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Operating Under the Influence Causing Death (OUI- Manslaughter)

Massachusetts Manslaughter Lawyer

Boston OUI Attorney

In Massachusetts, many new motor vehicles crimes were established as a result of "Melanie's Law" which was passed in 2005. The most serious of those new offenses is Operating Under the Influence Causing Death, or OUI- Manslaughter

This charge carries up to 25 years in state prison, a $25,000 fine, and a lifetime license loss.  The MINIMUM MANDATORY sentence for this offense is 5 years in state prison and a 15 year license loss. 

In order to be convicted of this crime, the prosecution must prove that you did all of the following:
  • Operated a motor vehicle
  • On a public way, or a way to which the public has a right of access
  • While under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • In a reckless or negligent way that placed the public in danger
  • Causing the death of another person
Each of these elements must be present in order to be convicted under this statute. Thus, if you killed someone while driving around drunk in a private driveway, you cannot be found guilty. If your driving was "by the book" and the victim jumped out in front of your car while you were obeying all traffic laws, then even if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you cannot be found guilty. And, of course, the prosecution must overcome all of the inherent problems with ordinary OUI investigations in order to prove that you were under the influence; otherwise, you cannot be found guilty. 

These cases are extremely complex, and the stakes couldn't be higher. It is important that you contact a skilled criminal defense attorney if you are charged, or believe that you may be charged, with this offense. 

If you have been charged with any Massachusetts motor vehicle crime, contact our office immediately: 

(617) 830-2188 

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Ben Urbelis recently represented me in an OUI case in which I had crashed my car. I honestly did not believe I had any chance of beating it, but fortunately for me Ben was outstanding and all charges were dropped. In my first hearing he was calm, assertive and straight to the point. I was extremely impressed and satisfied. I left my hearing feeling confident that I had made the right choice of hiring him. I am positive I would have lost this case and walked away with an OUI if I hadn't. I am very happy with how he handled my case and how reassured I felt having him as my lawyer." MC
★★★★★
"When I found myself charged with my 3rd DUI I was certain without a doubt that I was facing 6 months to 2 1/2 years in state prison. I can’t believe you were able to guide me calmly through the whole nerve wracking process, never sugar coating anything, staying honest and always keeping me informed the whole time. I still can’t believe that in the end you pulled off a miracle to avoidany jail time. I would recommend you to anyone in the same situation. Thank you so much. You saved me.” JL
★★★★★
"I want to personally thank Ben and his wonderful a staff at Urbelis Law for what an outstanding job they did for my son and his friends! Ben went above and beyond for them, with a successful outcome. I would highly recommend Ben to anyone that would need his services, he was wonderful!" Gina
★★★★★
"Huge thank you to not only my friend, but my lawyer,Ben Urbelis..I presented him with a case that at first was a bit tricky on paper... but we worked hard together and got all information we needed to prove i was innocent! He knew from the get go a year ago that he was gonna smash this case, and he did!! Cant thank you enough man! If anyone needs a lawyer, hes your guy... no question" PB
★★★★★
"Thank you for your excellent representation in this matter. Coming from out of town, it wasreassuringto have an attorney who was so well organized and on top of the process. It was very clear that the judge was not only familiar with you, but had a great deal of respect for you in the courtroom. I appreciate all the effort you put into my case, and thank you again for a successful representation!" RC