Operating a Motor Vehicle to Endanger (Negligent or Reckless Operation)

In Massachusetts, under MGL c. 90 s. 24, operating a motor vehicle operating to endanger, also known as negligent or reckless operation of a motor vehicle, carries the following potential penalties:

• 2 years in jail
• $200 fine
• 60 day license loss (minimum) up to 1 year license loss

Th charge of operating to endanger can arise from a variety of situations. If the police believe that you are the cause of any motor vehicle accident, you can be charged with this misdemeanor criminal offense. If you are observed to be driving erratically, you can be charged with this offense. Some of our clients have even been charged with this offense after being approached in the break down lane by a state trooper, and telling the trooper they had run out of gas. Whatever the case, this charge should be handled with the utmost care. In addition to the criminal penalties, your insurance will increase significantly with a conviction for this offense. Even a disposition short of a conviction, such as a CWOF, can have potential license loss consequences if you have other surcharges on your RMV driving record. Of course, a conviction for this offense will also stay on your CORI forever, which can have adverse effects for the rest of your life. If you have a job that requires driving, or that is subject to an RMV driver’s history check, it is essential that you contact a skilled defense attorney who handles these cases on a regular basis, both in the district courts and at the RMV.

If you have been charged with operating to endanger/ negligent operation/ reckless operation of a motor vehicle, contact our office immediately:(617) 830-2188

Please visitour sister website, massduidefenselawyer.com, which is dedicated exclusively to motor vehicle crimes.