Item: DelSignore Law
Rating: 5
Author: Ashwani

Speeding Tickets in Massachusetts

If you have been pulled over and cited for speeding your first inclination may be to just pay the fine and put the situation behind you. This is not always the best option. If you pay the fine you are admitting guilt! This could affect your driving record for years and have a number of unintended consequences. These consequences may be avoided by appealing your ticket.

Why should I appeal my speeding ticket?

You should always consider appealing a speeding ticket in Massachusetts. A responsible finding on your driving record can have long lasting effects. If you pay the fine and admit guilt the speeding ticket will be entered onto your driving record. If you are an out of state license holder Massachusetts may also report it to your licensing state. This entry on your driving record can affect you in a number of ways including:

You may not be eligible for certain jobs such as Uber or Lyft
You may have to pay a large fine
Your insurance premium could increase
You may be subject to a license suspension as a result of an accumulation of offenses.
- If you have a number of speeding tickets or driving infractions in a certain period of time you may be required to complete a driver retraining course or be subject to a license suspension. Depending on your driving record the suspension can be from 30 days to 4 years.

These consequences may be avoided through a successful appeal. You should speak to an experienced attorney to assess your driving record and the circumstances that led to your ticket. You should speak to an attorney as soon as you receive the ticket because there are strict timelines in appealing.

What is the process to appeal my ticket?

Check the box on the back of the ticket requesting a hearing
Make a copy of the ticket for you and your attorney’s records
Put your name and address on the provided envelope and send it in with the $25 filing fee. If you were not provided an envelope mail the ticket to the registrar at the address indicated on the ticket.

If you decide to fight your Massachusetts speeding ticket you have only 20 days to appeal your ticket. If you don’t respond to a ticket within 20 days, you waive your right to a hearing and will be charged late and release fees in addition to your fine. In order to appeal you will need to complete the following steps:

Clerk Magistrate Appeal

Once your request has been processed and your court filing fee has been paid, the court will schedule your hearing and will notify you of the date and time of your hearing by mail. The initial hearing will be held in front of clerk magistrate in the district court. At that hearing, the police officer who pulled you over will likely not be present. Instead a police prosecutor will read the officer’s report and you will be given an opportunity to present your case. It is always helpful to have an experienced attorney with you at this hearing to present your case in the best light possible. The clerk may find you not responsible, reduce your fine or find you responsible. If you are found responsible you may appeal the clerk’s decision to the judge in the same court.

Appeal Before the Judge

If you appeal your ticket to the judge be aware there will be a full hearing in the courtroom. The officer who pulled you over will be present. He will testify, under oath, to his observations. You are able to cross examine the officer, present evidence of your own and make a statement on your behalf. It is strongly recommended that you have an attorney for this hearing. Cross examination is a specialized skill that attorneys develop over years. This hearing can be dauting for a person without courtroom experience. An experienced attorney will understand the legal defenses in your case and will be able to present them effectively to the judge. The attorneys at DelSignore Law have extensive experience in addressing driving offenses and will be more than happy to answer any questions about your appeal.

Do not let a speeding ticket ruin your driving record.

Call DelSignore Law anytime at 781-686-5924 to discuss your case.

★★★★★

Michael was very professional and explained the process clearly and told us to be patient. After one year the charges got dismissed in the trial. Excellent knowledge of the court systems in the area of Boston. Would highly recommend him Ashwani

A careless decision on my part left me facing charges which would have severely hampered my ability to stay employed and support myself. But attorney DelSignore's skillful analysis and challenging of the evidence against me resulted in a conviction on a lesser charge. Now I'll be able to go on with my life, having learned a lesson I'll never forget. Thank you, Michael. Scott

Mike stuck with my case for 3.5 years and always kept me informed regarding the status. Ultimately, because of his due diligence, we ended up with an OUI not guilty verdict. This case could have gone many ways but his thorough review of the case and exceptional preparedness for trial ultimately drove a positive outcome. Thank you Mike! David

Michael DelSignore did an amazing job with my case! He was always available to answer any questions I had and helped walked me through the entire process. I could not have done it without them! I highly recommend choosing this law firm to deal with your legal needs, you will not be dissatisfied. Ashley

I cannot express the gratitude towards Michael for his amazing work and help. It was a very stressful event and they certainly put me at as much ease as possible. From start to finish it took 14 months and all the way through they were both very engaged with me. Today was worth the wait, Michael was great in court and I was rightfully found not guilty. I would recommend Michael over and over again. Claire

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