DUI in MA -- What Your Attorney May Not Have Told You

In addition to having my own small business bookkeeping/admin, daily money managment business, I also work at a DUI clinic. I have noticed that a lot of second offenders, whose first offense was many years ago, are unaware of the laws governing second offenders, so I asked one of the instructors to give me a quick run-down of the details. She then reviewed this piece to ensure that it is correct.

That DUI you got when you were seventeen may come back to bite you when you're forty-seven and get your second DUI.

While the courts may treat you as a first offender, the Registry considers you a second offender and treats you accordingly.

If you take the breathalyzer, an additional two years will be added to the usual 45-90 day loss of license. However, if you refuse the breathalyzer, it's an additional three years loss of license -- for a total of five years.

You will be required to take the first offender drug and alcohol education course ($567.30) and will receive two years probation.

In addition, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device ($200 for installation). This system requires you to blow into it to start the vehicle and then every 10-25 minutes to measure your blood alcohol content. The information is downloaded and sent to the Registry. The device must be checked every month ($85). You can only drive the vehicle which has been fitted with the interlock device. If someone knows of your restriction, and allows you to drive their vehicle, they can be subject to stiff penalties. If ayone else drives your vehicle, they are bound by the same restrictions as you. No motorcycles; no rental cars.

People who drive for a living may face job loss.

Amounts quoted in this blog are in addition to court and attorney fees.

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much.

Mother Theresa

Develop an Interest

In my work as a daily money manager I often meet senior citizens who, in their younger years, have never developed hobbies or interests. When they age, and health problems curtail their activities, these people find themselves just sitting. If you don't develop hobbies or interests while you are young, you are apt to become too self-absorbed as you age and boredom will set in. Your main topic of conversation will become your health. How sad when the only thing you have to look forward to each day is the tv schedule! No matter what your age, it is not too late to start developing hobbies or interests.

Money Saving Tips

You've probably heard or seen these before, but maybe you've forgotten. In these economic times, everything helps.

1. Instead of buying lunch ever day, prepare a little extra for dinner and bring leftovers for lunch.

2. While paying bills, look for ways to save money.

3. Make minor purchases with cash.

Family Fun in Massachusetts

If you're looking for great ideas for family fun, check out www.bostoncentral.com. No kids or grandkids – this website still has good ideas. Sign up for their weekly newsletter to keep informed on what’s happening and where.

You Are What You Eat

Research shows that the foods we eat have an enormous impact on our health. Diets high in fruits, vegetables and grains contain less fat and cholesterol, promote long-term health, fight disease, and help save the environment.

If, like me, you can’t live without meat, be sure the rest of the meal includes servings of fruit and vegetable.

Bedtime Snacks

Knowing what bedtime snacks to avoid can make the difference between a good night's sleep and tossing and turning all night.

Foods to avoid include chocolate or greasy foods, which are difficult to digest. Spicy foods cause heartburn. An alcoholic drink before bed may, initially, help you fall asleep, but you may experience night sweats and nightmares.

Milk and other dairy products, bananas, oats and honey contain tryptophan, a sleep-promoting substance. Turkey also contains tryptophan, which could explain why we feel the need to nap after Thanksgiving and other holiday dinners.

Carbohydrates help the body absorb tryptophan, so whole wheat toast or crackers with a piece of cheese, or low-fat yogurt with granola are ideal snacks.

Chamomile tea aids muscle relaxation. Add honey and you'll be asleep in no time.

Free Cell Phone & Service for Low-Income Subscribers

You may be eligible for a free cell phone if you receive food stamps, are on Mass-Health, or have an annual income of less than $14,000. SafeLink Wireless offers free cell phones to low-income subscribers. Service includes limitless E911 and access to 80 minutes of free talk-time per month.

Go to http://www.safelinkwireless.com/ or call 800-977-3768 for more information.

Scam Warning

Never give your credit card information over the phone unless you have initiated the call. If someone call you promising, if you give your credit card number, to credit money back to your account , it is probably a scam.

MA License Renewal Reminders

The Massachusetts Regisry of Motor Vehicles is no longer sending out license renewal reminders. You are, however, permitted to renew your license up to twelve months early.

Handicap placard renewal reminders will still come in the mail. Remember, it is illegal to drive with your placard in the window.

Baklavah Ice Cream

All you baklavah lovers in northeastern Massachusetts --

Head for Meletharb's on Lowell Street in Wakefield. Their baklavah ice cream is fantastic!

Contribute Painlessly

Money may be tight, but you can still make charitable contributions that won't break the bank and, often, have a little fun in the process.

Fight hunger. Go to http://www.thehungersite.com/. Corporate sponsors contribute each time you click (once/day). When you visit http://www.thehungersite.com/, please click on the other tabs -- breast cancer, literacy, child health, rain forest & animal rescue.

http://www.freekibble.com/ offers pet-oriented trivia. Correct answers receive corporate donations to feed shelter animals.

Choose the correct meaning of a word to earn free rice for the United Nations World Food Program at http://www.freerice.com/