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How Can a License Fraud Letter Impact Your Driving Privileges?
The ability to drive is a key aspect of life for many Massachusetts residents. Driving is crucial for accomplishing many daily tasks, from commuting to work and taking kids to school activities to reaching doctor appointments and visiting friends and family. Receiving a Complaint Fraudulent License/ID letter from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Enforcement Services Division (RMV) stating that your license has been indefinitely revoked can be an unwelcome shock. Handling the situation promptly with the assistance of a knowledgeable license fraud suspension lawyer can be vital for mitigating legal repercussions and long-term impacts on your driving privileges.
What is a License Fraud Letter?
A “COMP FRAUD LIC/ID” letter is sent when the RMV or the Massachusetts Special Investigations Unit believes fraud may have occurred on a driver’s license application. Because these are serious allegations, the RMV will suspend the recipient’s license until the matter is resolved through the court. Many incidents may trigger a fraud letter, including:
- Using someone else’s information to apply for a state ID or license
- Someone stealing and using your identity in an attempt to apply for a license
- Applying for a license by using a foreign ID that is not recognized by the RMV
- Registering a vehicle using someone else’s ID
Genuine mistakes or incidents outside of your control may result in a fraud claim. Regardless of the reason for the notification, it is critical to address the issue because the license suspension cannot be cleared without a scheduled hearing.
What Are the Potential Consequences of License Fraud?
License fraud in Massachusetts carries severe consequences, both legal and administrative. It is considered a felony under state law, punishable by up to five years in state prison and potential fines. As noted above, the RMV will automatically suspend all licenses involved in the fraudulent transaction, and your license may be indefinitely revoked for “COMP FRAUD LIC/ID.” You’ll be required to attend a hearing with the RMV’s Special Investigations Unit to address the fraud allegations, and a $500 reinstatement fee may be necessary if your license is revoked.
The RMV will notify law enforcement and, if applicable, immigration authorities of your license suspension. A fraud letter may lead to issues when applying for an adjustment of status, so addressing the complaint in a timely fashion is extremely important to avoid challenges in the immigration process.
Beyond the immediate penalties, a felony conviction for license fraud can have long-lasting impacts on various areas of your life, including employment opportunities, eligibility for financial aid, voting rights, and the right to possess a firearm. It’s important to note that even if the fraudulent activity occurred years or decades ago, the RMV can still take action against your license using facial recognition software to uncover past fraud. Mounting a strong defense to these accusations is vital to protecting not only your right to drive but also your future opportunities.
What Should You Do if You’ve Received a Fraud Letter?
Once you’ve received a COMP FRAUD LIC/ID letter, it’s crucial to take prompt action. The first step is to stop driving immediately if you currently have a license. While this is inconvenient, if you are pulled over while your license is suspended, your legal difficulties will be multiplied and penalties could be increased. By contacting a knowledgeable license fraud attorney as soon as you receive your letter, you can work to get the issue resolved as quickly as possible and potentially limit the disruption to your life and finances.
The next action you must take is to schedule a hearing with the RMV’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) at 10 Park Plaza in Boston. Walk-in appointments are not available for these hearings; they must be scheduled in advance. When scheduling your hearing, you must submit all requested documents, such as your license fraud letter, passport, birth certificate, social security card, and proof of address. Any documents in a foreign language must be appropriately translated before submission. While you are not required to have a lawyer to schedule a hearing, it can be highly beneficial to have a legal advocate during the process who understands the state’s complex laws and can fight for your best interests.
What Occurs at a License Fraud Hearing?
During the hearing, a Hearings Officer will question you about the alleged fraud and attempt to determine your true identity. Your lawyer can be present and will prepare you for what to expect during questioning so you can confidently approach the hearing. You’ll be required to present extensive documentation to prove your identity. The hearing officer will then review the evidence of license fraud, which may have been detected through facial recognition software or other means.
The potential results of a license fraud hearing in Massachusetts can vary depending on the outcome of the investigation. If you successfully prove your identity and explain the situation to the satisfaction of the Registry Hearings Officer, your license may be reinstated. If the hearing officer is not satisfied with the evidence presented or explanations given, your license suspension may remain in effect indefinitely.
In severe cases, the hearing may lead to criminal charges, as license fraud is considered a felony under Massachusetts law. Even without criminal charges, your license may be suspended for 60 to 180 days if it’s determined that false documents or information were provided to obtain a Massachusetts Driver’s License or Identification Card. However, if your license remains suspended, you may have the option to appeal to the Board of Appeal of the Division of Insurance for potential hardship relief or early reinstatement.
How Can an Experienced Massachusetts License Fraud Attorney Assist With Your Case?
Due to the potentially serious ramifications involved, consulting with a license fraud attorney is essential if you’ve received a “COMP FRAUD LIC/ID” letter from the RMV. Even if the alleged fraud was related to misidentification or another misunderstanding, the issue will not resolve itself without taking action and scheduling a hearing.
Receiving an indefinite license suspension for a fraud accusation can be extremely stressful and disruptive to your life, but you do not have to face this challenge alone. The Law Office of Brian Simoneau is well-versed in handling Complaint Fraudulent License/ID letters and can help you determine your next steps and support you throughout the hearing process. Contact our firm today at 508-665-2995 to discuss your case with a dedicated attorney who is prepared to fight for you!
