Driving with suspended licence

What is the name of your state? Mass.

Hello,

I was pulled over about a month ago for having out of date registration (which I was aware of). The officer tells me that my licence has been suspended for over 2 years, due to an unpaid speeding ticket. I thought I had paid the ticket but dont have any proof....needless to say I was unaware that I was driving with a suspended licence and never recieved any notice saying it was suspended. This is a serious offence in Mass with a minimum $500 fine and up to 10 days in jail and possible suspension of licence??? I was lucky enough that the officer didnt put me in handcuffs when I was pulled over...also, my record is absolutely clean and Ive since paid the ticket, got my licence back and renewed my registration. I have to go to court next week to deal with this...
My questions:
1) Is plea bargaining going to be available to me and if so, what kind of settlement should I expect? How do I go about it?
2) With no record and this suspension not being related to alcohol/drugs, is it possible I will do jail time???
3) Will my licence be suspended or revoked?
4) Do I need a lawyer?
5) Can I use the fact that I never recieved notice of my suspension as a defense?
Thanks a bunch in advance for your advice!!

[porcelina68]

If it is anything like it was here, when you go to court, a public defender or attorney will speak with you, so, make sure that you take proof that you paid the ticket, and of course your driver's license, and you won't even have to go in front of the judge. (I was pulled over once, and warned. Pulled over a second time, and arrested.)

Here in Indiana, they basically just want to see that you have corrected the offense in that kind of situation.

[JETX]

Originally Posted by edpappas

Is plea bargaining going to be available to me and if so, what kind of settlement should I expect? How do I go about it?

A plea deal may be offered, depending on the evidence against you. If you are waiting for the prosecutor to call you and offer, quit waiting. If you want to find out if they are interested, call them.

With no record and this suspension not being related to alcohol/drugs, is it possible I will do jail time???

It is ALWAYS possible to do jail time on any criminal charge. The chances of it happening to you depend largely on your history, the court and your actions.

Will my licence be suspended or revoked?

Based on your post, probably. If you want to minimize that happening, get an attorney.

Do I need a lawyer?

If you want the best possible chances of a plea or sentencing/fine, yes.

Can I use the fact that I never recieved notice of my suspension as a defense?

You can certainly try to, but it won't affect anything. I am sure that the state will say that you were notified and probably even have a copy of the letter. Whether you got it or not, is another matter. Especially if the address is different on your license.

Thanks for the help****************************