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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.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Ben Urbelis recently represented me in an OUI case in which I had crashed my car. I honestly did not believe I had any chance of beating it, but fortunately for me Ben was outstanding and all charges were dropped. In my first hearing he was calm, assertive and straight to the point. I was extremely impressed and satisfied. I left my hearing feeling confident that I had made the right choice of hiring him. I am positive I would have lost this case and walked away with an OUI if I hadn't. I am very happy with how he handled my case and how reassured I felt having him as my lawyer." MC
★★★★★
"Benjamin Urbelis, an attorney with Urbelis Law LLC, took our call late in the evening when we needed him. Benjamin explained the legal process in a manner that we could understand and provided the legal representation needed to clear up the issue immediately. His experience and credentials were evident in the way in which he handled all of the details of our case and achieved complete success. Thank you Benjamin for your professionalism and wise counsel." FB
★★★★★
"Huge thank you to not only my friend, but my lawyer,Ben Urbelis..I presented him with a case that at first was a bit tricky on paper... but we worked hard together and got all information we needed to prove i was innocent! He knew from the get go a year ago that he was gonna smash this case, and he did!! Cant thank you enough man! If anyone needs a lawyer, hes your guy... no question" PB