Loss of License Defense
The ability to drive is critical to many aspects of life. Losing your license to drive can mean the loss of employment. We will advocate for you in courtrooms and in driver's license proceedings at the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
How you can lose your driver’s license or registration
In many cases, people do not know that their license or registration has been suspended or revoked until they attempt to renew their license or registration, or they happen to be pulled over by a police officer after a random check. We help drivers' resolve the issues with their licenses and registrations so they can drive in their new location. In Massachusetts and most other states, your license can be suspended for violations and infractions such as:
- Three speeding tickets within one year
- Five accidents or moving violations within three years
- Being an habitual traffic offender, having three major moving violations or twelve major and minor violations within five years
- Suspension in another state
- Driving without a license or while your license is suspended or revoked
- Failure to pay excise tax
- Failure to pay child support
- Altering or faking a license
- Conviction for drunk driving
- Failing to take a breath test when arrested for drunk driving
- Drug possession and driving under the influence of drugs
Penalties for infractions and violations
Criminal and civil infractions such as these can result in suspension or revocation of your license for years, jail time and significant fines. The way the punishments and penalties are applied varies according to the number of previous infractions or convictions and the state where your license was issued. The Registry of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts tracks civil and criminal infractions as well as accidents in which you are more than 50% at fault, making infractions and violations cumulative.
Melanie’s law has an enhanced effect on your ability to drive
With the advent of Melanie’s law, the penalties increase if you are arrested for drunk driving (OUI/DWI) while already suspended for a prior conviction. That is why it is so important to have your initial drunk driving charge reduced or dismissed. That first conviction can affect your ability to drive, even if the incident occurred many years ago. Penalties under Melanie’s law for infractions such as this and others can include significant prison time and fines. Additionally, your car can be seized by the District Attorney, and you can lose the title to your car.
Contact an attorney right away
It is important to have experienced representation from the beginning of your case. Many of these matters move through the system quickly. The rules and penalties seem complicated, especially if you have never experienced a problem with your license before. Contact an experienced lawyer right away to guide you through the system.
