A Massachusetts Uniform Citation is the official term for a traffic ticket issued by law enforcement officers, including police officers and Massachusetts State Troopers, for traffic violations. Whether handwritten or increasingly, electronically generated, these citations can be issued for a range of offenses, from minor civil infractions to more serious criminal charges. It’s crucial to understand the type of citation you receive and the implications it carries.
Criminal Uniform Citations in Massachusetts
When a law enforcement officer believes a criminal traffic offense has occurred, they will issue a Criminal Uniform Citation. This citation will clearly indicate the criminal charge against the driver. You can identify a criminal citation by looking for a checked box near the bottom marked “CRIMINAL APPLICATION (See Instruction B on Back).” Unlike civil infractions, criminal traffic tickets require a court appearance and are handled with greater legal scrutiny.
A conviction for a criminal traffic offense can result in a criminal record, which can have significant long-term consequences. Therefore, if you receive a criminal uniform citation, seeking experienced legal counsel is paramount to protect your future. Firms like Caselden Law specialize in defending drivers against criminal traffic charges, aiming to avoid convictions through strategies at Clerk Magistrate Hearings and post-arraignment.
Common examples of Criminal Uniform Citations include charges for:
- Operating Under the Influence (OUI) / Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Operating with a Suspended or Revoked License
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Hit and Run)
- Reckless Driving
- Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
It’s vital to act quickly if you receive a Criminal Massachusetts Uniform Citation. To preserve your right to a Clerk Magistrate Hearing where you can challenge the application for a criminal complaint, the citation must be filed with the District Court within just 4 days. Prompt action is essential to ensure your rights are protected.
Caselden Law offers defense services for all Massachusetts Uniform Citation charges on a flat-fee basis. Their experienced Massachusetts defense attorneys have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against criminal driving offenses throughout Massachusetts. Contact their office to discuss your case and receive a free, fixed-fee quote for legal representation.
Civil Uniform Citations in Massachusetts
If the traffic violation is considered civil, the Uniform Citation will differ significantly. A civil citation will specify a dollar amount for the infraction and will have the box marked “ALL CIVIL INFRACTIONS (See Instruction A on Back)” checked.
If you wish to contest a civil citation, you must formally request an appeal within 20 days of receiving the ticket. Once an appeal is requested and the required filing fee is paid, the District Court will schedule a Clerk Magistrate’s Hearing for the Civil Infraction. This hearing is the first step in a two-tiered appeal process. If either the driver or the police disagree with the Clerk Magistrate’s decision, a second hearing, known as a judge appeal, can be requested.
Civil Uniform Citations can be issued for a wide array of traffic infractions, with some of the most common including:
- Speeding
- Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign or Red Light
- Marked Lanes Violations
- Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
- Equipment Violations (e.g., broken taillight)
Many drivers underestimate the long-term consequences of a civil uniform citation. Paying the citation or being found responsible by the court results in the moving violation being added to your driving record. This can lead to increased insurance premiums for up to 6 years in Massachusetts due to the accumulation of insurance points. Furthermore, accumulating multiple “surchargeable offenses” can even result in a driver’s license suspension.
Given the potential impact on insurance costs and driving privileges, appealing a civil uniform citation is often a prudent decision. Caselden Law provides defense services for civil uniform citations across Massachusetts courts, all on a flat-fee basis. Contact their Boston Law Firm for a free case evaluation and a Flat-Fee Case Quote to understand your options.
Fighting Massachusetts Uniform Citation Charges
Whether you’ve received a civil or criminal uniform citation in Massachusetts, having an experienced attorney can be invaluable in navigating the legal process. From minor civil infractions to criminal misdemeanors, skilled legal advice from a Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Caselden Law has a proven track record of successfully defending clients against hundreds of Uniform Citation Charges in District Courts throughout Massachusetts. Their attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of Massachusetts traffic laws and will meticulously analyze the evidence against you to build a strong defense and achieve the best possible resolution.
All Massachusetts Uniform Citations at Caselden Law are Handled on a Flat-Fee Basis.
Contact their Boston Traffic Court Defense Firm Today for a Free Case Evaluation and Flat-Fee Case Quote.
