This post will explain the eligibility requirements and benefits of the Massachusetts DUI First Offender Program, which is commonly referred to as the 24D Program.
The Mass. 24D First Offender program allows Massachusetts OUI First Offenders to reduce the statutory one year license suspension for first offenders and, sometimes, the 2 year license suspension for second offense DUI to either 45 or 90 days. It also allows for participants to apply for a hardship license upon confirmation of enrollment in the 24D 16 Week Outpatient Alcohol Education Program.
The 24D program allows qualified first and second offenders to apply for a hardship license during the 180 day or 3 year breathalyzer refusal suspension period. This is the one exception to the rule that no hardship license can be issued while a chemical test refusal suspension is in effect.
A 24D disposition involves being placed on probation for at least one and up to two years and being assigned to a 16 week out-patient alcohol education program. If 24D participants fail to complete or drop out of the alcohol program, the Registry will likely take action against the individual’s driver’s license. The program also requires the payment of costs, fines, and fees.
Because of the ability to apply for a hardship license almost immediately after enrollment into alcohol education classes, the 24D program is oftentimes a desirable outcome, especially for repeat DUI offenders. However, the program is limited to first offenders and those second offenders whose first OUI conviction is 10 or more years prior to their second offense. Second offenders with sufficiently old first offenses may therefore be edible for what is known as a “second chance first offender” disposition. There is absolutely no way for a 3rd, 4th, or 5th OUI offender to get the first offender program. Even if a court awarded a 24D disposition in such a case, the Registry could legally refuse to reduce any suspension or consider the individual for a hardship license.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the Massachusetts 24D First Offender Program.
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