MASS. LICENSE FRAUD SUSPENSIONS

Using facial recognition and cross-matching technology, the Registry of Motor Vehicles has been generating a substantial number of indefinite license revocations for COMP FRAUD LIC/ID. The Registry imposes these indefinite suspensions whenever the Enforcement Services Unit, which is made up of RMV officials and State Troopers, has reason to believe that the crime of license fraud occurred.

If you received a letter from the Registry’s Enforcement Services Unit accusing you of license fraud, you should contact a lawyer. The penalties for presenting fraudulent documents and information in Massachusetts are severe. Pursuant to G.L. c. 90 § 24B, procuring or attempting to procure a Massachusetts learner’s permit, a license to operate motor vehicles, or a RMV identification card is a felony which carries a sentence of up to 5 years in state prison.

Providing false information to obtain a permit, license, or ID is also a felony which carries a sentence of up to 5 years in prison. Falsely impersonating another person to obtain license, permit, or ID is also a felony and it may constitute the crime of identity theft, which is in addition to the separate crime of license fraud.

It is a crime to attempt to obtain a license, permit or ID and this crime is complete as soon as false information is provided. It does not matter whether the false information resulted in the issuance of a license or not. Providing a false social security number is a criminal offense, even if you provide your true name and date of birth.

In addition to any criminal penalties, license fraud will result in the automatic suspension of your driver’s license or right to operate, even if no criminal charges are filed.

The Registry detects license fraud in a variety of ways such as facial recognition and cross-matching information provided with the U.S. Social Security Administration. If you have received a letter from the Registry regarding license fraud, you should contact a lawyer to discuss your case and options. I have successfully handled a large number of Massachusetts License Fraud cases.