Caught Driving Without a Valid License? Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Are Here to Protect Your Rights
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we know that being charged with driving without a valid license in Massachusetts can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the court process. With offices conveniently located in Boston at 55 Union Street, Suite 400, and in Salem at 15 Church Street, Suite 105, our criminal defense law firm is prepared to stand by your side, whether you’re in Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, or Norfolk County. Our team includes aggressive criminal defense attorneys and a former prosecutor who understands the legal system from both sides. We focus on building a tailored legal strategy that fits the details of your case and your individual needs.
Our law firm handles motor vehicle offenses and other criminal traffic violations, including driving without a valid license, with experience, diligence, and a practical approach. If you’ve been cited or charged in Boston, Brighton, West Roxbury, Chelsea, Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, or Brookline, our Massachusetts defense attorneys are ready to help you understand your legal options and defend your rights at every stage of the process.
Understanding the Charge: Driving Without a Valid License in Massachusetts
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 10, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license. This includes:
- Never having been issued a license
- Driving with an expired license
- Driving with a license from another state that is not valid in Massachusetts
- Operating a vehicle while your license is suspended or revoked
A charge of Driving without a valid license is a criminal offense, not just a civil traffic infraction. If convicted, you may face a criminal record, fines, and possibly jail time, depending on the circumstances. Even if it seems like a minor mistake, the consequences can follow you for years. This is why it’s essential to have a criminal defense attorney who understands how to handle these charges effectively.
Why You Need an Experienced Massachusetts Defense Attorney
While some traffic violations are considered civil infractions, charges like driving without a valid license carry criminal penalties and should not be taken lightly. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we understand that every case has unique facts, and we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach.
Our team brings the strength of experience, courtroom skill, and local knowledge. With a former prosecutor on our staff, we have insight into how the other side builds its case. We use this to craft strong defenses, identify weaknesses in the state’s case, and push for the best possible outcome, whether that’s a dismissal, reduction, or diversion program where available.
Common Situations We Help Clients With
Our criminal defense law firm regularly represents individuals facing a variety of license-related charges. These are some of the most frequent situations we see:
- You were stopped while driving and had never obtained a driver’s license.
- Your driver’s license had expired, and you were unaware or had not yet renewed it.
- You hold a license from another state, but it is not recognized or valid for driving in Massachusetts.
- You were cited during a routine stop or roadside checkpoint and didn’t have valid license documentation.
- There was an administrative or clerical mistake showing your license as invalid, suspended, or nonexistent—even though you believe it was valid.
In each case, we carefully review the details and legal context to identify the best approach to protect your rights and limit the impact of the charge.
What Are the Penalties?
Driving without a valid license in Massachusetts is not a minor issue—it’s considered a criminal offense under state law. If you’re convicted, the consequences may include:
- A fine of up to $500
- A potential jail sentence of up to 10 days for a first offense, and up to 1 year for subsequent offenses
- A criminal record, which can impact your employment, housing, or professional licensing
- Additional court fees and legal costs
- Higher car insurance rates in the future
A conviction may also make it harder to apply for or reinstate a license later on. These penalties can have lasting effects, which is why working with an experienced criminal defense attorney is an important step in protecting your record and your future.
We Serve Communities Across Multiple Counties
If you’ve been charged with driving without a valid license in or around the Greater Boston area, our team is prepared to represent you in court. With offices in both Boston and Salem, we regularly defend clients in a wide range of cities and towns across Eastern Massachusetts.
We provide legal defense in, but not limited to following areas:
- Suffolk County, including Boston, Brighton, West Roxbury, and Chelsea
- Essex County, including Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, and Saugus
- Middlesex County, including Cambridge, Somerville, and Newton
- Norfolk County, including Brookline, Dedham, and Quincy
Our knowledge of local courts, judges, and prosecutors in these regions helps us build stronger defense strategies tailored to each jurisdiction. No matter where your case is being heard, you can rely on the criminal defense attorneys at our law firm to guide you through the process with confidence and focus.
How We Build a Strong Defense
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we focus on developing a defense strategy that fits the unique details of your case. When facing a charge like Driving without a valid license, it’s critical to examine every aspect of the situation. Our team takes the time to:
- Review how and why the traffic stop occurred to ensure your rights weren’t violated
- Evaluate whether law enforcement followed proper legal procedures
- Analyze the accuracy and validity of the evidence presented
- Consider your driving and criminal history to identify opportunities for favorable outcomes
- Explore whether the charge can be reduced or resolved without a conviction
We take a thoughtful and strategic approach to each case, aiming to minimize the consequences and help you move forward with as little disruption as possible.
Schedule a Strategy Session Today
If you’ve been charged with driving without a valid license, don’t leave your future to chance. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson offers focused and practical defense for motor vehicle offenses across Massachusetts. Our team is ready to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you move forward. Contact us now to set up a strategy session and get started on your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is driving without a license a criminal offense in Massachusetts?
Yes. Under Massachusetts General Laws, driving without a valid license is a criminal offense and may result in fines, jail time, and a permanent record.
Can I go to jail for driving without a license in Massachusetts?
Yes, particularly for repeat offenses or if your license was suspended. Jail time of up to one year is possible under Chapter 90, Section 10.
What if my license just expired?
Even expired licenses can lead to criminal charges. A criminal defense attorney can help you argue for a reduced penalty or dismissal based on the circumstances.
Do I need an attorney for this type of charge?
Yes. A conviction can carry long-term consequences, and having a skilled Massachusetts defense attorney can significantly improve your outcome.
Will this charge affect my ability to get a license in the future?
Possibly. A conviction may complicate your ability to apply for or renew a driver’s license, so it’s important to address the case properly with legal guidance.