One of the lesser known but significantly impactful consequences of a Massachusetts drug offense conviction is that you will lose your driver’s license. Under 540 CMR 20.03, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will suspend your driving abilities when you violate the Controlled Substance Law of the Commonwealth (M.G.L. c. 94C) or the controlled substance laws of any other state or country. Driver’s licenses can be suspended for one to five years depending on the drug conviction.
One-Year Suspensions
- Possession of any of Class A-E controlled substances
- Distribution of controlled substances
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (specifically devices used for administration of an injection)
- Selling drug paraphernalia
- Selling counterfeit or fake controlled substances
- Being present where heroin is kept
- Conspiracy to violate the Controlled Substances Act
Two-Year Suspensions
- Possession of a Class D or E substance with the intention of distribution, manufacturing or cultivating
- Selling drug paraphernalia to minors
- Larceny of a controlled substance
- Using a false registration number
- Uttering a false prescription
Three-Year Suspensions
- Second or subsequent conviction for possession of a Class D or E substance
- Possession of a Class A, B or C substance with the intention of distribution or manufacture
- Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, or manufacture
Four-Year Suspensions
- Second or subsequent conviction for possession of a Class A, B or C substance with the intention of distribution, manufacturing or cultivating
- Second or subsequent conviction for possession of cocaine
Five-Year Suspensions
- Convictions for trafficking, manufacturing, distributing or dispensing Class A, B or D substances
- Manufacturing, distributing, dispensing or selling to minors of Class A, B or C substances
- Drug violations committed in a school zone
- Convictions for inducing a minor to sell or distribute a controlled substance on your behalf
Once Suspension is Over, Getting Your License Back Costs Money
Once your suspension is over, your license is not automatically renewed. Instead, you have to pay a reinstatement fee, and cannot owe any outstanding payments to the courts or the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Early Reinstatement of Your Driver’s License is Possible
Once you have completed at least half of your license suspension period, you may make a written request to have your license reinstated early. If you have been cooperating with the registry, have served half of your suspension, have provided evidence that the behavior that caused you to lose your license in the first place is under control, and that completing the remainder of your suspension will cause you hardship, the registry will consider having an early reinstatement hearing for you. Reinstatement hearings are provided at the discretion of the registry.
Contacting a Massachusetts Drug Charges Criminal Defense Attorney
Losing your driver’s license can seriously impact your life. If you are facing drug-related charges, you need an aggressive and experienced drug offenses lawyer in your corner fight to get you the fair treatment you deserve. Our Attorney has represented numerous clients who are facing drug charges and she can help you. Please do not hesitate to contact Our Attorney immediately reaching out to her online.