Home > Research Legal Advice > Criminal Defense > Can I get oui punishment lowered if I was fleeing harm's way?
Asked over 1 year ago - Peabody, MA
FlagI was at a family party with in-laws. They were very drunk and I was tipsy. An argument ensued which turned violent against me. My ex husband dragged me in a choke hold to my car and forced me inside and screamed at me to leave. His sister was kicking my car and trying to hit me. I drove out of driveway but did not leave as I felt too impaired. I did not know they had called police. Again they came at car kicking it and jumping on it and screaming for me to leave. My daughter was in the window and it was breaking my heart. Fearing for my life, car, and daughters trauma over witnessing, I left immediate scene, and the police who had been called were immediately there seconds after i left driveway. They pulled me over although i was driving ok, and arrested me. I was over oui limit.
The punishment for on OUI is typically the same, there is no way to have it lowered only judges may be more strict. Given the facts as you stated there is a good chance the judge would impose the least of a punishment as possible. It is still a continued without a finding and a 45 day loss of license along with a 24d class and fines.
Your post did not indicate how much over the limit your breatherlyzer test was. Depending on the results, you may have a defense that makes this a case to consider taking to trial. Justification is generally not a defense to an OUI charge though it is something to consider if you with to take the case to trial. With respect to sentencing, the Court is severely limited in what it can do as the "punishment" (as you put it) for an OUI is specifically dictated by statute and Judges have minimal discretion in terms of punishment. You should consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so that you know your options. Please see my web site for more information and good luck.
Given the facts as you state them, you may have a defense of necessity. If you raise necessity as a defense, before you can be convicted, the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your actions were not the only way for you to avoid reasonably perceived danger, which was clear and imminent.
Have a lawyer evaluate your case for a necessity defense.
You should have an attorney review the facts in the police report/complaint. Your attorney may be able to challenge successfully the initial stop by the police and any evidence they gathered against you after the stop (breathalyzer, roadside test, statements, etc.). Your story is missing some facts. For example: How did the police know to stop you, were the in-laws pointing you out to them? Did the police see you leave the driveway? Did the police cite you for any other moving violations? Good luck!
Don't speak legalese? We define thousands of terms in plain English.
Browse our legal dictionary