Attorney
A traffic ticket might feel like a minor inconvenience. You pay the fine and move on. But in Massachusetts, that decision can follow you. It can raise your insurance rates, add points to your license, and in some cases, threaten your job—especially if you have a commercial driver’s license.
Before you decide how to respond, it’s worth understanding what’s at stake. Some tickets are worth fighting. Others might not be. And if your case is happening in Worcester County, the process follows specific steps and timelines you need to know. Our Massachusetts traffic ticket defense attorney explains below.
What Really Happens When You Pay a Ticket?
In Massachusetts, traffic violations are either civil or criminal. Most common tickets—speeding, red light violations, or lane violations—fall under civil offenses. These don’t carry jail time, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.
Paying a ticket without appealing can result in:
Insurance Increases
Even a single speeding ticket can raise your premium. One study found rates jumped by more than 20% after a violation.
License Points
Massachusetts uses a point system. Too many violations in a short period, and you may find yourself with a suspended license.
Tougher Penalties Next Time
Prior citations make it harder to avoid conviction or reduced penalties in future cases.
Added Risk for Certain Drivers
Teen drivers and commercial drivers’ license (CDL) holders may face job-related consequences, license restrictions, or mandatory suspensions.
In short, paying the fine may be the quickest option, but it isn’t always the cheapest one long term.
When It Makes Sense to Fight Your Ticket
Not every ticket should be contested. But there are situations where it makes legal and financial sense to push back.
You may want to consider a hearing if:
- There’s a clear error on the citation, like the wrong location or license plate number
- The alleged violation was based on subjective judgment, such as an unsafe lane change
- You have evidence that contradicts the citation (dashcam video, witness statements, etc.)
- The incident involved unusual circumstances or equipment issues
Keep in mind that criminal citations, like OUI or operating with a suspended license, should always be taken seriously. These carry heavier penalties and require legal help right away.
How to Contest a Ticket in Worcester County
In Worcester County (and throughout Massachusetts), you have 20 days to either pay a traffic ticket or appeal it by requesting a hearing, and failing to respond results in late fees, release fees, and eventual license suspension. To appeal, you must pay a $25 filing fee and can do so either online (after waiting 10 days for RMV processing) or by mail to the Citation Processing Center in Boston, including the signed citation and payment made out to MassDOT. The court will schedule your hearing and notify you by mail, and if you’re found not responsible for all violations on your citation, you’ll receive a $25 refund within 90 days due to a federal court decision from 2017.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
At a Massachusetts traffic ticket hearing, a clerk-magistrate or assistant clerk-magistrate conducts the proceeding (either in-person or via Zoom), and formal rules of evidence don’t apply. Here’s what you can expect:
- The police officer who issued your ticket is not required to attend for civil violations – a police representative may present the ticket or report as evidence
- You can present your side with pictures, documents, or witnesses, and ask questions if the magistrate allows
- For civil violations, the magistrate decides if it’s “more likely than not” you committed the violation (no jury trial available)
- For criminal violations, the magistrate decides whether to issue a criminal complaint against you
After the hearing: If found responsible for civil violations, you must pay the assessment directly to the RMV within 20 days (not to the court), and you may be able to appeal the decision. Missing your hearing has serious consequences: for civil violations, you must pay the full ticket within 20 days or face substantial fees, while missing hearings for criminal violations results in a summons, potential arrest warrants, license suspension, and denial of government benefits.
What Can Help You Win a Traffic Ticket Hearing?
Clerk magistrates and judges look for preparation. If you show up with solid facts that support your case, your odds improve.
Evidence that can help:
- Dashcam video of the incident
- Photos of the area, signage, or road conditions
- Witness statements from passengers or others on the scene
- Vehicle repair records, especially if mechanical issues played a role
Additionally, if you have a vehicle that records data about your vehicle status and operation, that evidence can be used to help (or hurt) you if presented.
Why a Lawyer Can Make a Difference
You’re allowed to represent yourself at a traffic hearing. But for many people, having an attorney improves the outcome and lowers their stress levels.
A Worcester County traffic ticket lawyer can:
- Identify legal or procedural issues in the citation
- Present evidence and arguments clearly and effectively
- Negotiate for reduced penalties or dismissals
- Represent you in court so you don’t have to appear in person
At Geraghty Law, LLC, we handle traffic matters across Worcester County and know the local courts, personnel, and process. Our goal is simple: protect your record and minimize the fallout.
Thinking About Paying Your Ticket? Think Again.
Before you send in a check or click “pay now,” consider what the ticket could cost you down the line.
- Is this your first violation—or one of several?
- Are you at risk of losing your license or job?
- Can you make time to fight the charge or speak to a lawyer?
In many cases, the better choice is to fight the citation or at least speak with an attorney about your options.
Contact a Worcester County Traffic Ticket Attorney
Deciding on whether to fight a ticket is not one to be taken lightly, so if you’re not sure whether to fight your ticket, we can help guide you. Contact Geraghty Law, LLC today to schedule your consultation.
