OUI/DUI Attorney in Woburn, Massachusetts

Name: Woburn, MA
Brand: Gilman Law
Rating: 4.9 (598 reviews)

Facing an OUI or DUI charge in Woburn? At Gilman Law, we provide skilled, dedicated defense backed by extensive insight into both the Massachusetts court system and the RMV—helping you protect your license and your future.

Protect Your License with an Experienced Woburn OUI/DUI Lawyer

Being charged with OUI or DUI in Woburn can disrupt every part of your life—from your ability to drive to your job and reputation. These cases demand a lawyer who truly understands their complexities.

At Gilman Law, our entire focus is OUI and license suspension defense. Attorney Matthew Gilman brings over two decades of experience and unique insight from his time as a Massachusetts RMV Hearings Officer. He knows how to effectively advocate for clients both in court and before the RMV.

If you're facing a charge, don’t wait—contact a Gilman Law OUI/DUI attorney in Woburn today for a consultation to start building a strong defense and safeguarding your future.

OUI vs. DUI: Is There a Difference in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, “OUI” (Operating Under the Influence) and “DUI” (Driving Under the Influence) are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation. However, under state law, “OUI” is the official legal term.

As defined in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24, an OUI charge applies when someone operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs—regardless of whether the substance involved is legal or illegal.

What Laws Govern OUI/DUI Charges in Woburn?

If you’re facing an OUI or DUI charge in Woburn, your case may involve both criminal and administrative proceedings—each carrying serious consequences.

Criminal Proceedings

OUI charges are prosecuted in District Court under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24. This process typically includes an arraignment, pretrial motions, and possibly a trial. A conviction can result in:

Incarceration
Hefty fines and court costs
Probation
Mandatory alcohol education programs
A permanent criminal record

The criminal court determines whether you’ve committed a crime and issues penalties accordingly.

Administrative Proceedings

On the civil side, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) handles the administrative aspects of your case. These hearings are not about guilt but focus solely on your driving privileges. You may be subject to:

Immediate license suspension—even before your court date
Penalties for declining a breathalyzer under the Implied Consent Law
Installation of an ignition interlock device
Designation as a habitual traffic offender

Though administrative, these sanctions can severely affect your everyday life. The RMV operates under its own set of rules, making it critical to understand and effectively navigate the process.

Many attorneys only address the courtroom side of OUI cases. Gilman Law represents clients through both the criminal and RMV processes. With thousands of cases behind us, we know how to build a cohesive defense strategy that gives you the strongest possible chance of success.

Penalties for OUI/DUI in Massachusetts

The penalties for Operating Under the Influence (OUI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Massachusetts vary based on how many prior offenses are on your record. Below is a general breakdown of the consequences:

First Offense: Jail time of up to 2.5 years, fines ranging from $500 to $5,000, and driver’s license suspension for up to 12 months.
Second Offense: Mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail (up to 60 days total), fines between $600 and $10,000, and two-year license suspension.
Third Offense: Considered a felony under Massachusetts law, incarceration from 180 days up to 5 years, and eight-year license suspension.
Other Possible Consequences: Mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs, ignition interlock device installation, and substantial increases in car insurance costs.

What to Know About Massachusetts’s Implied Consent Law

In Massachusetts, holding a driver's license means you've legally agreed to submit to a chemical test—such as breath, blood, or urine testing—if you're suspected of driving under the influence. This agreement is part of the state's Implied Consent Law.

If you refuse to take the test, your license will be suspended automatically, even if you're never convicted of an OUI. The length of suspension depends on your record:

First refusal: 180-day license suspension.
Second refusal: 3-year license suspension.
Third refusal: 5-year license suspension.

At Gilman Law, our deep understanding of RMV procedures—as former insiders—gives our clients a strategic advantage. We know how to fight these suspensions and work to restore your license as quickly as possible.

OUI/DUI Legal Process in Woburn, Massachusetts

Arrest and Booking

If you're pulled over on suspicion of OUI in Woburn, police may ask you to complete field sobriety tests or take a chemical test like a breathalyzer. You’ll be arrested and brought to the station for booking if they believe there's enough evidence.

RMV-Related License Suspension

Soon after your arrest—especially if you refused or failed a breath test—your license could be suspended by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). This administrative penalty occurs under the Implied Consent Law and can take effect before any court hearing takes place.

Arraignment at Woburn District Court

Your first appearance in court is called an arraignment. Here, you'll be officially charged, enter a plea, and potentially have bail set. The court will also schedule future dates for hearings or trials.

Pretrial Proceedings

Before trial, your attorney can challenge parts of the case by filing motions—such as questioning whether the traffic stop was lawful or whether chemical test results are admissible. This stage is crucial for shaping your defense strategy.

