For the Commonwealth to obtain a conviction against the driver for operating under the influence under G. L. c. 90, § 24, it would have to prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) that the driver operated a motor vehicle; (2) that the driver did so on a public way; and (3) that while operating the vehicle, the driver was under the influence of intoxicating liquor. As to the third element, a person is under the influence of alcohol if he has consumed enough alcohol to reduce his ability to operate a motor vehicle safely by decreasing his alertness, judgment and ability to respond promptly. The Commonwealth is not required to prove that the driver was in fact drunk or that he actually drove in an unsafe or erratic manner, but it is required to prove that his ability to drive safely was diminished by alcohol.
For the Commonwealth to obtain a conviction for driving to endanger (under the same statute), it would have to prove the following beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) that the driver operated a motor vehicle; (2) that he did so on a public way; and (3) that he did so in a negligent manner so that the lives or safety of the public might have been endangered. As to the third element, a person acts negligently when he fails to use due care, that is, when he acts in a way that a reasonable person would not act. This can happen either by doing something that a reasonably prudent person would not do under those circumstances, or by failing to do something that a reasonably prudent person would do. A driver acted negligently if he drove in a way that a reasonable person would not have, and by doing so created an unnecessary danger to other people, a danger that he could have avoided by driving more carefully.
The driver in this appears to have several defenses in relation to these charges. As to the operating under the influence charge, the driver appears to have an argument that while he may have had something to drink, the two shots of vodka did not impair his ability to drive. Under Massachusetts law, it is not a crime to get behind the wheel after drinking – the act becomes criminal when the alcohol impairs the driver’s ability to operate. Here, although the driver got into an accident, there is little to no other evidence to support the conclusion that he was in fact impaired. Specifically, there is no indication that he had any issues with his motor skills, or anything else that would have impacted his ability to operate – there is nothing indicating that his balance was impaired, that he was having trouble multi-tasking, or that he was struggling to complete any other task that would be necessary to drive. Since he did not take the breath test, there is likewise nothing to indicate that his blood alcohol was over the legal limit. Although there was an accident, many serious accidents happen without any alcohol involvement whatsoever. In light of the lack of evidence to support any claim that this particular accident occurred due to an impairment from alcohol, it may well be a challenge for the Commonwealth to prove this charge. Likewise, while there does appear to be evidence that the defendant was speeding, speeding alone is not sufficient to prove negligent operation. Without some further indication as to what may have caused the accident, and whether something other than the driver’s conduct contributed to it, the driver may be in a position to argue that he was not in fact negligent.
Regardless of the defenses he may raise, however, driving offenses such as these are quite serious. They carry a potential penalty of two and a half years in the house of correction and serious collateral consequences, including a loss of license. If you or a loved one is facing similar charges, you will need an experienced and skilled attorney who is well versed in these sorts of charges, and who appreciates how much is on the line when someone is facing these allegations. Attorney Daniel Cappetta has helped many clients successfully defend themselves against operating under the influence and negligent operation charges – he knows how to identify the weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s case, and how to effectively argue these weaknesses to the jury. Call him for a free consultation today.