In Massachusetts, some motor vehicle offenses are considered to be criminal violations. While a civil infraction (such as a speeding ticket) only carries a fine, criminal motor vehicle offenses carry the potential of jail time and/or a fine, not to mention the collateral consequences that a conviction could have on your license status or insurance premiums. Some of these criminal offenses include:
- Operating under the influence (OUI/DUI/DWI)
- Operating under the influence causing serious bodily injury
- Operating under the influence causing death
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury
- Leaving the scene of an accident causing death
- Negligent operation of a motor vehicle
- Reckless operation of a motor vehicle
- Motor vehicle homicide
- Operating with a suspended or revoked license
- Unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
It is important to hire a criminal defense lawyer experienced in these types of criminal offenses as soon as possible. Many times an attorney can advise on whether to speak to the police if they are conducting an investigation. If you are served with a citation, you have only a limited time in which to request a clerk's hearing rather than proceeding straight to arraignment.
Attorney Robert S.C. Meltzer has years of experience as an assistant district attorney investigating and prosecuting these types of criminal offenses, and he brings that experience to the table as a criminal defense attorney. He knows how to analyze whether there are any violations with the citation or with how the police obtained their evidence, and he is not afraid to file and argue to a judge any available motions to dismiss the case or to have evidence thrown out. Attorney Meltzer also knows how to negotiate ways to resolve many cases without any jail time, but he isn't afraid to take your case to trial before a judge or jury to clear your name!
If you have been charged with a motor vehicle offense, contact the Law Office of Robert S.C. Meltzer for a free consultation.
