When license suspensions first emerged as a legal punishment, the purposes were straightforward: punish drivers who behave in an unsafe manner and encourage compliance with the rules of the road.
Today, however, license suspensions are handed down for a wide variety of offenses in Massachusetts. Even crimes unrelated to the operation of a vehicle can result in a license suspension. A wide range of charges—from traffic violations and operating under the influence (OUI) to failure to pay taxes—can lead to the loss of your driving privileges.
Attorney Gilman has successfully represented clients in state courts and before the Registry of Motor Vehicles and Division of Insurance in all types of license suspension cases, including OUI and Immediate Threat Suspensions.
The new weapon used by Police Departments and the Registry of Motor Vehicles is the immediate threat suspension. One day you could hear a knock on the door and you could be handed an indefinite license suspension. At Gilman Law, P.C., we work with clients all of the Commonwealth who are unfairly suspended as an immediate threat. Our team can get your right to operate back!
For many, a license suspension can have devastating consequences. Costly fines, missed work, and the inability to run personal or family errands can make life difficult. If your driving privileges are on the line, you need an experienced and aggressive lawyer on your side. Dealing with the justice system can be stressful and confusing, and a knowledgeable advocate can make all the difference to keep you behind the wheel.
At Gilman Law, P.C., attorney Matthew Gilman uses his experience as a former Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) hearings officer to help those facing a license suspension successfully address their charges with the RMV and the courts. Regardless of what prompted your suspension, Matthew can help you understand your rights and help you obtain the best possible outcome.
Common Ways to Lose Your Driving Privileges in Massachusetts
In addition to an immediate threat suspension, there are many other charges that can be punished with a license suspension. In some cases, repeated or serious violations will prompt the RMV to suspend your license. In other cases, a charge seemingly unrelated to traffic laws may result in license suspension. Some of the most common ways to lose your driving privileges include:
- Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Surchargeable offenses.
- Seven Surchargeable offense.
- Habitual traffic offender.
- Chemical test (breathalyzer test) refusal.
- License fraud suspensions.
- Operating under the influence (OUI).
- Out-of-state suspensions and motor vehicle violations.
- Court Warrants
- Certain criminal charges.
- Immediate threat suspensions.
- Immediate Threat Medical License Suspensions
- Junior operator license suspensions.
- Leaving the Scene of Accident or Property Damage.
- Non-payment of Child Support.
Regardless of the reason, when the letter from the RMV arrives in your mailbox or the police serve you notice that your license has been suspended, you need help right away from an attorney who knows the system and can help you fight to retain your driving privileges.
Immediate Threat License Suspensions in Massachusetts
It can be easy to lose your license in Massachusetts. Even simple traffic stops can result in swift penalties. Law enforcement has the option to request that the RMV revoke your driving privileges for an indefinite period of time. This is known as an immediate threat suspension. Police officers can recommend this type of suspension if they feel your continued operation of a motor vehicle is a danger to public safety. This can happen after a serious offense, but it can also happen if you simply caught the police officer on a bad day.
The RMV typically rubber stamps the recommendation of the officer, and the suspension takes effect before the driver has an opportunity to tell his side of the story. Additionally, the suspension is open-ended. It could be weeks, months, or even years before your driving privileges are reinstated.
While these suspensions were meant to protect the public from serious and imminent dangers, attorney Matthew Gilman has seen an increasing amount of immediate threat suspension abuse. Even minor traffic violations are being met with attempts to immediately suspend 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.
Hardship Licenses in Massachusetts
At Gilman Law, P.C. attorney Gilman has helped hundreds of clients from around the Commonwealth apply for and be granted a hardship license. A hardship license is a drivers license that permits you to operate seven days a week for twelve hours per day. The time restriction starts and ends at the same time everyday of the week. In Massachusetts, if your license is suspended for an OUI conviction or as a Habitual Traffic Offender you may be eligible to apply for a hardship license at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. If your license is suspended for any other reason, the Registry will not grant you a hardship license. The reason for your license suspension will determine when you will be eligible to apply for a hardship license.
