Charged with Negligent Operation in Massachusetts? Our Criminal Defense Law Firm Is Here to Help
If you’ve been charged with Negligent Operation in Massachusetts, it’s critical to take the charge seriously and act quickly. With offices in Boston and Salem, the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson provides dedicated representation to individuals across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties. Whether you’re in Brighton, West Roxbury, Chelsea, Lynn, Peabody, or Cambridge, our criminal defense law firm offers thorough and strategic legal defense to protect your rights and your future.
At our law firm, you’ll find experienced criminal defense attorneys, including a former prosecutor, who brings valuable insight into how these cases are handled in court. We are known for being aggressive criminal defense attorneys who take the time to understand the details of each case. If you’ve been accused of a motor vehicle offense like Negligent Operation, we’re here to guide you through the legal process every step of the way.
Understanding Negligent Operation Charges in Massachusetts
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24(2)(a), Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle—also referred to as “Negligent Operation” or “Driving to Endanger”—is defined as operating a vehicle “carelessly in a way that could jeopardise public safety or lives.”
This charge is often brought in cases involving:
- Excessive speeding
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving)
- Weaving through traffic
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Aggressive driving behaviors
- Collisions or near-misses
While it may sound like a minor offense, Negligent Operation is a criminal charge, not a civil infraction. A conviction can carry serious consequences, including:
- A criminal record
- Fines and court fees
- Suspension of your driver’s license by the RMV
- Possible jail time (up to 2 years in a house of correction)
- Increased insurance rates
Why You Need a Massachusetts Defense Attorney for Negligent Operation Charges
Being charged with Negligent Operation doesn’t mean you’re guilty. The prosecution must prove that your driving posed a risk to public safety and that your behavior deviated from what a reasonable driver would have done.
As an established criminal defense law firm in Massachusetts, the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson provides experienced legal representation tailored to the facts of your case. Our team reviews every detail—police reports, dash cam footage, and witness accounts—to challenge weak or incomplete evidence and seek favorable outcomes.
We also understand how local courts in Boston, Salem, Cambridge, Brookline, and beyond handle these charges. Our in-depth knowledge of courtroom procedures and prosecutorial strategies helps us develop solid defense plans designed to avoid conviction or reduce penalties.
Serving Clients Throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we represent individuals facing Negligent Operation charges across several counties in Massachusetts. From our offices in Boston and Salem, our legal team is well-positioned to appear in courts throughout the region and respond quickly to developments in your case.
We regularly defend clients in, but not limited to following areas:
- Suffolk County – Boston, Brighton, Chelsea, West Roxbury
- Essex County – Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus
- Middlesex County – Cambridge, Somerville, Newton
- Norfolk County – Brookline, Dedham, Quincy
No matter where your case is based, we bring the same level of preparation, courtroom skill, and attention to detail. If you’re facing a criminal motor vehicle charge in one of these communities or nearby, we are ready to advocate for you.
Possible Legal Defenses for Negligent Operation
The best defense strategy for a Negligent Operation charge depends on the facts of your specific case. As your Massachusetts defense attorney, we focus on identifying weaknesses in the evidence and presenting a clear, strategic argument to challenge the charge.
Some potential defenses include:
- Lack of Negligence: We may argue that your driving did not rise to the level of negligence required by law. Not every mistake behind the wheel is a crime.
- Insufficient or Unreliable Evidence: We’ll examine whether the police report, witness statements, or dashcam footage are inconsistent, incomplete, or inadmissible.
- Improper Traffic Stop or Procedure: If your vehicle was stopped without a legal basis, or if proper procedures weren’t followed during the investigation or arrest, the case may be weakened or dismissed.
- Justifiable Circumstances: There are situations where what might appear as careless driving was necessary under the conditions, such as avoiding an unexpected hazard or reacting to another driver’s behavior.
- Reduction of Charges: If the evidence supports it, we may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charge to a civil infraction or secure a more favorable resolution without a criminal conviction.
Every case is different. Our approach is to listen carefully to your side, gather all relevant facts, and challenge the prosecution’s assumptions with a focused, fact-based defense. The goal is to protect your record, your license, and your future.
The Value of Working with the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we approach every case with preparation and focus. As a trusted criminal defense law firm, we don’t just look at your charge—we look at your life, your goals, and how this case might impact your future. Our team listens closely, investigates thoroughly, and fights aggressively in court when necessary.
We are not a one-size-fits-all law office. We take your case personally and seek resolutions that align with your best interests—whether that means negotiating a dismissal, securing a favorable plea, or going to trial.
If you’re facing a motor vehicle offense like Negligent Operation, let a skilled defense attorney guide you through this difficult time. With offices conveniently located in Boston and Salem, we are ready to meet you where you are and provide support tailored to your needs.
Contact Us Today to Set Up a Strategy Session
If you’ve been charged with Negligent Operation in Massachusetts, don’t wait to get help. These are serious charges that can lead to jail time, license suspension, and a criminal record that follows you for life. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson offers experienced, aggressive representation for individuals facing motor vehicle offenses throughout the region. Contact us now to set up a strategy session. We will evaluate the facts of your case and help you understand your options moving forward. Protect your future with a team that takes your case personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Negligent Operation a misdemeanor in Massachusetts?
Yes. According to Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 90, Sec. 24, Negligent Operation is a misdemeanor criminal offense.
Will I lose my license if I’m charged with Negligent Operation?
The Massachusetts RMV may suspend your driver’s license if you are convicted, and you may also face immediate suspension depending on the facts of the case. It’s important to consult a defense attorney immediately.
Can I go to jail for Negligent Operation in Massachusetts?
Yes. The court can sentence you to up to 2 years in a house of correction. However, many cases result in other forms of resolution, especially with the help of an experienced attorney.
What is the difference between Negligent Operation and Reckless Driving?
In Massachusetts, the terms are often used interchangeably in legal settings, but Reckless Operation is considered more severe. Both fall under the same statute.
What should I do after being charged with Negligent Operation?
Do not speak to the police or admit fault. Contact a criminal defense attorney right away to discuss your next steps and protect your rights.