Melanie's Law in Springfield

What is Melanie's Law?

In 2005 Melanie, a 13 year old Marshfield child was struck and killed by a drunk driver. The accident received widespread attention and outrage by concerned citizens due to the senseless tragedy caused by a person driving under the influence. Following this incident, Melanie's Law, named after the child that was killed, was enacted to increase the penalties and restriction for Operating Under the Influence (OUI). There were a variety of changes in drunk driving laws that severely affect anyone accused and charged with an OUI. Below are listed some of the changes reflected by the passage of Melanie's Law:

If driving under the influence with a suspended license, Melanie's Law established a new offense. You will now be charged for two crimes at once, the OUI and driving with a suspended license. This additional offense provides for a minimum of a 1-year mandatory jail sentence.
The penalty for allowing or employing an unlicensed driver has been increased.
If you are caught driving under the influence with a child 14 years old or younger in the vehicle with you, you are now charged with Child Endangerment, and will have two charges against you, the OUI and the Child Endangerment.
The interlock ignition program was instituted for repeat offenders. For two years you must have this device on your vehicle to test your blood alcohol level prior to being able to start your car.
The Registry can cancel your registration if you are convicted of a 3rd or subsequent alcohol-related driving offense during the time your license is suspended.
If convicted of a 4^th or subsequent OUI offense your vehicle can be impounded.
Once charged with OUI, your license is now immediately suspended pending your hearing. Your vehicle may also be impounded for 12 hours.
License suspension periods for refusing a breath test or breathalyzer have increased substantially.
A new crime of Manslaughter by Motor Vehicle was created. If a driver under the influence of alcohol causes the death of another he may be convicted of this crime.

Aggressive DUI Lawyer in Springfield

As can be seen by the changes in the laws since the enactment of Melanie's law, it becomes even more important to obtain the services of a highly skilled Springfield DUI Defense Lawyer to protect your rights.

We understand that people are arrested for DUI any time of the day or night. Immediate legal representation is needed at that time, not during business hours. That is why at Attorney Irwin M. Pollack's office we take calls 24/7 and can even meet with you on Sundays.
Call (800) 583-3845.

FREE Initial Consultation

Our Springfield, Massachusetts DUI Defense Attorneys understand that people are arrested for drunk driving in Hampden County at all hours and need solid legal advice right away. Whether you've been charged with a DUI crime in Hampshire County, or arrested for OUI in Franklin County or Berkshire County…when you need effective, strategic defense, contact us 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at (800) 583-3845. We answer our phones at night and on the weekend - we even meet clients in our Springfield and Worcester offices on Saturdays and Sundays!