Massachusetts OUI Attorney Russell Matson's Hardship and Limited License Defense Information

Call (781)380-7730 for a consultation on your Mass Hardship License or OUI case.

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Massachusetts Hardship License Information

Thinking about getting your hardship license after an OUI conviction? Attorney Russell Matson is a hardship license expert who helps his OUI clients get their hardship licenses at Registry of Motor Vehicles hearing every week.

News: 4/1/04 Documentation Rules Change - As of this date, to secure a hardship license you need to have documentation of both employment and need. You must have a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating that you need a license to get to work. (Here is a sample letter). A pay stub is no longer enough. If you are self-employed, you need to provide articles of your business registration.

What is a Hardship License?

A hardship license (also sometimes know as a limited license, work license, day license or Cinderella license) is a limited use license that allows you to drive for 12 hours a day in order to get to and from work. It is available to individuals who have had their licenses revoked after a conviction or dispensation on a charge of OUI / DUI / Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, other other Massachusetts driving-related offenses. The Mass RMV mandates a minimum suspension period before a hardship application can be made, which varies depending on the reason for suspension.

How do I Get a Hardship License?

You must apply for a hardship license, provide all the necessary paperwork and documentation that you are eligible for a hardship license, and the appear before a Registry Hearings Officer. The hearing officers have a checklist of 9 different conditions that must be met in order to grant a Massachusetts hardship license for OUI or drug offenses, and 6 different factors for a Habitual traffic offender. Your chances of promptly receiving a hardship license can be greatly improved if a Massachusetts OUI attorney such as myself represents you at an RMV hearing. Call me at (781) 380-7730 for details on how to get help in securing your hardship license in MA.

Can I get a Hardship License after Refusing to Take a Breath Test (but before my case is resolved)?

If the registry suspends your license for refusal to take the breath test, technically you can appeal your license loss at the Registry and appeal the registry decision to the local district court. However, these appeals rarely, if ever work.

In practice, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will not issue a hardship license for refusing to take a breath test. They will only issue them for an OUI conviction/plea/CWOF, a drug conviction, or for Habitual Traffic Offender suspensions or after the criminal resolution of other related traffic and driving offenses.

I have a driver's license in another state. Can I get a hardship or work license?

Maybe, but it is entirely dependant on the rules of your state's DMV. I do handle plenty of Massachusetts OUI cases with out of state drivers, but I am not an expert in other state's licensing procedures. If I represent you on a Massachusetts DUI charge, I will try to help you with your license issues in other states.

The most common hardship license requests I've come across are:

Rhode Island: The DMV does not have a hardship license after a DUI conviction. Your only option would be to challenge the license suspension within 30 days of the incident.
New Hampshire also does not have any provisions for a restricted/work license.
The Connecticut DMV does have a special work permit provision for which you can apply.
Maine has a hardship license, but only after 60 days of a minimum 90 day license suspension penalty.
New York will give you a Conditional License in many cases, but the rules are complicated.
New Jersey does not have a hardship license.

Why Hire Russell Matson to handle your OUI and get you a Mass Hardship License?

I am a recognized authority on the subject of Massachusetts OUI Law and Hardship License rules.

I was recently interviewed on the Channel 5 News in Boston by Jorge Quiroga on how people successfully get a limited hardship license in Massachusetts.

I've been repeatedly consulted on and quoted in the media, including the Patriot Ledger on issues of Mass hardship license and OUI law. I represent my clients at registry hearings every week and successfully guide people through this process all the time.

If you need a hardship license, or have been charged with an OUI / DUI in Mass, you need experienced lawyer to fight for your rights. Call me for a free consultation on your case 24 hours a day at (781)380-7730. I'll offer you some free advice whether you decide to hire me or not, so you've got nothing to lose by calling. Call now.

Russell Matson, Attorney at Law
(781) 380-7730

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