Massachusetts Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle Citation Defense Attorney
Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90 Section 10, Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle is considered a misdemeanor criminal offense. Often times, if appropriate steps are taken by an experienced attorney, a Criminal Uniform Citation for Driving without a License may be handled in a way that avoids having a criminal record or a driver’s license suspension.
At the Massachusetts Criminal Defense Law Firm of Caselden Law, we have successfully represented clients facing charges of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in courthouses throughout the Commonwealth. Often times, drivers are unaware that they do not have an active license until they are stopped by the police.
As a client of our firm, your unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle attorney will provide you with top quality legal advice in order to achieve the best outcome possible. We strive to achieve results for our clients while reducing the stress that often accompanies the court process.
Driver’s are cited for operating without a valid license under a wide range of circumstances. Yet some of the more common situations that lead to an unlicensed operation ticket in Massachusetts include:
- Driving with International Driver’s License
- Driving with Out of State License (and residing in Massachusetts)
- Driving on a Learner’s Permit
- Driving with a Foreign Driver’s License from one’s Home Country
- Moving to Massachusetts without Transferring to a MA Driver’s License
Penalties for Unlicensed Driving in Massachusetts
Unlicensed operation is a criminal misdemeanor offense in Massachusetts. Under M.G.L. Ch. 90 Sec. 10, the penalties for a conviction of driving without a license include:
- Fine of $500.00 – $1,000.00;
- Imprisonment of no more than 10 days (1st offense) or 60 days to 1 year (subsequent offenses);
- 60 day suspension of driver’s license.
A conviction for Driving without a License may have far reaching consequences – including having a criminal record, a driver’s license suspension, or immigration consequences. A skilled traffic defense lawyer will carefully review your case and will argue on your behalf in order to avoid a criminal conviction and protect your ability to drive.
Our firm has successfully defended unlicensed operation citations in courts throughout Massachusetts. As a client of Caselden Law, your criminal defense attorney will fight to avoid the more serious penalties associated with this criminal offense. Often times, we are able to resolve the case for our clients without having the charge appear on their criminal record and without having their driver’s license suspended.
What Should I do If I Received a “Massachusetts Uniform Citation for Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in Massachusetts?
When the police have probable cause to believe that a vehicle is being driven by an operator without a valid driver’s license, the officer will issue a “Massachusetts Uniform Citation” listing the criminal offense of unlicensed operation. If you received a ticket listing this offense, it is important to speak with an experienced MA motor vehicle citation defense attorney about your case as soon as possible.
Clerk Magistrate Hearings on an Application for a Criminal Complaint
There are instructions on the back of the citation informing the operator of the process for requesting a criminal clerk magistrate’s hearing on an application for a criminal complaint. You only have a few days to act, so it is imperative to take action with an attorney and/or the applicable courthouse.
If the citation is properly filed, the District Court will send a summons in the mail for a Hearing on an Application for a Criminal Complaint. Those accused of driving without a license may bring a lawyer with them to present their case at the Clerk Magistrate Hearing.
At Caselden Law, our firm handles all clerk magistrate hearings regarding unlicensed operation charges on a flat-fee basis. Contact our office to receive a free of charge case quote.
Summons to Appear for Unlicensed Operation Arraignment in Massachusetts District Court
In Massachusetts, drivers may receive a notice, known as a summons, for a clerk magistrate hearing for a violation of the MA unlicensed driver law or may receive notice to appear for an arraignment. If you received a notice for an arraignment date, it is imperative to speak with an unlicensed operation defense attorney as soon as possible about your rights.
At your arraignment, you will be formally charged with the crime of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in violation of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 10. Generally speaking, the court will enter a plea of not-guilty on your behalf and will address any issues pertaining to bail and custody. As a client of Caselden Law, your attorney will work with the prosecuting assistant district attorneys in order to resolve your case as quickly and effectively as possible. Your lawyer will be by your side throughout the entire process and will fully defend your rights in court.
Our Law Firm works to achieve the best outcome possible in order to preserve your record and minimize the impact that your case has on your life and your livelihood.
Boston Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle Attorney
If you have received a ticket or notice from the court and are facing the charge of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, contact our firm to speak with an experienced Greater Boston Unlicensed Operation defense attorney about your case.
Our firm handles all unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle cases on a flat-fee basis. Whether you had a driver’s license from another state, country, or an invalid international driver’s license, our firm will develop a well-crafted legal defense strategy that is specifically tailored to the circumstanced of your case.
Contact us today for a free and confidential case quote. We handle all unlicensed operation cases on a flat-fee basis.
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