Trial or Plea Agreement

Your case may end with a negotiated plea deal or proceed to trial. At trial, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were impaired while operating a vehicle. You could face jail time, fines, license suspension, and other serious penalties if convicted.

RMV Hearings and License Reinstatement

Separate from court, you may be eligible for a hearing with the RMV to contest your license suspension. These hearings follow their own rules and strict timelines. Success often hinges on understanding how the RMV operates behind the scenes—a process we know inside and out.

The Lasting Consequences of an OUI/DUI Conviction in Massachusetts

In addition to legal penalties, a conviction can disrupt nearly every area of your life.

Common challenges include:

Loss of Driving Privileges: Without a valid license, daily responsibilities like commuting to work, attending classes, or getting to appointments become difficult or impossible.
Job-Related Consequences: Employment that requires driving may be jeopardized, and some employers may take disciplinary action due to your criminal record.
Long-Term Impacts: A conviction remains on your criminal record, potentially affecting future job prospects, professional licenses, and even legal matters such as custody or divorce proceedings.
Financial Strain: Between court costs, attorney fees, higher insurance rates, and potential lost income, the economic burden can be substantial.

These effects can linger for years, making it essential to have a knowledgeable OUI defense attorney who understands how to protect your rights and limit the fallout.

The Advantage of Choosing a Lawyer Who Focuses Solely on OUI/DUI Cases

OUI and DUI charges in Massachusetts come with a complicated mix of criminal and administrative challenges. Many defense attorneys handle these cases occasionally—but few are truly equipped to manage both the courtroom proceedings and the highly technical rules of the RMV, which plays a vital role in determining whether or not you can legally drive.

At Gilman Law, defending clients against OUI charges and license suspensions isn’t just part of what we do—it’s our entire focus. Here’s how that dedicated experience works to your advantage:

Challenging Suspensions at the RMV and the Division of Insurance Board of Appeal

Your license can be taken away right after an arrest, even before your first court appearance—especially if you refused or failed a breathalyzer test. We regularly handle RMV hearings and, when necessary, appeal to the Board of Appeal at the Division of Insurance. We've helped hundreds of clients regain their driving privileges through this process.

Uncovering Legal Errors Through Evidence Review

We meticulously examine every detail in your case, including arrest reports, dashcam footage, and breath test data. We look for flaws in:

How field sobriety tests were conducted
Whether the initial traffic stop was lawful
The timing and handling of breathalyzer tests
Inconsistencies in the officer’s statements

Even minor procedural mistakes can lead to key evidence being thrown out—or your case being dismissed entirely.

Suppressing Illegally Obtained Evidence

If your constitutional rights were violated during the stop, arrest, or testing, we file motions to suppress that evidence. Successfully limiting what the prosecution can use often shifts the balance of your case.

Negotiating Smart, Strategic Outcomes

While some cases go to trial, many can be resolved through negotiation. Our deep understanding of OUI law and strong reputation in the legal community help us pursue favorable resolutions such as:

Dismissals
Continuance Without a Finding (CWOF) outcomes
Lesser charges or reduced penalties

Our goal is always to limit the long-term impact on your life and record.

Guiding You Through the Hardship License Process

If your license is suspended, you may be eligible for a hardship license to travel to work, school, or medical appointments. We assist with every step, ensuring your application is complete, compliant, and as strong as possible.

Representing Clients Across Massachusetts

From Greater Boston to the western part of the state, we advocate for clients in every District Court and RMV office. Whether your case is in Winchendon, Worcester, Woburn, or anywhere else, we bring dedicated, knowledgeable representation wherever you need it.

Why Choose Gilman Law for Your OUI/DUI Case in Woburn?

When your license—and your future—is at risk, working with just any attorney won’t cut it. You need a legal team that concentrates solely on OUI defense and truly understands the ins and outs of Massachusetts law. That’s where Gilman Law stands out.

Our practice is entirely dedicated to defending clients facing OUI/DUI charges and license suspensions across Massachusetts. With decades of experience and more than 17,000 RMV hearings handled, we bring an unmatched level of insight into both the courtroom and RMV proceedings.

What sets us apart? Clients trust us because we offer the following:

Direct communication with your attorney
Transparent, flat-fee pricing so there are no surprises
Honest, responsive updates throughout your case

Whether you're navigating a case in Woburn District Court, appearing before the RMV, or appealing to the Division of Insurance Board of Appeal, we’re ready to advocate for your rights and driving privileges from day one.

Our team doesn't dabble in OUI defense—it’s all we do. Our approach is strategic, straightforward, and focused entirely on helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Schedule your consultation today with a Gilman Law OUI/DUI lawyer in Woburn, and let’s start building your defense.