In the event your license is suspended for a reason other than an OUI or as a Habitual Traffic Offender, Attorney Gilman has been very successful in filing appeals at the Division of Insurance Board of Appeals. Thankfully, there is an appellate option available to individuals with suspended drivers licenses and the Registry of Motor Vehicles is not the only option. The Board of Appeals is an administrative board based out of the Commonwealth's Division of Insurance and has the legal authority to order the Registry of Motor Vehicles to grant you relief. The Board of Appeals has much more discretion to grant relief as compared to the RMV. If you or someone you love has a suspended drivers license and are looking to apply for a hardship license, contact Gilman Law, P.C. to get back on the road!
Multiple Surchargeable Offenses in Massachusetts Lead to Extra Punishments
In Massachusetts, many license suspensions stem from what are known as surchargeable offenses. A surchargeable offense is any at-fault accident or traffic violation that would increase the driver's insurance premium. These offenses can range from speeding to leaving the scene of an accident to OUI. It's also important to note that one incident can result in multiple surchargeable offenses. For example, a driver who is pulled over by law enforcement on suspicion of drunk driving because he was speeding and veering outside his lane could be facing three separate surchargeable offenses stemming from just one incident.
Accumulating multiple offenses within certain time frames will lead to special consequences. These extra punishments include:
- Three surchargeable offenses in a two-year period: Mandatory driver re-training program. Failure to complete the program within 90 days will result in a license suspension.
- Seven surchargeable offenses in a three-year period; Mandatory 60-day license suspension, but the driver can apply for a hardship license.
- Twelve surchargeable offenses in a five-year period: The driver is identified as a habitual traffic offender. His license will be suspended for four years. He may apply for a hardship license after serving one year of the suspension.
What Can a License Suspension Attorney Do For You:
Every license suspension case is different, but there are certain written and unwritten rules and principals that all. If you have a license suspension, we will:
- Immediately work to determine the best path forward whether at the RMV or by appealing directly to the Board of Appeals
- Evaluate your driving record to make sure the current suspension is valid
- Make sure you have copies of all relevant documents and police reports
- Prepare a specific strategy relevant to your license suspension to make sure you are in the best position to get relief
- At the hearing, prepare an individualized memorandum supporting your case and downplaying the Governments argument in favor of the license suspension
Even if the license suspension is valid and the evidence against you is strong, Attorney Gilman and his team will fight for your legal rights and work endlessly to make sure you are in the best position to get your right to operate a motor vehicle reinstated. No one will outwork our team or work harder to put you in the best position possible. That is why 90% of Attorney Gilman's clients are driving today.
Stating Your Case for a Hardship License Before the Massachusetts RMV
Many Massachusetts drivers are unclear about their rights. Too often, they lose their driving privileges without fully exhausting all of their options within the law. Even if the RMV denies your hardship request, that is not the end. We file hundreds of license suspension appeals every year at the Division of Insurance Board of Appeals.
While this can be a complicated and confusing process, you can be successful with the help of an experienced License Suspension Law Firm.
At Gilman Law, P.C., attorney Matthew Gilman and his team understands this system from the inside out. He takes advantage of his experience as a hearing officer to help his clients retain their driving privileges. He offers practical advice and a clear plan of action.
The RMV will have an attorney present at your hearing, and you should too. If you or someone you love is facing a license suspension, call Matthew today to schedule a free consultation. Matthew works with clients all over Massachusetts, frequently traveling to meet them at home.
Contact a License Suspension Attorney Serving the Entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts-We travel from Great Barrington to Nantucket and to You
Contact Attorney Gilman for a free case consultation with a Massachusetts statewide attorney who knows license suspension defense and OUI defense. I can quickly and effectively answer your questions, explain your options and come up with a plan to get you driving. Attorney Gilman answers the phone and returns all your calls. Call Attorney Gilman today at 978-612-6447.