Immediate Threat License Suspensions in Massachusetts
It is easy to lose your license in Massachusetts. Even simple traffic stops may result in swift and serious penalties. Law enforcement has the option to request that the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) revoke your driving privileges for an indefinite period of time. Police departments throughout Massachusetts are very familiar with such suspension, even though they are little-known amount the public. They can have a devastating impact on both you and your family.
Such a suspension is known as an "immediate threat suspension." These distressing suspensions are governed by G.L. c. 90 22(a) and (b). The team at Gilman Law. P.C. has helped hundreds of clients who have been suspended as immediate threats to get back on the road. As a former hearing officer, Attorney Gilman and his team are thoroughly familiar with the ins and outs of these dreadful suspensions.
How are Immediate Threat Suspensions Imposed?
Massachusetts law enforcement are able to recommend an immediate threat suspension if they feel that your continued operation of a motor vehicle is a danger to public safety. This may happen after a serious offense, but it may also occur if you simply happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time or if catch the police officer on a bad day.
All the police have to do is to fill out a short form and fax it to the Driver Control Unit of the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Immediate threat suspensions are indefinite suspensions of your right to operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts. Indefinite means that there is no specific date on which your license will be reinstated.
Typically, these types of suspensions begin by a police officer or medical professional sending a request to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The RMV will most likely rubberstamp this recommendation by the police officer and the suspension takes effect before the driver even has an opportunity to tell his/her side of the story. Additionally, the suspension is open ended.
Catch the police officer on the wrong day and you may face an immediate threat suspension for something as minor as a speeding violation.
Does the Registry Ever Deny a Suspension Request?
The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) typically supports the officers' request and immediately suspends your driving privileges. An immediate threat license suspension goes into effect before you as the driver are able to contest the suspension or tell your side of the story. You are deemed an immediate threat even before any RMV hearing officer meets you. To make matters worse, you will receive notification of the suspension both by regular mail and by hand delivery when a police officer comes knocking on your door.
While these suspensions are meant to protect the public from serious and imminent dangers, Attorney Matthew Gilman has seen increasing abuse of immediate threat suspensions. With even a minor traffic violation, you may face an immediate attempt to suspend your driving privileges. If you or someone you love is facing this type of license suspension, take action right away to protect your rights and retain your license. Attorney Gilman has handled hundreds of immediate threat suspensions and has assisted his clients in recovering their licenses. Call Gilman Law, P.C., today at 978-612-6447 or contact us online for a free consultation.
In some cases, the RMV may provide you a little flexibility and notify you before the start of the suspension. Remember, whether you are immediately suspended or given 10 days of advance notice, your right to operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts will be suspended for an indefinite period. Plus, if the incident which gave rise to the initial police determination also involves any criminal charges, the RMV will oftentimes not consider your reinstatement appeal until the criminal matter has been resolved. Such delays can often take many months to sort out, during which time your license will remain suspended. It is critical to have an attorney who can handle both the criminal charges and the license suspension cases.
In addition to having to resolve any criminal matters and meeting the RMV restatement conditions, there is a mandatory $500 reinstatement fee.
Your First Step to Driving Again!
Many Massachusetts drivers are unclear about their rights. Hardship licenses do not apply to immediate threat suspensions. These are public-safety suspensions with no specific end-dates. Resolving these suspensions may entail a complicated and confusing process.
Getting back on the road can be achieved with the help of our team at Gilman Law, P.C. We have helped clients throughout the Commonwealth deal with damaging suspensions and to be able to drive again.
At Gilman Law, P.C. we understands the system from the inside out. Due to Attorney Gilman's long experience as a hearing officer we are able to help our clients reinstate their driving license. We offer practical advice and a clear plan of action. Call Gilman Law, P.C., today at 978-612-6447 or contact us online for a free consultation.
From his Lunenburg office, Attorney Matthew Gilman represents clients all over the state of Massachusetts. Fill out the form on this page or call the office today to connect with us and set up a free consultation.