Immediate Threat Suspensions
When your license is taken away on the spot, you’ve just received an immediate threat suspension. After observing the operation of your motor vehicle on a given occasion, a police officer files a report. This report indicates their belief that continuing to allow you to drive will endanger the public. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will act immediately to indefinitely suspend or revoke your driver’s license or right to drive. The RMV then reviews the report and makes a determination as to whether you are in fact a public safety risk.
What to do after an immediate threat suspension
Immediate suspension of your driver’s license
You will not have a hearing on the matter before your license is suspended - the wheels will already be put in motion for suspension. (Statutory law provides, and courts have held, that these suspensions do not violate due process.)
If the Immediate Threat Complaint is related to a criminal case, for example a DUI or Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage, the RMV will not lift the suspension, nor allow you a hardship license, until the case is over.
After the criminal case
Even when the criminal case is over, and you appear for your Immediate Threat Hearing, the Registry may impose additional suspension time, require a substance abuse evaluation, assign you to a driver training program or to a road rage class.
The Registry may also require you to pass a written examination and full road test prior to getting your license reinstated, all depending on how long you have been without a license. There is a $500 mandatory reinstatement fee to clear a complaint immediate threat suspension. The Registry can basically do whatever they want, independent of your criminal case.
Your best defense
When you hire a lawyer who is skilled with respect to RMV hearings, like Attorney Rusconi, these additional sanctions can often be avoided. Sometimes, your suspension can be lifted entirely, well before the close of your criminal case. Consequently, if you have received notice of a Suspension for an Immediate Threat, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
The Law Office of Michael Rusconi has the experience and expertise to assist you in this type of situation. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options.