Under Massachusetts law, the RMV, Registry of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts will suspend a Massachusetts driver’s license upon conviction of any drug offense listed within the regulations, 540 CMR 20.03. A conviction on a charge such as possession of any illegal narcotics, such as cocaine, heroin, carries a one year loss of license.

Drug offense convictions resulting in one year loss of license.

• Possession of cocaine,
• Possession of heroin
• Possession of any Class A, B, C or D substance.

The Registry considers a conviction as a guilty finding and currently does not treat a CWOF, continuance without a finding as a conviction for the purpose of issuing license suspensions regarding drug offenses.

Charges of possession with the intent to distribute narcotics, carry a substantial license loss. A charge of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana carries a two year loss of license.

Drug offense convictions resulting in two year loss of license:

• Possession with intent to distribute marijuana
• Sale of drug paraphernalia to a minor
• Uttering a false prescription
• Larceny of a controlled substance

Drug offense convictions resulting in three year loss of license:

A three year loss of license will result in any conviction of the following offenses:

• Possession of heroin with the intent to distribute
• Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute

Drug offense convictions resulting in four year loss of license.

A four year loss of license will result from any conviction of:

• Second or subsequent offense of possession of heroin, cocaine or any other class A,B or C substance with the intent to distribute.
• Second or subsequent offense of possession of cocaine.

Hardship eligibility following suspension of license for drug offense:

A motorist may be eligible for a hardships license following a drug offense suspension after one half of the license suspension period has expired.

If you committed a drug offense and need to apply for a hardship license, call Attorney DelSignore immediately.