---
title: "Do I really need a lawyer for a first-offense OUI in Massachusetts?"
description: "Yes. A first-offense OUI under M.G.L. c. 90 § 24 is a criminal charge that, even on a CWOF, counts as a prior for life. A second offense within ten years triggers mandatory jail time and a..."
url: https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/do-i-really-need-a-lawyer-for-a-first-offense-oui-in-massachusetts/
date: 2026-04-22
modified: 2026-04-22
author: "Bank and Munns"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# Do I really need a lawyer for a first-offense OUI in Massachusetts?

Yes. A first-offense OUI under M.G.L. c. 90 § 24 is a criminal charge that, even on a CWOF, counts as a prior for life. A second offense within ten years triggers mandatory jail time and a two-year license suspension. The 24D disposition most first-timers accept requires an admission to sufficient facts, probation, an alcohol education program, and a 45 to 90 day license loss. A skilled OUI lawyer examines the stop, field sobriety tests, breath test calibration records, and booking video. Many first-offense cases have defensible issues a prosecutor will not volunteer. Our (/massachusetts-dui-lawyer/) page goes deeper on 24D and breath test litigation.