Facing an OUI or DUI charge is a stressful experience for everyone. Not only do you need to build a defense with a lawyer, but you’ll also want to become well acquainted with the charges you’re facing. In Massachusetts, however, you may find yourself confused about the difference between OUI and DUI charges—and you wouldn’t be the only one!
If you’re one of the many people curious about the OUI vs. DUI comparison, then you’re going to want to start by understanding how each charge is defined:
Definition of Operating Under the Influence (OUI)
An OUI is defined in Massachusetts as operating a motor vehicle in “any place to which members of the public have access” while under the influence of alcohol—with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher—or “while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, or of marijuana, narcotic drugs, depressants or stimulant substances.”
If convicted of an Massachusetts OUI first offense, the most severe consequences you could face involve having your license suspended for up to one-year, paying fines ranging from $500-$5,000, and serving up to 2.5 years in jail.
Definition of Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Using the simple definition in the Merriam-Wester Dictionary, a DUI is “the act or crime of driving a vehicle while affected by alcohol or drugs.” If you’re convicted of a first-offense DUI, then the maximum possible penalties you could face include:
- Up to 2.5 years in a house of correction
- $500-$5,000 in fines
- One-year driver’s license suspension
The Difference Between OUI and DUI in Massachusetts
If you’re wondering why a DUI is so similar to an OUI, it’s because they’re nearly identical. In Massachusetts, a charge involving “drunk driving” is labeled as “operating under the influence,” or OUI. Both charges refer to a situation where someone is operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (or other intoxicating substances).
Also, most first (and second) offense OUI/DUI convictions result in a misdemeanor, instead of a felony. The outcomes of a misdemeanor are less harsh than the outcomes of a felony conviction. However, you could still spend some time in jail, face hefty fines, and be put on probation for however long the court deems necessary.
When it comes down to it, the significant difference between an OUI and a DUI is simply a regional one. Many states have multiple types of “driving while impaired” charges, each with a unique acronym, and Massachusetts is no different. It’s worth noting, however, that a “DUI” in Massachusetts sometimes refers to a felony offense, with “OUI” acting as a more general term.
However, the OUI vs. DUI in Massachusetts debate is ultimately not much of a debate at all. The two terms both apply to charges about driving/operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or other substances. If you’re ever facing either these charges, then your first step should always be to reach out to a professional OUI/DUI defense attorney.
