. Sometimes you have a case that would waste your time and money to take to trial. At that point, your best option is to work out a plea deal. If you elect this option, Bentley Law Group LLC can work to negotiate a deal with the prosecution. With hard-fought negotiations, we can seek to minimize punishments and help you avoid possible jail time.

The second option is to fight the case and challenge the charge that has been brought against you. The penalties for first-, second-, and third-time offenders are similar whether or not you plea or contest at trial. The major difference at trial is that you could be convicted of the charge, unlike in a plea deal, where you move on without a finding. We can help a jury or judge understand the stressful situation you were placed under during your field sobriety test.

The repercussions if you're found guilty of a DUI/OUI depend on the number of previous offenses on your record. Here is some more information on what you can expect depending on the number of offenses:

First Offense

• Up to 2.5 years in the house of corrections, but most first offenses result in an alternative disposition
• A minimum fine of $500 and a maximum of $5,000
• Statutory/probationary fees of $1380 (where we can get you set up on a payment plan)
• 45-90 day license loss in addition to your 180-day refusal suspension
• Eligibility for a 12-hour, 7-day-a-week, hardship driver’s license
• 16-week alcohol education program

Second Offense

• Imprisonment for no less than 60 days and no more than 2 ½ years with a mandatory minimum of 30 days served in jail
• A minimum fine of $600 and a maximum of $10,000
• 2-year loss of license
• Eligibility during the second year of license loss for a hardship license with an interlock device installed in your vehicle

Third Offense

• Imprisonment for a minimum of 180 days and no more than a five-year state prison sentence with a mandatory minimum of 150 days that must be served
• A minimum fine of $1,000 and a maximum of $15,000
• 8-year loss of license
• Consideration for a hardship license by the RMV after 2 years
• Required attendance in an alcohol or drug assessment program
• Considered a felony conviction
  

Drug Possession Crimes

In the case of drug possession crimes, protecting your rights is critical. The consequences of a drug conviction are a revoked license, diminished opportunities, and a tarnished reputation. Protect yourself with the help of Bentley Law Group LLC. We offer reliable counsel and aggressive representation for you in your drug-related case.

Under Massachusetts law, it is unlawful to possess a controlled substance, and there are dangerous consequences with being charged. The two most important charges are unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession with the intent to distribute.

Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance

The criminal offense of “drug possession” in Massachusetts is governed by a specific statute, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 94C, Section 34. Drugs that require a prescription from a licensed physician or drugs that are outright illegal are both known as “controlled substances,” and it is unlawful to be found in possession of these controlled substances. Under the statute, a defendant needs to be found in direct control of the controlled substance. During your free initial consultation, the attorneys at Bentley Law Group LLC can evaluate your case underneath the statutory definition of control.

Furthermore, the potential penalties you may face for unlawful possession of a controlled substance vary depending on whether you are a repeat offender and the type of illegal drug with which you are charged. In Massachusetts, first-offense drug possession charges are all misdemeanors regardless of what drug the individual is accused of possessing. However, despite the fact that these charges are misdemeanors, there are still dangerous consequences associated with being charged with drug possession in Massachusetts. A conviction in Massachusetts for first offenders can result in two years in the house of corrections and fines of up to $2,000.

Whether this is your first offense or you are a repeat offender, it is important to retain Bentley Law Group LLC to examine the circumstances in which you were found to have possessed the controlled substance. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to negotiate lesser penalties with the prosecution or get the charges dropped altogether.

Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance

The Massachusetts Drug Crime of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance is governed by General Laws Chapter 94C, Section 32. Under the law, it is unlawful to knowingly or intentionally manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance.

In contrast to unlawful possession of a controlled substance, the drug crime of possession with intent to distribute obviously carries stiffer penalties. In the case of a first-time offender, a defendant could face imprisonment in the house of corrections for up to 2.5 years or state prison for up to 10 years. As with the lesser charge, the nature of the drug and the number of prior offenses will control the penalties the accused is facing.

If you are charged with drug possession in Massachusetts, it is critical to retain Bentley Law Group LLC to protect your rights and your criminal record. You will be represented for a reasonable fee. Don't make the mistake of overpaying for your defense, as ours are among the lowest. At the same time, we will aggressively defend the charges against you.