George Tzokos, 42, of North Andover, was arrested this past Monday for allegedly violating the Massachusetts Drunk Driving Laws and has been charged with Operating Under the Influence of Drugs.
According to the North Andover Police Department, George Tzokos was stopped by police after allegedly making an illegal left turn. Officers who pulled him over allege that he ‘appeared to be under the influence of an opiate’. There is no indication what other factors led police to believe that Tzokos was Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, e.g., whether he submitted to any Field Sobriety Tests and/or an Alcohol Breath Test.
A passenger in Tzokos’ car, Damian Kazakides, was also arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Class E Drugs.
Massachusetts DUI / OUI Law of Operating Under the Influence of Drugs carries a potential for imprisonment of up to 2.5 years in the House of Corrections, fines up to $5,000 and suspension of the person’s Massachusetts Driver’s License for 1 year.
1st Offense Massachusetts OUI / DUI Offenders can often take advantage of an ‘Alternative Disposition’ where the person charged elects to change his plea from ‘not guilty’ and admit ‘sufficient facts for a finding of guilty’. In this scenario, the OUI / DUI charge would be ‘Continued Without a Finding’ and the person would be placed on probation; ordered to enter and complete a Drug-Alcohol Education Program; pay fines/fees in the area of $1,000 or more; and lose his/her Massachusetts Driver’s License between 45-90 days.
Notwithstanding the tempting ‘Alternative Disposition’, each and every Massachusetts OUI Arrest should be evaluated to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the government’s case. Though many people charged with drunk driving crimes believe that there is no chance to beat the case, the reality is that the majority of OUI cases have very triable issues that should be considered. As such, anyone charged with a DUI / OUI in Massachusetts should Contact a Boston DUI Lawyer.
Boston DUI Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis is available 24/7 for consultation on all Massachusetts OUI Arrests.
To schedule a Free Consultation, Click Here to Contact a Massachusetts DUI Lawyer or call 617-325-9500.