New Bedford Motor Vehicle Lawyer Serving Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, crimes relating to motor vehicles cover quite a few offenses. From vehicular homicide to civil traffic violations, just about any offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle is classified as a motor vehicle crime.

Law officers across the Commonwealth love to remind citizens that driving isn’t a right, it’s a privilege. To that end, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) records each and every detail of an individual’s driving history. The RMV can even share this data with other states!

Without an expert New Bedford motor vehicle lawyer to advocate aggressively in your favor, it’s far easier to get your license revoked or suspended than you may expect. There are quite a few other highly impactful penalties you may face.

Penalties

Most of the time, the penalties for motor vehicle charges include fines and suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. But the punishments severely ramp up as the charges become more serious, and you could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony.

Especially if you have prior convictions on your record, you could be facing penalties like probation, community service, and jail time. The same is true if your charges include causing physical harm to another person or property.

For example, committing vehicular homicide can lead to up to 15 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. No matter what you’re sentenced to, the RMV will be immediately notified so the conviction can be added to your record and shared with other US states.

Types of Motor Vehicle Charges

Because the Commonwealth classifies motor vehicle crimes as any crime involving the use of said motor vehicle, there are quite a few types of vehicle charges:

• Negligent vehicle operation and injury due to mobile phone usage
• Using a vehicle without proper authority
• Participating in drag races or road races
• Refusing to obey a police officer
• Vehicle operation without being licensed
• Reckless operation of a vehicle
• Negligent operation of a vehicle leading to public endangerment
• Vehicle operation without auto insurance
• Vehicle operation with a revoked or suspended license
• Fleeing the scene of an accident (also known as hit and run)
• Misdemeanor vehicular homicide
• Felony vehicular homicide
• Making false statements when applying for a license
• Knowingly attaching incorrect license plates to conceal identity
• OUI/DUI
• Receiving a stolen vehicle

New Bedford motor vehicle lawyer Courtney K. Fogarty has over 10 years of experience handling motor vehicle crimes listed above.

Potential Defenses

Many people who are facing motor vehicle charges of any kind feel like their back is up against a wall. But the truth is, this is exactly why you need a talented and seasoned New Bedford motor vehicle lawyer like Courtney K. Fogarty.

When it comes to motor vehicle charges, your own version of events is far from the only ammunition at your disposal. Courtney will take a hard look at the behavior and actions of every law enforcement official involved in your case. If any protocols were breached during your arrest or later proceedings, much of the prosecution’s evidence may not be usable.

The storage and handling of evidence is crucial, too. One wrong step on the Commonwealth’s part could completely change the severity of your charges.

Motor vehicle crimes vary so widely, due to the state’s broad definition. But no matter what your specific situation is, Courtney will work with you to level the prosecution’s strategy and custom-tailor an effective defense for your case.

FAQs

What are the Elements of a Vehicular Homicide in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, the elements of vehicular homicide that the prosecution must prove are:

1. That you were operating a motor vehicle when the offense occurred.

2. That you were operating the motor vehicle in a place where the general public has a right to access, known as a “public way.”

3. Whether or not you were operating the motor vehicle under the influence or drugs, alcohol, or another intoxicating substance, or

4. That your operating of the motor vehicle was negligent or reckless.

5. That your actions while operating the motor vehicle directly caused the death of someone.

While this sounds like quite a few elements to prove, the Commonwealth pursues these charges very seriously and fervently. When you hire Courtney K. Fogarty as your New Bedford motor vehicle lawyer, you can be certain that she’ll investigate every avenue and strategy to protect your freedom.

What are Some Typical Vehicular Crimes in Massachusetts?

Some typical vehicular crimes in Massachusetts include speeding, OUI, driving without insurance, reckless driving, committing a hit and run, driving with a suspended license, unpaid vehicle fines or traffic tickets, and leaving the scene of an accident.

But this is far from a complete list of every vehicular crime an individual may be charged with. Essentially, any criminal offense which involves using a motor vehicle is a vehicular crime.

What is Considered a Hit and Run in Massachusetts?

If you knowingly are in a car accident that causes property damage or injuries, and then you choose not to stop in order to share your name, address, and vehicle registration number, you’ve committed what is considered a hit and run in Massachusetts.

As a licensed driver in the state of Massachusetts, you agree to exchange information with any affected parties if you get into an accident. Failure to do so means you’re facing severe punishments along with criminal charges.

Hiring a Motor Vehicle Defense Attorney to Defend Your Case

Courtney is a professional and skillful New Bedford motor vehicle lawyer with 10 years of experience handling motor vehicle cases. No matter how serious your motor vehicle charges are, she’ll collaborate with you respectfully and with integrity. Just call (508) 317-0339 to book your free hour-long initial consultation.