Do you need to drive everyday for work? Are you worried about what will happen after a 1st offense OUI charge?
You need a hardship license. Most of the time, I am able to assist my clients in getting one.
I am a Registry of Motor Vehicles hardship license expert. I help OUI clients get their hardship licenses at RMV hearings nearly every week.
What is a Hardship License?
A hardship license is a limited driver’s license that allows you to drive for a period of 12 hours a day in order to get to and from work. For example, you could chose the hours of 7am to 7pm for your hardship license to be valid.
It is available to people who have had their licenses suspended for an OUI (Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs), and other driving-related offenses after the criminal charges are dealt with and over, usually via a plea deal.
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 appear before a Registry Hearings Officer.
I generally go with my clients to the hearings to make sure everything goes smoothly. But most of the work is in getting all the paperwork exactly right before we get to the hearing.
The hearing officers have a checklist of 9 different conditions that must be met in order to grant a work license for OUI or drug offenses, and 6 different factors for a Habitual traffic offender.
To secure a hardship license, you need to have documentation of both employment and need. (Here is a sample letter).
You must have a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating that you need a driver’s license to get to work. A pay stub is not enough.
If you are self-employed, you need to provide articles of your business registration.
In most cases, I am able to assist my clients in getting a hardship license withing 7 to 10 days of the conclusion of an OUI case. That is the time that it takes the courts to process the paperwork and send it to the Registry. The registry hearings officer has to have the criminal charge resolution already in his or her computer.
Your chances of promptly receiving a hardship license can be greatly improved if an attorney such as myself helps you through this process, and represents you at an RMV hearing.
Call me at (781) 380-7730 for details on how to get help in securing your hardship license. I can talk to you about the exact details of your situation and need, since there can be a lot of variables.
Can I get a Hardship License after Refusing to Take a Breath Test (but before my case is resolved)?
Probably not. 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 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 ( or plea/CWOF), a drug conviction, or for Habitual Traffic Offender suspensions or after the criminal resolution of other related traffic and driving offenses.
Can I get a hardship license after a 2nd Offense?
No, if you failed or refused the breath test, and were convicted of a 2nd offense OUI, you aren’t eligible for a hardship license for 3 years.
Why Hire Russell Matson?
I am a recognized authority on the subject of driver’s license and Hardship License rules.
I have been 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 surrounding hardship licenses. My firm represent our 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, 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
