Criminal Traffic Violations

Respected Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer Helping Boston Drivers Keep Their Licenses

Not all traffic offenses are simple tickets. In Massachusetts, some driving-related violations are classified as criminal offenses, meaning they can result in arrest, jail time, and a permanent record—not just a fine or points on your license. If you’ve been charged with a criminal traffic violation, treating it like a minor issue could be a costly mistake. At the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, we help clients across Boston fight back against these serious allegations. As a Boston traffic ticket lawyer with over 27 years of experience, Attorney Murphy understands how to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.

What Makes a Traffic Offense “Criminal” in Massachusetts?

A criminal traffic violation is any driving offense that carries the potential for incarceration or a criminal conviction on your record. These cases often begin with a routine traffic stop, but unlike civil infractions, they can lead to arraignment, court appearances, and even jail time.

Common criminal traffic offenses in Massachusetts include:

• Operating under the influence (OUI)
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Operating to endanger (reckless or negligent driving)
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle
• Attaching wrong plates
• Refusing to stop for police

If you’ve been cited or arrested for any of these, it’s not just a traffic matter—it’s a criminal case, and the consequences can follow you well beyond the courtroom.

Consequences of a Criminal Traffic Conviction

Many people are surprised to learn how seriously the Massachusetts courts and RMV treat criminal traffic violations. A conviction can result in:

• Jail or house of correction time (even for first-time offenses)
• Probation with strict conditions
• Permanent criminal record
• Lengthy license suspension or revocation
• Substantial fines and fees
• Significant hikes in insurance premiums
• Job loss or barriers to employment (especially in transportation or security roles)

A criminal conviction on your driving record may also affect your eligibility for hardship licenses, commercial driving privileges (CDL), or immigration status if you’re not a U.S. citizen.

How a Boston Traffic Ticket Lawyer Can Help

Criminal traffic cases move through the system pretty fast. In many cases, you’ll receive a court summons or be arraigned shortly after your citation or arrest. But just because you’ve been charged doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. With an experienced Boston traffic ticket lawyer on your side, you can push back against assumptions and raise compelling defenses designed to minimize or even eliminate your responsibility.

For example, depending on the scenario, Attorney Patrick J. Murphy can:

• Represent you at a clerk magistrate’s hearing (if you’re eligible) to prevent charges from being issued
• Challenge the legality of the traffic stop or arrest
• Identify errors in the citation or arrest report
• Cross-examine the officer or other witnesses
• Negotiate a reduction to a civil infraction or non-criminal resolution
• Help you avoid jail and preserve your driving privileges

In some cases, Attorney Murphy may be able to keep the charge off your record entirely through dismissal, diversion, or pretrial probation.

Avoiding a Conviction Through a Clerk Magistrate’s Hearing

If you’ve been cited for a criminal motor vehicle offense but not arrested, you may be entitled to a clerk magistrate’s hearing—sometimes called a “show cause” hearing. This is a key opportunity to prevent charges from being formally filed. These hearings are informal but highly strategic. With the right arguments, you may be able to avoid a criminal complaint entirely.

Attorney Murphy regularly represents clients at clerk’s hearings in Boston and surrounding courts. His goal is to resolve the issue early—before it ever becomes a public criminal case.

Protect Your Future by Reaching Out to Our Boston Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Unlike a civil ticket, a criminal traffic charge won’t go away by simply paying a fine or completing a course. Once a conviction appears on your record, it can’t be erased easily. That’s why early legal action is so important.

Attorney Patrick J. Murphy brings decades of courtroom experience to every case, giving you the insight and advocacy you need to fight back effectively.

If you have a court date for a criminal traffic violation in Boston, call the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy at (617) 367-0450 today. Don’t let one mistake derail your future—get the defense you need from a proven Boston traffic ticket attorney.