Massachusetts OUI & Rhode Island DUI Defense Lawyer
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If you’ve been charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Massachusetts or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Rhode Island, the consequences can be serious — even on a first offense. You don’t have to face this alone. Attorney Meaghan Fiske represents people charged with OUI and DUI across Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In Massachusetts, she regularly handles cases in Attleboro, Fall River, Taunton, and the New Bedford area. She also takes DUI cases across Rhode Island, including Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Newport, and throughout Providence, Kent, and Newport Counties.
She has won not-guilty verdicts at jury trial and has had charges reduced or dismissed by challenging unconstitutional stops. Every case is different, and every detail matters — outcomes come from the facts, the law, and attention to detail.
Results That Matter
OUI
Client accused of operating under the influence following a single-vehicle accident with open containers was acquitted after the jury deliberated briefly.
OUI & Negligent Operation
Body camera evidence contradicted the officer’s observations.
DUI
Military veteran admitted to Veterans Treatment Court; charges dismissed upon program completion.
See all case results → · Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Evidence Can Be Challenged
Drunk-driving charges are serious, but they are also defensible. Police don’t always follow proper procedure, and the legal standard is whether you were impaired, not simply whether you had something to drink. Many cases are built on assumptions, flawed field sobriety tests, or questionable observations that can be challenged in court.
Even if you took a breath test and blew over the legal limit, a conviction is not automatic. Breathalyzers are sensitive machines that must be maintained, calibrated, and operated under strict rules. If there was a problem with how the test was given, or your result was close to the limit, that can open the door to a strong defense. Attorney Fiske carefully examines every part of the case to see what can be suppressed, challenged, or used to negotiate a better outcome.
First Offense OUI in Massachusetts: What to Expect
If you’re facing a first-offense OUI in Massachusetts, the penalties can be serious, but they don’t always have to involve jail time or a full-year license suspension. A conviction for a first offense carries a potential fine between $500 and $5,000 and up to 2½ years in the House of Correction, and it triggers a license suspension through the Massachusetts RMV.
However, many first-time offenders qualify for what’s known as a 24D disposition in Massachusetts. If granted, you’re typically placed on probation for one year, must complete an alcohol education program, and face a shorter license loss. In most cases, you can apply for a hardship license shortly after the case is resolved, and if you complete the program and probation successfully, the case is dismissed at the end of that year.
First Offense DUI in Rhode Island: What to Expect
A first-offense DUI conviction in Rhode Island can bring fines, potential jail time (often suspended for first offenders), mandatory community service, a license suspension, and enrollment in DUI education or treatment programs.
Refusing the breath test is handled separately in the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal. Refusal is not a criminal offense, but it still brings heavy penalties — a 6-to-12-month license suspension, fines, community service, and mandatory DUI classes, even if you’re not convicted of DUI in District Court. As a Providence DUI attorney, Attorney Fiske represents clients in both the District Courts and the Traffic Tribunal, working to protect your license, limit consequences, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Providence DUI Attorney: Defense for Rhode Island Charges
If you were arrested for DUI in Providence or elsewhere in Rhode Island, having a lawyer familiar with local courts and the Traffic Tribunal process is critical. As a Providence DUI attorney, Attorney Fiske reviews every detail of your case — from the stop itself to breath-test procedures — to challenge weaknesses and protect your license and record. She represents clients throughout Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Newport, Kent County, and surrounding areas. Call the Law Office of Meaghan Fiske to discuss your case with an experienced RI DUI attorney.
Understanding Hardship Licenses
Losing your license is often the most disruptive part of an OUI or DUI charge. In many cases, a hardship license can allow limited driving for work, school, or medical needs.
Massachusetts
First-time OUI offenders who receive a 24D disposition can often apply for a hardship license after enrolling in the alcohol education program. The RMV typically requires proof of enrollment, documentation of a work or school schedule, and sometimes evidence that public transportation isn’t realistic. For second offenders or high breath-test cases, the RMV requires an ignition interlock device as a condition of eligibility.
Rhode Island
A hardship license may be granted if you can show driving is necessary for work, school, or treatment. These are usually conditioned on installing an ignition interlock device (Intoxalock), and not everyone qualifies. A hardship license is not automatic — it requires the right documentation and sometimes a hearing. Attorney Fiske guides clients through every step and represents them at hearings before the Traffic Tribunal or RMV.
Massachusetts OUI: Second Offense
A MA OUI 2nd offense carries significantly harsher penalties than a first offense. Penalties may include:
- Mandatory minimum jail time
- A longer license suspension
- Higher fines and probation
- A required ignition interlock device
- Alcohol treatment program participation
Second-offense cases require fast action and a strong defense strategy. Early review of the evidence — the stop, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer procedure — can affect outcomes and negotiation options. If you’re facing a 2nd offense OUI in Massachusetts, contact Attorney Fiske to discuss defense strategies today.
Subsequent OUI & DUI, Bodily Injury & CDL Cases
If you’re facing a subsequent DUI in Rhode Island or a second-or-greater OUI in Massachusetts, the penalties can be much greater than on a first offense — mandatory jail time, longer license suspensions, and a required ignition interlock device. For commercial drivers, even a first OUI or DUI can lead to a lengthy CDL suspension or a permanent loss of commercial driving privileges. When an OUI or DUI involves a crash with serious bodily injury, the case can be charged as a felony and prosecuted far more aggressively. Attorney Fiske has defended all of these cases; they require fast action and a strategic defense built early to protect your record, your license, and your livelihood.
Related: An OUI/DUI is one type of motor-vehicle charge. For other charges — drugs, assault, probation violations, warrants — see the Criminal Defense page.
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OUI & DUI Defense FAQ
What happens after a DUI arrest in Rhode Island?
You will likely face a court arraignment and may also need to appear before the Traffic Tribunal if you refused a breath test. Penalties vary based on BAC, prior offenses, and the details of your case.
What is a 24D disposition in Massachusetts?
A 24D disposition is a common outcome for first-time OUI offenders in Massachusetts. It typically involves probation, an alcohol education program, and a shorter license suspension, with eligibility for a hardship license soon after enrollment. Completing the program often results in dismissal at the end of probation.
What is the penalty for a 2nd offense OUI in Massachusetts?
Second offenses generally carry mandatory jail time, a longer license suspension, and ignition interlock requirements, though alternative sentencing may be available in some cases. An attorney experienced in 2nd offense OUI in MA can help you navigate these challenges.
Can breath test results be challenged?
Yes. Breathalyzer machines require strict calibration and testing procedures. Any errors may allow the results to be suppressed.
Do I need a lawyer for a first offense DUI/OUI?
Yes. A lawyer can challenge the evidence, negotiate reduced outcomes, protect your license, and guide you through the RMV and Traffic Tribunal processes.
Do I need a Providence DUI attorney if I was arrested in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island DUI cases involve two separate processes — District Court and the Traffic Tribunal (especially for a refusal). A Providence DUI attorney can help challenge the evidence, negotiate penalties, and protect your license.