Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Offenses Attorneys
Massachusetts has adopted strict laws when it comes to traffic violations and driving policy and automobile offenses can be charged in any one of three ways: a civil infraction, a misdemeanor or a felony. No matter what type of motor vehicle charge you incur, you should immediately call a defense attorney from the Massachusetts Criminal Defense Group to begin rectifying the situation.
Legal Information About Motor Vehicle Offenses
While a civil infraction is not technically considered to be a crime, it nonetheless holds penalties and it is often quite difficult to prove that you did not commit the violation. Unlike the "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" that is required of all criminal cases, a civil infraction only requires a "preponderance of the evidence." Therefore, if it is more likely than not that you committed the traffic violation accused of you the infraction will be issued in a Show Cause Hearing. Although a civil infraction is seen as less offensive than that of a misdemeanor or felony, it will still result in a fine that must be paid by mail.
A misdemeanor charge will be taken much more seriously as it is considered to be a criminal offense and is punishable as such. This means that your motor vehicle mishap could end you up with a criminal record if not properly defended. As a misdemeanor offender you will be susceptible to points being added to your driving record by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), which could also affect your insurance premiums. Most tickets of a misdemeanor level will also require the individual to appear in court, making it even more essential to acquire the proper defense to represent you.
Did the RMV Suspend Your License for Too Many Surchargable Events?
Like most states, Massachusetts counts "surchargeable" events, such as what it deems to be an at-fault accident, traffic law violation, or insurance coverage claim. If the RMV determines that you have incurred more surchargeable events, or points, within a specific period of time, under MGL C 175 §113B, they will automatically suspend your Massachusetts driver's license.
- If you receive three speeding violations within a year, your license will be temporarily suspended;
- If you have five surchargeable events within the past three years, you're in trouble and may lose your license if you don't comply with the requirement that you participate in and complete a driver's education program. If you fail to provide to the Registry proof of completion of the driver education program within 90 days after the Registry mails you notice of the requirement, your license will be suspended; and
- When you reach 7 surchargeable incidents during any three year period, the Massachusetts Registry will suspend your license or right to operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts for 60 days.
What's worse is getting caught driving on a suspended license. In that case, you may face an immediate arrest and jail time.
How Our Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Can Help You in Court
One of the ways we attempt to work with District Attorneys is by agreeing to a Continuance without a Finding (CWOF). This isn't really the same as pleading guilty, but it's your admission that there are sufficient facts to find you guilty, but if you're concerned about your criminal record, you'll honestly able to answer "no" if ever asked the question of whether or not you have ever been found guilty of committing a crime.
We Can Help You Keep Your Record Clean
The benefit of hiring a lawyer to fight your ticket far outweighs the cost of any fee to defend your motor vehicle offense. We are in the trenches every day, most often dealing with some of the same Hearing Officers who will be making the decision related to how to deal with your matter. We represent clients at every courthousethroughout Massachusetts.
Our Law Firm Can Make THE Difference in Your Motor Vehicle Case
Surprisingly, only a small percentage of defendants contest their traffic violations or motor vehicle offenses. However, by contacting an attorney, thousands of people get out of their ticket, keep it off their driving record, and keep the Registry off their backs.
Our complete legal defense for most traffic violations — from start to finish — attending the court appearance, conducting legal research, and filing motions before the court — is handled on a flat-fee basis — starting at just $975. Learn More
To learn more about how we can help you, call (800) 461-6900 or contact us online for an appointment to learn more about our legal services and fees.
