Yes they really throw the book at you in Massachusetts. (First offense, still...)
What are the chances the charge will be reduced to something like reckless operation with a fine and maybe a short license suspension to avoid a trial?
yes
Some of the comments from a local paper (Eagle Tribune)
>>Unfortunately it is likely that this will never go to trial. In many cases, the drunk driver’s lawyer will mediate a sentence with the DA that might be as much as four years at the most, then parole and no license for a while. If the punishments were more severe just maybe a drunk may think twice before getting behind the wheel. They should also punish the resource of where she was served...(bar/restaurant owner, host of a party).
>>I completely disagree with that being used as any form of excuse, but I did a quick google search and found a lot of information on the combination of SSRI’s and alcohol- including this blurb from a criminal defense lawyer:
“As a criminal defense attorney, I see hundreds of clients annually who obtain medications from their physician for anxiety, sleep disorders or depression, yet are not warned to consume NO ALCOHOL when taking these medications. The synergistic effects caused by combining ANY amount of alcohol and these drugs can be devastating for the patient who is surprised to find himself or herself in jail for DUI-DWI, or even vehicular homicide. Blackout, seizures or major amnesia episodes are common. Effexor is currently involved with three of my clients, with others using various common SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
>>She will most likely get more than the minimum... but not much more. Massachusetts is much too lenient to it’s drunks on the road.
>>A minimum of a year? She was under the influence of alcohol and took someones life for it...It will be a crime if she gets the minimum sentence.