| Massachusetts revised its DUI/OUI laws as of July | | | | though that may be reduced if the offender voluntarily |
| 2003 to consider anyone with a blood alcohol level | | | | enters and completes a youth alcohol program. |
| over .08 as driving under the influence. However, most | | | | The state of Massachusetts also offers a Driver |
| simple first time DUI offenders are often charged and | | | | Alcohol Education Program (DAEP) for people |
| handled as "alternative disposition" probation plea | | | | charged with a First Offence DUI. Most of the |
| bargains. This means that the offender has to | | | | offenders participating in this program are referred by |
| participate in a mandatory drug or alcohol education | | | | area district courts and are placed on probation for the |
| program and their license is temporarily suspended. | | | | duration of the program. This program can act as an |
| The law is a little different for offenders under the age | | | | alternative to longer periods without a license, heavier |
| of 21. According to Massachusetts law, consumption | | | | fines, and in extreme cases, incarceration. |
| of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited. | | | | The program has an intake assessment and holds 32 |
| Furthermore, the blood alcohol level of people below 21 | | | | hours of group meetings spread over sixteen weeks, |
| years of age should not be more than .02, as opposed | | | | exposure to self-help groups by attending two |
| to .08 for people above 21 years of age. | | | | meetings in the offender?s community and a |
| Offenders under 21 years of age with a blood alcohol | | | | presentation of the impact of DUI on victims by |
| ratio of over .02 can have their licenses suspended. If | | | | reputed speakers. |
| the underage offender refuses to submit to a breath | | | | Obviously, any case involving accidents, injuries, or |
| test, the suspension of the license is increased from | | | | death caused by DUI is subject to penalties that are a |
| 180 days to one year. | | | | lot stiffer than a simple DUI arrest. These include longer |
| Almost the same rules apply for offenders under the | | | | prison sentences, greater fines, and longer license |
| age of 18. Blood alcohol levels between .02 and .04 | | | | suspensions. |
| may result in the suspension of the license for 1 year, | | | | |