Charged with a Civil Traffic Infraction in Massachusetts? Our Criminal Defense Attorney Is Ready to Help You Navigate the Process
If you’ve been charged with a Civil Traffic Infraction or any motor vehicle offense in Massachusetts, it’s critical to have a Massachusetts defense attorney who takes your case seriously and knows how to protect your driving record and legal rights. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is a criminal defense law firm with offices conveniently located in Boston at 55 Union Street, Suite 400, and in Salem at 15 Church Street, Suite 105. Whether you’re dealing with a speeding ticket or more complex violations like texting while driving, our team of aggressive criminal defense attorneys, including a former prosecutor, offers insight and representation you can trust.
Our law firm proudly serves clients in Suffolk County, including Boston, Brighton, West Roxbury, and Chelsea, as well as Essex County cities like Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, and Saugus. We also represent individuals in Middlesex County—such as Cambridge, Somerville, and Newton—and in Brookline in Norfolk County. With a reputation for strong courtroom advocacy and personalized legal strategies, we understand the impact a traffic charge can have on your record, license, and even employment.
What Is a Civil Traffic Infraction in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, Civil Traffic Infractions are non-criminal violations of traffic laws. They are handled in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, specifically under M.G.L. c. 90C. These infractions do not typically carry jail time but can lead to significant fines, insurance surcharges, and license points through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
Examples of common civil infractions include:
- Speeding
- Failing to stop or yield at traffic signals or stop signs
- Improper lane changes
- Following too closely
- Failure to use turn signals
- Driving with an expired inspection sticker
- Parking violations
- Texting while driving
While these may seem like minor violations, they can have long-term consequences if not handled correctly.
Why You Need an Experienced Massachusetts Defense Attorney for Civil Traffic Infractions
A traffic ticket may appear straightforward, but paying the fine is often an admission of guilt. This can result in:
- Points on your driving record
- Increased insurance premiums
- RMV penalties, including license suspension
- Possible issues with current or future employment (especially for professional drivers)
That’s why working with a criminal defense attorney who understands Massachusetts traffic laws can make a meaningful difference. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we take a proactive approach to defending motor vehicle cases. We don’t just help you plead guilty with a discount—we evaluate the facts, review police reports, and look for ways to challenge the evidence or minimize the impact on your driving record.
Common Motor Vehicle Offenses We Defend in Massachusetts
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we regularly defend drivers cited for a wide range of motor vehicle offenses. Even the most routine traffic stop can result in long-term consequences if not properly addressed. Our goal is to minimize the impact on your record and insurance while exploring every option to challenge or reduce the charge. Below are some of the most frequent civil traffic infractions we help our clients fight:
Speeding
Being cited for speeding in Massachusetts under M.G.L. c. 90, §17 or §18 is more than just paying a fine—it can result in increased insurance rates, RMV surchargeable events, and even license suspension for repeat offenses. Many drivers underestimate the long-term cost of a single speeding ticket. At our criminal defense law firm, we know how to contest speeding citations and pursue results that protect your driving record. Let us help you avoid hidden penalties that can follow you for years.
Failure to Stop or Yield
Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign might seem like a simple mistake, but under M.G.L. c. 89, §9, these actions can lead to traffic citations, insurance points, and more serious driving history consequences. Massachusetts law expects full compliance with traffic signals and signs, and violations are taken seriously. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson works to reduce or dismiss these infractions when possible and ensure your driving privileges remain intact. Don’t risk your record over a momentary decision—get a skilled defense attorney in your corner.
Improper Lane Changes or Lane Usage
Changing lanes without signaling or weaving through traffic can result in a citation that may label you as a reckless driver. These offenses may seem minor, but they can damage your driving history and affect your ability to maintain low insurance premiums. Our team knows how to challenge the credibility of the stop and identify flaws in the citation process. With the support of an aggressive criminal defense attorney, you can fight back against vague or unfair accusations.
