Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle

If you have been charged with Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, the law firm of Dudley Goar, Attorney at Law, is here to assist you. Police officers often include this charge when citing a driver for other motor vehicle offenses, such as speeding or Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol. Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 90, Section 24(2)(a) negligent operation is defined as operating a vehicle in a way that could potentially cause harm to others or their property.

While the charges may seem daunting, the Commonwealth must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction:

1. The defendant operated a motor vehicle;
2. The defendant did so in a public area, or a place where the public has access;
3. The defendant operated the vehicle in a negligent manner that could reasonably endanger the lives or safety of the public.

Possible defenses to this crime include the following:

• Emergency Situation: If you can demonstrate that you were reacting to an emergency situation and had no other reasonable choice but to act as you did
• Mechanical Failure: If the negligent operation was due to a mechanical failure in the vehicle that was unforeseeable and not due to your lack of maintenance
• Improper Police Conduct: If the police violate your state or federal rights during the arrest or investigation, the court may deem any evidence obtained as inadmissible.

A person convicted of Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle may face imprisonment from two weeks to two years, a fine ranging from twenty to two hundred dollars, or both.Your defense will greatly depend on the specific details of your case. At Dudley Goar, Attorney at Law, we are committed to providing a zealous defense to our clients. If you or someone you know is facing charges for Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, we encourage you to reach out to us at (978) 369-1505. We are here to help you navigate these challenging circumstances.