MASSACHUSETTS

General Information:

 Following conviction, all offenders receive a mandatory alcohol assessment/evaluation to determine the nature and extent of their alcohol problems. The offender pays a surcharge for the assessment.

 The assessment is conducted post-trial but pre-sentencing. The court takes the results of the assessment into consideration in final sentencing.

 Assessments are conducted under the direction of the probation office.

 Treatment for repeat offenders is mandatory on a second offense. All offenders are required to attend alcohol education or treatment as recommended by the assessment.

 Offenders failing to comply with the terms of their program are not eligible for license reinstatement and may be returned to the court for further action.

 Massachusetts has a dedicated detention and treatment facility, Longwood Treatment Center, a minimum–security detention facility that targets the hardcore drunk driver.

BEWARE: Completing an alcohol program may not satisfy the Registry of Motor Vehicles. That is just one reason why it is critical that you consult with a lawyer in your area that concentrates on DUI / DWI defense.

Drunk driving defense is a very specialized area of law; if you or someone you care about has is facing a DUI charge, it is important to speak to a lawyer who is skilled in defending drunk driving cases.