First Offense OUI Lawyer in Fall River, MA

Bristol County OUI Defense Rooted in Local Court Experience

A first-offense OUI charge in Massachusetts is a misdemeanor, but its consequences reach well beyond a single court date. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24, a conviction can mean a permanent criminal record, a one-year license suspension, fines up to $5,000, and possible jail time. We appear regularly at Fall River District Court and know how these cases move through Bristol County from arraignment through trial.

Attorney Frank Camera has more than 25 years of experience handling OUI cases in this court system and has built working relationships with local prosecutors and judges. That familiarity shapes how we evaluate the prosecution’s evidence, identify defense options, and advise clients on the paths available to them.

A first-offense OUI charge moves quickly. Call us at (877) 444-1098 for a free consultation and let us walk you through your options before your next court date.

Why Fall River Residents Choose Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, P.C.

Our firm has over 35 years of combined criminal defense experience between Attorney Camera and Of Counsel Attorney Kathryn Blythe. Attorney Camera is listed among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and as a Super Lawyer, and Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, P.C. received the Best Fall River DUI Lawyer 2021 recognition. We are a private firm and don’t take court-appointed cases, which means our clients receive focused, individualized attention throughout their case.

Our trial record includes Not Guilty verdicts in drunk driving cases. We don’t promise outcomes, but we bring the courtroom experience and local knowledge to fight for the best result the facts allow.

First-Offense OUI Penalties & the 24D Program

Understanding what’s at stake helps you make informed decisions early. A standard first-offense conviction under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24 carries these penalties:

• Fines: $500 to $5,000
• Incarceration: Up to 2.5 years
• License suspension: One year, with no hardship license available for the first 90 days
• Probation: Up to 2 years at $65 per month
• Mandatory assessments: $300 in fees

Beyond the courtroom, a conviction can affect your employment, professional licenses, insurance rates, and educational opportunities. If a second offense ever occurs, the first conviction will be used to enhance those penalties.

The 24D Program Alternative Disposition

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24D offers eligible first-time offenders an alternative to the standard one-year suspension. If the offense didn’t involve a death or serious bodily injury, the 24D Program can reduce the license suspension to 45 days, and a hardship license may be available after that period. The program also requires:

• Probation up to 2 years
• Completion of an alcohol education and treatment program at your expense
• $300 in mandatory assessments, a $250 program fee, and $65 per month in probation supervision

The 24D Program isn’t automatic, and it isn’t right for every case. We help clients understand whether it’s available to them and whether it serves their goals better than contesting the charge at trial.

One separate consideration: refusing a breath test at arrest triggers an automatic 180-day RMV license suspension, independent of any criminal outcome. That administrative suspension runs on its own track.

How We Approach First-Offense OUI Defense in Fall River

Every case starts with the same question: what evidence does the prosecution actually have? We examine whether officers had a lawful basis to stop the vehicle, whether field sobriety tests were conducted according to accepted standards, and whether the chemical breath test complied with state requirements under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24K. Weaknesses in any of these areas can affect the case significantly.

From there, we discuss the realistic options: a motion to suppress, a plea, the 24D Program, or trial. That conversation is specific to your facts, your priorities, and how your case is likely to be handled at Fall River District Court. Our knowledge of local procedures means we don’t guess at how the court operates.

Start with a Free Consultation

Facing a first-offense OUI charge doesn’t mean accepting the worst outcome. We offer free consultations so you can understand your situation and your options before making any decisions. Call Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, P.C. at (877) 444-1098 or reach us through our online contact form to schedule your consultation today.