Massachusetts Uninsured / Unregistered Criminal Traffic Citations
Under Massachusetts General Law Ch. 90 Sec. 34J , charges for driving a motor vehicle while uninsured or unregistered are considered misdemeanor criminal offenses. The police will first issue a Criminal Massachusetts Uniform Citation, which will then be heard in District Court. If the ticket is criminal in nature, the “crim” box will be checked off next to the criminal violation.
If a Criminal Uniform Citation is issued by a police officer or State Trooper, swift action must be taken by the recipient of the ticket. In order to have a hearing prior to arraignment, the citation must be filed in the applicable District Court within 4 days. Therefore, it is strongly advised that driver’s cited for unlicensed or uninsured operation of a motor vehicle contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Massachusetts Uniform Citations for Unregistered or Uninsured Motor Vehicles
Uninsured / Unregistered cases generally begin when a driver is stopped and the police issue a a criminal “Massachusetts Uniform Citation.” Frequently, there is not much that can be done at the scene once the car is stopped by the police. If a vehicle is not properly registered or does not have active car insurance, the vehicle cannot be legally operated on a public way. As a result, the vehicle will be towed by the police.
It is entirely possible that a driver was aware of the Revoked Status of his or her registration or insurance. Some of the more common situations that lead to a revoked registration or lack of insurance include:
- An insurance lapse from missed payments or other reasons
- Misfiled paperwork
- Change in Insurance Company
- Expired Registration
- Not Updating Automatic Payment Information with Insurance Company
- Revoked Registration
Many drivers are shocked when they suddenly find themselves facing criminal charges after being pulled over by the police. In addition to the criminal case, the matter must also be addressed with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in order to correct the situation.
At Caselden Law, we have successfully defended hundreds of criminal traffic tickets in courthouses throughout Massachusetts. Through our detailed understanding of the criminal citation process, we strive to avoid and minimize the impact that criminal charges may have on one’s future.
Clerk Magistrate Hearing on an Application for a Criminal Complaint for Operating an Uninsured or Unregistered Motor Vehicle
If the police officer or Trooper gave you a “Massachusetts Uniform Citation” listing the offense of operating an uninsured or unregistered motor vehicle, it is important to act quickly as there is a small time-frame in which a person must send in their ticket in order to request a clerk magistrate hearing. If you received a criminal ticket and have not acted within the time-limits, contact our firm immediately as we may be able to resolve the situation in order to preserve your rights.
After complying with the instructions on the back of the Massachusetts Uniform Citation and sending the ticket to the applicable courthouse, you will receive a notice for a Clerk Magistrate Hearing on an Application for a Criminal Complaint. If you received a letter from the district court regarding a clerk magistrate hearing, you have the right to bring an attorney with you to the hearing.
“Summons to Defendant” for Arraignment for Uninsured or Unregistered Motor Vehicle in Massachusetts
Since the offense of operating an uninsured or unregistered vehicle is a criminal charge, driver’s will receive a letter from the applicable Massachusetts District Court, known as a summons, notifying them of an arraignment date. At an arraignment, the court will notify the operator of the charges and will enter a plea of not guilty.
If there is a question of bail, the district attorney will address that matter with the judge. If the case cannot be resolved at this event, the matter will be set up for a pre-trial hearing date.
Often times, our firm is able to resolve the charges with the court while protecting our client’s criminal background and driving privileges.
Boston, Massachusetts Flat-Fee Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney
If you have received a criminal uniform citation for driving an unregistered or uninsured motor vehicle in Massachusetts, Contact Caselden Law to speak with an experienced Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney about your case.
As a client of Caselden Law, your Boston Criminal Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer will develop a well-crafted legal argument to present to the Clerk Magistrate at the initial hearing regarding the Application for a Criminal Complaint. In addition, we will reach out the the prosecuting Assistant District Attorney assigned to your case in order to explore the possibility of resolving the case short of going to trial.
Our firm provides top-quality legal representation and works diligently to ensure that no legal avenue remains unexplored. We gather and carefully review every piece of evidence being offered by the prosecution and work with our clients to develop the most effective trial strategy possible.
At our firm, we understand that facing a charge of operating an unregistered or uninsured motor vehicle in Massachusetts can be a very stressful and confusing situation. We will work tirelessly on your case and will be by your side throughout the entire criminal process. Our firm prides itself on maintaining close communication with our clients and will keep you updated on your case from start to finish.
Please contact our office to receive a free of charge case quote. You may call our firm directly to speak with us or you may Contact Us Online.
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