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Fighting Traffic Tickets

In Massachusetts, if you have received a traffic ticket, don't procrastinate in deciding how you will respond. You have a maximum of 20 days from the issuance date of the ticket to file an appeal. Although it may seem obvious, if you wish to fight the ticket, be sure to check off the appeal box on the ticket and mail back in a timely fashion. If you pay any amount of the fine, the RMV will deem the payment an admission of guilt and you will no longer be entitled to a hearing.

Steps To Fight The Ticket

If you do choose to fight the ticket, before mailing in the ticket with the "appeal" box checked, take a few minutes to examine the ticket. Perhaps there are inconsistencies on the ticket or it incorrectly identifies important information like your sex, color, the location of the alleged offense and the date/time of the alleged offense. These are all potentially important pieces of information that may be used in your defense.

Next, be sure to understand and record what exactly you're being cited for on the ticket. At this point, you should consider retaining an experienced traffic lawyer to represent you and discuss your rights and options. Traffic attorneys know the laws, the court procedures, and how to maximize your chance of success. Be sure to observe the statute under which you were cited, the method used to determine you were in violation of the statute (ie, a radar gun vs. estimated/posted for issuing a speeding ticket).

Know that in Massachusetts you essentially have "two bites at the apple." When you appeal, you are first scheduled a clerk's hearing in front of a clerk-magistrate. If the clerk can be persuaded to dismiss the ticket, you will be found not responsible and the case will be over. Sometimes, the clerk may offer to reduce the ticket, but you will still be found responsible for insurance surcharge point purposes and surchargeable events purposes. If you are found responsible, you may choose to appeal the clerk's finding in front of a judge. For the hearing in front of the judge, the officer that issued the ticket is required to appear. Nearly always, if the officer fails to appear, your citation will be dismissed by the judge. If the officer does appear, at full hearing, where you can cross examine the officer and offer evidence on your behalf, will be conducted.

Work With An Attorney

If you have been issued a traffic ticket that you wish to fight in Massachusetts, call the successful, experienced Boston traffic lawyers at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. at 617-225-2100. We have successfully represented clients in every court in the Commonwealth and will dedicate our full dedication and zeal to your case.


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I hired Peter as my attorney for a very complicated case involving misidentification for an A&B case. Peter set expectations from day one and stuck to his plan. The case ended up going to a jury trial. Peter was thoroughly prepared and was able to prove the misidentification and won the case with a not guilty verdict on all counts… I would highly recommend the Bellotti Law Group to anyone who needs a lawyer. Matt
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Peter Bellotti is an outstanding lawyer. I am a professional who has never been in trouble with the law and I was arrested and charged under some very unfortunate circumstances. I was devastated and talked to numerous different high-rated criminal defense attorneys. Among them Peter Bellotti stood out, he seemed to genuinely care about my case and fully understand my concerns about my reputation… My case was dismissed and I would recommend him to anyone who needs top quality legal representation. Anonymous
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I am an anxious person by nature and when I was arrested last year I thought that my life was over. The charges were very serious and I felt helpless, devastated and embarrassed…After explaining the circumstances that led to my arrest, Attorney Bellotti told me that "the charges, while serious, were defensible…” Peter was the 4th lawyer that I met with and I am so lucky to have had him on my side. I will always be grateful to Peter and I would highly, highly, highly recommend him to anyone looking for an intelligent, creative, determined and skilled attorney. Michael
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Peter Bellotti successfully managed not one, but three complex legal situations for me. He combines superb legal insight and instincts with unrelenting energy and authentic compassion in the service of his clients. Finding him was was one of the most fortunate events of my life. Talk to him before deciding on an attorney. Anonymous
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