What Does the Legal Process Look Like Once You’ve Been Charged with OUI in Massachusetts?
Posted In: OUI/DUIIf you’ve been charged with operating under the influence (OUI) in Massachusetts, it means that an Officer formed an opinion that you were operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Being arrested, however, does not mean you will be found guilty. Experienced attorneys, here at Eden Rafferty, can carefully navigate the legal system and instruct you on each decision to protect your interests.
Legal Process Once You’ve Been Charged with OUI
1. You will get an Arraignment date
This is a court date where you appear before a District Court Judge who will formally notify of the charge or charges that have been brought against you. Additionally, the Court will determine if bail is required and any pretrial conditions of release.
2. A Pretrial Conference will be held
Before the conclusion of the arraignment, the court will choose a pretrial conference date approximately 30-45 days from the date of arraignment. The purpose of the pretrial conference date is for the Assistant District Attorney and your Attorney to review and request all the evidence in your case.
3. Electing to go to Trial
If you have failed to reach an agreement at a prior court hearing, the case will be scheduled for trial. A trial is where the Prosecutor will have to prove to either a Judge or jury that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt that you are operating under the influence. You will have the opportunity to cross-examine the Prosecutor’s witnesses and be able to present your own defense. A standard operating under the influence trial typically takes approximately one day.
Facing charges of OUI on your own is never a good idea. Save yourself a great deal of stress and anxiety by reaching out to our attorneys as soon as you are charged. Our proven, experienced attorneys will treat you and your case with compassion while working to get you the best possible outcome. Contact us via phone at (508) 795-1601 or by filling out the simple contact form on our website for a free case evaluation today.