What is operating without a license?
Operating without a license is a fairly common criminal offense. Oftentimes, the offense involves someone whose license lapsed or never had a valid US license. Generally speaking, when these cases come to court an attorney will be able to negotiate a dismissal. Usually the District Attorney requests some level of monetary fine. The case will often resolve quickly and without a conviction. Some complications to an easy one-day dismissal are if the offender had prior violations.
Is driving without a license a crime?
Yes, operating a motor vehicle without a license is a criminal offense and not a civil motor vehicle infraction.
Are there exceptions to driving without a license?
The following is a list of the seven exceptions:
- Licensed in another state or country applied for a Massachusetts license; but not yet given a drivers test, and issued a 60-day temporary permit by the Registry of Motor Vehicles
- Possesses a valid Massachusetts learner’s permit
- Licensed in another state and who is accompanying a spouse who is a member of the armed forces on assignment to Massachusetts
- A member of the armed forces on active duty who has a license issued by the state of his or her domicile
- A member of the armed forces within 45 days of returning from active duty outside the United States who has a license issued by the armed forces in a foreign country
- Nonresident licensed in the state or country where the vehicle is registered; not more than 30 days in the aggregate annually or beyond 30 days after acquired a regular abode or place of business within Massachusetts unless Massachusetts liability insurance requirements met
- Nonresident licensed in the state or country of his or her domicile; if it grants reciprocal privileges to Massachusetts residents, but for not more than 30 days in the aggregate annually or beyond 30 days after acquiring a regular abode or place of business within Massachusetts, unless Massachusetts liability insurance requirements met
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH OPERATING WITHOUT BEING LICENSED, AND YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER WORKING ON YOUR SIDE TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS, PLEASE CONTACT CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY WILLIAM J. BARABINO.
CALL 781-393-5900 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR AVAILABLE DEFENSES.
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