Massachusetts, much like many other states in the United States, takes drunk driving incredibly seriously. The penalties for driving drunk in Massachusetts can change your life forever. As your trusted criminal defense team, Tolan Law works hard to find opportunities to reduce your penalties and keep you out of jail, if possible. One of these opportunities is a 24D disposition. A 24D disposition is a lesser sentence that is sometimes given to those with a first time OUI conviction. With a 24D disposition, you can likely avoid jail time for your OUI charge.

If you are wondering who can get this type of disposition, the best course of action to take would be to contact a lawyer in Massachusetts, tell them about your charge, and get their legal advice. Since every situation is different, nothing can be promised. However, generally speaking, the section applies if the charge was your first OUI conviction. Similarly, if you have only one prior OUI conviction, which happened more than 10 years before your sentencing date, the section applies to you as well. However, it is important to know that you can only get a 24D disposition one time. Those who have had the disposition previously for a different charge in the past, will not be able to take advantage of this opportunity a second time.

Ultimately, the decision is in the hands of the judge, and sometimes the district attorney in certain scenarios. The penalties that someone can face following an OUI conviction can change their life forever. Spending time in jail can cost you many personal and professional relationships, and it can be hard to recover after spending time in jail. In order to avoid this, contact Toland Law right away. If you have been charged with operating under the influence, you need the help of a lawyer to help minimize your penalties as best as possible. If there are opportunities such as a 24D disposition, your lawyer will find these areas of opportunity and bring them to your attention.

What Will Happen If I Get A 24D Disposition?

In Massachusetts, many OUI convictions will be accompanied with a jail sentence. This jail sentence can range from weeks to months. With a 24D disposition, you will be granted a lesser drivers license suspension. Additionally, you will receive probation instead of jail time. Those who receive a 24D disposition after an OUI driving charge will receive 1 to 2 years of probation rather than a sentence in a local incarceration facility. Included in the terms of the 24D disposition is a mandatory driver alcohol education program, where drivers will be required to learn more about safety on the road and ways that they can minimize risk to others while driving. In some cases, where the defendant seems to have a problem with alcohol, they may be required to attend an inpatient alcohol treatment program to reduce the risk of discharge occurring again.

Normally, in Massachusetts, the law is very harsh on those with OUI convictions. For that reason, if you have been charged with an OUI, it’s best if you receive a 24D disposition. Your license suspension will be a maximum of 90 days, and a second time offender will have a suspension of as long as two years.

What Are The Requirements For Being Granted A 24D Disposition?

As mentioned previously, a judge decides whether or not you can get a 24D disposition. Sometimes, the district attorney will weigh in also. However there are still criteria that must be met in order to be considered for this program. You can only receive a 24D disposition if it was your first or second OUI charge. Additionally, minors or those who are not legally permitted to be drinking alcohol may not be able to get a 24D disposition either. To help determine if you are eligible for a 24D disposition, or other programs that may minimize your penalties after a drunk driving charge in Massachusetts, contact Toland Law today.

Schedule A Free Consultation With A Criminal Defense Lawyer In Massachusetts To See If You’re Eligible To Get OUI Penalties Reduced

Massachusetts is tough on drunk driving, and those with OUI convictions see their lives changed after such harsh penalties. If you have a drunk driving charge, it’s understandable that you don’t want to go to jail, and are looking for any area of compromise. That’s why, at Toland Law, we offer a free consultation to any Massachusetts resident who has been charged with drunk driving and needs help. Our team will stop at nothing to search for opportunities to reduce your penalties, such as a 24D disposition, and will walk you through every step you need to take advantage of these programs.

Toland Law, LLC