Following Too Closely
Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely is viewed as a safety risk and can be cited under M.G.L. c. 90, §13. Officers often issue these citations based on judgment, which means your case may be open to challenge. Our experienced Massachusetts defense attorneys can review whether the charge is valid and look for opportunities to reduce or dismiss it. Don’t let a judgment call turn into a long-term problem—let us handle the legal pushback.
Failure to Use Turn Signals
Neglecting to signal while turning or changing lanes is a common oversight that can lead to a civil traffic infraction. However, it’s also a charge that can be contested with the right legal strategy. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we explore every detail of your case to minimize its impact. Make sure a moment of forgetfulness doesn’t lead to points on your license or insurance hikes.
Driving with an Expired Inspection Sticker
Operating your vehicle without a valid inspection sticker is a violation under M.G.L. c. 90, §7A. While this may appear to be a minor issue, it can still affect your driving record and cause unnecessary fines. Our legal team understands how to approach these cases quickly and efficiently to avoid long-term repercussions. We’re here to protect your record and ensure the issue is handled before it escalates.
Texting While Driving
Massachusetts law prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving under the Hands-Free Law, and violations come with strict penalties. Whether you were cited for texting or holding your phone, these charges can lead to fines, insurance increases, and even license points. We review the details of the stop to determine if your rights were violated or if there’s room to challenge the evidence. Let our criminal defense law firm help you fight back and avoid the lasting consequences of distracted driving charges.
Our Approach to Traffic Defense
The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson offers practical legal guidance rooted in experience. Our team includes a former prosecutor, which gives us valuable insight into how these cases are approached from the other side of the courtroom. We use this perspective to build a well-informed defense, whether it’s challenging the evidence, negotiating reduced penalties, or identifying procedural issues that can lead to a dismissal.
Our law firm doesn’t rely on cookie-cutter defenses. Every case is unique, and we ensure that your defense strategy reflects that.
Serving Clients Across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties
The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson proudly represents individuals throughout several counties in Massachusetts. Whether you received a citation close to home or while passing through, our criminal defense law firm is prepared to defend your rights in court.
We provide experienced legal representation in, but not limited to, the following areas:
- Suffolk County, including Boston, Brighton, Chelsea, and West Roxbury
- Essex County, covering Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, and Saugus
- Middlesex County, such as Cambridge, Somerville, and Newton
- Norfolk County, specifically in Brookline, Dedham, and Quincy
If you’ve been charged with a Civil Traffic Infraction or any motor vehicle offense in these areas, reach out to us to start building a strong legal strategy. We are familiar with the courts in each of these jurisdictions and bring local insight to every case we handle.
Don’t Let a Traffic Violation Disrupt Your Life
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we believe every case deserves individual attention and strategic planning. We know how even a minor traffic violation can become a larger issue if left unaddressed. Whether you’ve been charged with speeding, texting while driving, or driving with an expired inspection sticker, we are ready to defend your rights with professionalism and purpose. Contact us now to set up a strategy session and take the first step toward protecting your record and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fight a civil traffic infraction in Massachusetts?
Yes. Many people don’t realize that paying a ticket is the same as admitting fault. This can impact your insurance, license status, and even employment. Fighting the charge may reduce or eliminate these consequences.
Can a defense attorney get my traffic ticket dismissed?
It depends on the facts. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review the citation for errors, assess whether the officer followed proper procedure, and argue for dismissal or reduced penalties.
How many points will I get for a speeding ticket in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts RMV uses a surcharge system. Most civil traffic infractions result in surchargeable events, which can lead to license suspensions if accumulated.
Do I need to appear in court for a civil traffic citation?
In many cases, your defense attorney can appear on your behalf, especially if it’s a minor infraction. However, it depends on the nature of the charge and the location of the court.
What if I was cited while driving through Massachusetts but live out of state?
You are still subject to Massachusetts traffic laws. Failing to address the citation can result in a warrant or license suspension. Contact a local Massachusetts defense attorney to handle the matter efficiently.