Massachusetts legislation was recently passed to ease the transition for those convicted of drug offenses under the 94C Controlled Substance Act, to re-enter society, hold employment and care for their families by repealing the automatic suspension of drivers licenses and a subsequent $500 reinstatement fee for all drug convictions.
The new legislation, effective March 30, 2016, repeals an ineffective and unfair law that made it harder for those who have paid for their mistakes to re-enter society. Approximately 7,000 people in Massachusetts had their license suspended last year due to a drug conviction even if that conviction had nothing to do with the operation of a motor vehicle. That’s 7,000 people who cannot drive to their jobs and miss court dates and rehabilitation meetings, making it harder for them to rejoin their families and their communities.
This new legislation advances the Commonwealth\’s attempt to take important steps to battle substance abuse and reexamine our criminal justice system. This will provide opportunity for those convicted of drug offenses and who have served their time to re-enter society, find and keep a job and support their families. Removing this significant barrier to re-entry reduces the prospects of recidivism as individuals continue treatment or recovery and gives them a better chance at getting back on their feet.
If you were convicted of a drug offense in Massachusetts and lost your license, you may be eligible for reinstatement under this new law. Please contact our law office to discuss your case with an experienced RMV attorney.
