Worcester Traffic Crimes Attorney

Respected Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer Helping Drivers Stay Out of Jail and On the Road

Your driver’s license is essential to your way of life. Whether you drive to work, to take your children to school or daycare, or to get groceries and other necessities, if you’re like most people, it’s hard to imagine not being able to drive. Yet, if you have multiple traffic citations or a conviction for certain serious traffic crimes, losing your driver’s license is a very real possibility. At the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, our dedicated Worcester traffic crimes attorney has decades of experience helping clients keep their driving privileges and resolve outstanding traffic violations.

Worcester Traffic Violations

Worcester is one of the largest counties in Massachusetts, with over 865,000 residents. With all these drivers, it’s no surprise that Worcester County sees the highest number of traffic arrests in the state. Perhaps what’s more surprising, however, is the fact that traffic offenses make up approximately half of all the criminal charges filed in the county, with more than 15,000 people being charged for a traffic crime each year.

While there are many different types of traffic crimes, some of the most common include the following:

• Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OUI / DUI);
• DUI accidents;
• Negligent operation of a motor vehicle;
• Leaving the scene of an accident or a “hit and run”;
• Reckless driving;
• Use of a vehicle without authority;
• Drag racing;
• Driving without insurance; and
• Driving on a suspended or revoked license.

While receiving a single minor traffic citation will not usually result in a loss of driving privileges, those who have multiple offenses or have been charged with a DUI or other serious traffic crime are at risk of a license suspension. However, an experienced Worcester traffic crimes lawyer may be able to help resolve outstanding violations or charges while preserving your right to operate a vehicle.

How Does the Massachusetts Driver’s License Point System Work?

Like most states, Massachusetts uses a point system to determine when to suspend or revoke a motorist’s driver’s license. However, points assigned under the Massachusetts Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) only applies to insurance companies. So, while receiving multiple points can result in higher insurance rates—or even a denial of coverage altogether—SDIP points do not result in a license suspension.

However, Massachusetts does suspend or revoke a driver’s right to drive if they are convicted of multiple traffic offenses or a serious traffic crime. For example, see below for a list of common suspensions:

Three Speeding Tickets

If you receive three speeding tickets in Massachusetts over a one-year period, your license will be suspended for 30 days. There is no option to obtain a hardship license for this type of suspension.

Three Surchargeable Events

Massachusetts law provides a list of dozens of “surchargeable events,” which include certain types of traffic violations and at-fault accidents. If you have three surchargeable events, the Registry of Motor Vehicles will send you a notice of suspension. You have 90 days from this point to take an approved traffic safety course; otherwise, your license will be suspended for 60 days.

DUI Convictions

A Worcester DUI conviction will result in a one-year driver’s license suspension if it is your first offense. However, a second DUI conviction will carry a two-year suspension. Additionally, if you refused chemical testing, such as a breathalyzer or blood test, you will be subject to an additional 180-day suspension.

Reckless Driving Violations

Reckless driving is a misdemeanor crime in Massachusetts. In addition to facing up to two years in jail and a fine of $2,000, your license will also be suspended for 60 days.

Are You Afraid Your License is Going to Be Suspended?

If you are facing a DUI / OWI charge, or have several other traffic tickets on your record and fear that your license is at risk, reach out to the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy for immediate assistance. Attorney Murphy has more than 27 years of experience helping drivers stay on the road and out of jail despite multiple traffic violations, accidents or DUI arrests. He can help you understand all your options and what you can do to increase your chances of keeping your license. To learn more about how we can help you, give us a call at 617-367-0450 to schedule a free consultation. You can also reach our Worcester traffic violations attorney through our secure online contact form. We proudly represent clients in Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster, Southbridge and throughout Worcester County, MA.