Facing an RMV License Suspension in Ma? Our Defense Team Is Ready to Step In
If you are dealing with a suspension or possible revocation of your driver’s license by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in Massachusetts, the stakes are high — and you need an experienced Boston RMV hearings attorney on your side. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we have offices in Boston and Salem and defend individuals throughout the Greater Boston area, including Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties. With more than 15 years of combined experience practicing law, our aggressive MA criminal defense attorneys take your case personally.
Why Your Case Requires a Criminal Defense Law Firm, Not Just Traffic Help
Even though a license suspension might sound like a mere administrative matter, it often overlaps with criminal charges or serious motor‐vehicle offenses. A motor vehicle offense can quickly escalate into significant consequences for your freedom, livelihood, and mobility. As a Massachusetts defense attorney firm experienced in RMV license suspension hearings, we understand how the RMV’s process and criminal courts intersect—and we treat your matter with the level of advocacy required.
The RMV’s “suspension hearing” process is governed under Massachusetts law, for example, as laid out in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 § 22. The statute provides that the Registrar may suspend or revoke any license or registration after due hearing or, in certain cases, immediately when required to protect public safety. That means your rights in those hearings are real — and if you do not mount a proper defense, you risk loss of driving privileges, higher costs, and other severe collateral consequences.
What We Handle
At our Massachusetts criminal defense law firm, we represent clients from Boston, Brighton, West Roxbury, Chelsea (Suffolk County), as well as Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus (Essex County), and further outreach into Cambridge, Somerville, Newton (Middlesex County), and Brookline, Dedham (Norfolk County). Our aggressive MA criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
- RMV license suspension hearings (administrative RMV hearings for suspensions or revocations)
- Challenges to motor vehicle offenses, including multiple moving violations, accumulation of surchargeable events, out-of-state suspensions, chemical test refusals, and public safety suspensions. For example, the RMV may suspend your license under certain surchargeable events rules: “3 surchargeable events in any 12-month period” or “7 surchargeable events in any 3-year period” trigger mandatory suspension/revocation.
- Appeals of RMV decisions and representation at hearings — the RMV rules allow you to request a hearing, bring evidence, and challenge suspension or revocation.
- Navigating the reinstatement process after a suspension: the RMV may require you to complete specific classes or programs before reinstatement of your license.
- Representation in court when a motor vehicle or criminal offense is tied to your driving privileges, because some suspensions are mandatory by law upon conviction of certain offenses.
Why Choose Our Massachusetts Defense Attorney Firm
You need more than general legal help — you need a team experienced in aggressive criminal defense and the RMV’s administrative process. Here’s how we serve you:
- Aggressive defense attorney representation: We don’t treat your case as a formality. We dig into the facts of your offense, previous driving record, RMV notices, hearing procedures, and explore all available defenses.
- Comprehensive advice across RMV and court processes: Many cases involve both administrative suspension and criminal aspects. A license suspension might be triggered by underlying criminal motor vehicle violations (e.g., DUI/OUI, refusal, hit-and-run) or accumulation of moving offenses. We coordinate both sides.
- Personal attention: Your case is not handed off to a paralegal team. We take your driving privileges seriously, and we build a strategy with you.
- Local presence in Boston and Salem: With offices in both Suffolk and Essex counties, we are accessible and familiar with the local systems, courts, and RMV hearings in Massachusetts.
- Proactive on behalf of your future mobility: License suspensions affect your job, family responsibilities, driving to school or work — we understand the urgency and act quickly to protect your rights and your ability to drive.
The RMV Suspension Hearing Process & What to Expect
When the RMV pursues a suspension or revocation, understanding the process is crucial. According to the RMV’s own guide, you can request a hearing at certain RMV Service Centers to appeal your suspension or revocation.
Key points include:
- The RMV conducts many hearings each week (about 1,000) on suspension/revocation matters.
- Some suspensions are immediate and indefinite if the RMV finds you pose an immediate threat to public safety.
- For out-of-state suspensions, Massachusetts may treat such a case as though the offense occurred in MA and can suspend your license until the out-of-state problem is resolved.
- If you accumulate multiple moving violations or surchargeable events, you can face mandatory suspension or revocation — e.g., 3 in 12 months or 7 in 3 years triggers action.
- After a notice of suspension is issued, you generally have the right to request a hearing within a designated timeframe. For example, under G.L. Chapter 90 § 22(b), notice must be mailed, and the operator must be informed of the right to request a hearing.
- If you lose the RMV hearings, you may face additional burdens (classes, reinstatement fees, longer waiting periods) to regain your license.
What Happens If You Don’t Respond?
Ignoring an RMV hearings notice or failing to engage with the process can lead to automatic suspension or revocation. You will lose the right to operate a vehicle, your license may be invalidated, and reinstatement becomes more difficult — involving required classes, higher fees, and additional delays.
In addition, driving while suspended can result in criminal charges or additional penalties. And because the RMV process can impact your criminal case (if one exists), you may be facing two fronts without the right representation.
What You Should Do Now
If you have received a suspension notice, been charged with a motor vehicle offense, or been notified by the RMV of a revocation or “immediate threat” suspension:
- Act quickly — there are deadlines to request RMV hearings and deadlines in criminal cases.
- Gather all documentation — notice letters, driving history, related criminal charges, out-of-state records, and any correspondence from the RMV.
- Engage a defense attorney experienced in RMV matters — because this is not just traffic court.
- Schedule a strategy session — Contact us now to set up a strategy session so we can review the details of your case, identify your driving record, evaluate your hearing options, and build a defense plan.
- Prepare for both RMV hearing and potential criminal defense — we will craft a coordinated approach covering both administrative and court processes.
Contact us now to set up a strategy session
When your ability to drive is in jeopardy, you cannot afford to treat the matter lightly. The RMV’s processes and Massachusetts law are complex, and the consequences of a suspension can ripple into your employment, your family responsibilities, and your freedom. The experienced team at the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is ready to serve you across Boston, Salem, and the surrounding communities. Our aggressive criminal defense attorneys in Boston will work diligently to defend your rights, examine your RMV and court records, and build a strategy to protect your driving privileges and your future.
Contact us now at 617-295-7500 to set up a strategy session — let’s review your case, discuss your options, and start protecting your rights today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of RMV license suspension hearings exist?
The RMV handles many types of suspensions — alcohol or drug-related, ignition interlock device requirements, chemical test refusals, junior operator suspensions, accumulation of offenses, out-of-state suspensions, court-ordered suspensions, or property damage claims.
Can I request a hearing with the RMV?
Yes. For many suspensions or revocations, the RMV allows you to request a hearing with a Hearings Officer at certain RMV Service Centers or via telephone for certain types of hearings.
What happens if I drive during my RMV suspension?
Driving with a suspended or revoked license can expose you to further penalties, including criminal charges, extended suspension periods, and increased costs for reinstatement. The risk is higher when motor vehicle offenses or alcohol/drug matters are involved.
What must I do to get my license reinstated after a suspension?
Reinstatement often involves paying fees (which may range depending on your case) and completing specific classes or programs such as the NSC/Massachusetts Driver Retraining Program, SCARR, driver attitudinal retraining, or drug/alcohol education as required by the RMV.
Does a suspension mean I cannot drive forever?
Not necessarily. Many suspensions are for a fixed period or until you satisfy certain requirements. But some suspensions are indefinite (for example, if you pose an immediate threat) or mandatory by law and may include longer wait times or additional hurdles. The earlier you act with proper legal representation, the more options you have.