Driving under the influence defined: Driving under the influence (DUI) Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and operating a motor vehicle under the influence (OUI). These are the common terms used to describe operating a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Massachusetts, driving while intoxicated is considered a misdemeanor and is subject to the state’s laws regarding driving while drunk.

DWI/DUI diversion rehabs in Massachusetts are very familiar with the court-mandated treatment requirements that the courts have imposed for their Court ordered alcohol rehab centers. Some court-ordered DUI deferment programs will include alcohol evaluations and at the very least, alcohol and drug classes for first-time offenders. This can cost anywhere from $1000-2500 dollars with the fines not including lawyer fees and bail.

Finding treatment that helps with Court Ordered Alcohol Deferment Programs

If this is your second offense, getting involved in a treatment program for alcohol abuse will not only help your ongoing DWI-DUI case but benefit you as well. You should always enter into an alcohol treatment program knowing that there is a need for a change before something worse happens. Driving and Drinking can cost you your life or even worse someone else life.

Treatment programs in Massachusetts for criminal justice clients will work with the court system to handle all the requirements for treatment to be considered time served. Once all the financial consequences are paid by the defendant and community service completed if any Massachusetts district courts may terminate the probation period.

Driving under the influence can damage many people’s lives other than yourself. Getting treatment for your alcohol dependency can help you understand that the risks of drinking and driving heavily outweigh the rewards. Sometimes, all it takes is to talk to someone who has had the burden of having someone die due to their alcohol consumption and driving under the influence. Our counselors are ready to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Alcohol DUI and DWI deferment programs, instead of jail time for first DWI offense

The laws are different in each state for DWI offenses that allow for deferment programs in lieu of jail time. Some states, depending on the circumstances, will mandate treatment and community service. Some of these mandates can be handled while in treatment for alcohol abuse. Massachusetts has a deferment program for first-time DWI offenders as long as there are no injuries, accidents or drugs involved.

Consequences of driving drunk in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has specific drinking and driving laws and penalties for people who have been convicted of a DUI/DWI. There are minimum and maximum fines and penalties that are at the discretion of the judge and prosecuting attorney depending on many different factors and circumstances surrounding the case.

First Offense: Ist DWI/DUI conviction in Massachusetts will include some length of time in jail for a period to be set by the presiding judge for a period of no more than two and a half years. Fines will be mandated by the courts ranging from $500 up to $5000 at the discretion of the court. The driving privileges will be revoked for a period of 45 days up to 90 days.

Second Offense: 2nd conviction for drinking and driving in Massachusetts will result in incarceration for a period of 90 days up to 2.5 years. Fines for the 2nd DUI/DWI will be issued for no less than $600 and can reach up to $10,000. You will lose your driving privileges for a period of 2 years with a possible hardship license after one year of good behavior. All suspended driving revocation periods may require an interlock device installed on the primary vehicle.

Third Offense: 3rd Drinking and driving convictions in Massachusetts will result in incarceration for a period of 180 days up to 2.5 years in the state prison system. Fines for a 3rd DUI/DWI will be a minimum of $1000 and up to $15,000. You will be subject to losing your driving privileges for a minimum of 2 years and up to 8 years suspended license. After 2 years an interlock ignition device may be mandated for those who qualify for a hardship license.

If you have been arrested for your second DWI/DUI in Massachusetts, it is highly recommended that you give us a call to find out your options for a deferment program instead of jail time. This will help with the possible consequences that the courts may impose on you. Drinking and driving can have serious outcomes including vehicular homicide, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and other very serious charges. When a minor is involved, there are more serious outcomes that the courts in Massachusetts can impose on the offender. If there has been an accident or death due to drinking and driving there will be significant jail time imposed as well as the knowledge that your indulgence cost someone their life.



Treatment for alcoholism in place of jail time in Massachusetts is a very common outcome for those seeking help to end their addictions. All that is needed to start the process is to either fill out the free online assessment form provided below or call us toll-free for a quicker response. Not all information is required for a response from us which usually takes between 24-48 hours.


We can help you or someone you love find the best Drug Rehab Center for alcohol addiction today. Addiction No More ® is an Addiction Treatment Center locator service. For immediate service, please call one of our counselors 24/7.

Please Note: This is not an official Assessment or Evaluation form. This form is not admissible in court or for probation officers and is not accepted by caseworkers. Addiction No More ® is here to help you find treatment for addiction. We can not give any legal advice. If you are looking for a rehab center please fill out this form or call us now.

Disclaimer: This evaluation is not intended to constitute a diagnosis of any disorder. The information provided here cannot substitute for a full evaluation by a health professional which must be done in person. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for help locating a treatment center for addiction.If you have an open DWI case in Massachusetts, call us and we can help you locate a deferment program in your county that works with DUI and DWI offenders.


List of Massachusetts Counties: Barnstable County, Berkshire County, Bristol County, Dukes County, Essex County, Franklin County,  Hampden County, Hampshire County, Middlesex County, Nantucket County, Norfolk County, Plymouth County, Suffolk County, Worcester County.