As part of the process to obtain a hardship license in the state of Massachusetts, you are going to need to attend a Registry or Board of Appeal hearing. This hearing is really the key to the entire case, as it is going to be your opportunity to present your argument to the Registry or the Board regarding why you deserve and should be granted a hardship license.
Making your argument in a clear and convincing fashion is the best opportunity you have to be approved. While there are no guarantees of approval no matter what kind of argument you make, it is in your own personal best interest to prepare properly for this important appearance. With that in mind, obtaining the services of a lawyer for Registry hearing may be a wise decision.
The DIY Approach
To be sure, you do not have to hire a lawyer in order to attend a Registry hearing. While you do have the legal right to representation if you so choose, you are also free to represent yourself if you feel so inclined. Unfortunately, there are some potential issues with the DIY approach that may reduce your odds of reaching a successful outcome.
Related: Hire A Lawyer Before Your Board of Appeal Hearing
- A lack of experience. It’s very likely that this is your first time attending a Registry or Board of Appeal hearing, so you may be a little nervous about the process. Also, you will not be familiar with how it works or what to expect, which may also make things more challenging. Even if you do a good job of planning your arguments ahead of time, your lack of experience in this setting may cause you to have difficulty outlining your case in a clear and convincing fashion.
- Poor preparation. If you decide not to hire a lawyer for this process, are you going to do a good job in planning ahead and being ready for your hearing? Having a lawyer for your Registry hearing does more than help you on the day of the hearing – it helps you in advance by holding you accountable and forcing you to prepare. Also, at the Board of Appeal legal rules apply and the Registry is represented by a competent and experienced attorney. It usually does not make sense to go up against the Registry’s lawyer without your own attorney.
- Access to insight. An experienced lawyer who has been through many previous Registry and Board of Appeal hearings will be able to offer you valuable insight as you get ready to go through the process. He or she will be able to answer questions you may have, and help you understand what points are important to highlight as you state your case.
There are certainly instances where people have succeeded by going solo into their Registry hearings, so we don’t mean to make it sound impossible. However, it can be a bit overwhelming for someone who is unfamiliar with the process, and with so much on the line, hiring a lawyer for your Registry or Board of Appeal hearing is an attractive option.
Taking It Seriously With A Lawyer for Registry Hearing
If you’ve already been living without a driver’s license for some time, you know how frustrating it is to feel stuck in your home. There are other options to get out of the house – public transit, rides from friends – but nothing is quite like being able to start up your own car and drive away. While obtaining a hardship license is not the same thing as having your full driver’s license, it is a big step in the right direction. Retaining the services of a lawyer means you are taking this process seriously and doing what you can to maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Those who do manage to be successful in their pursuit of a hardship license may not immediately regain full-time driving privileges, but they will have a much easier time keeping up with day to day life. Things like driving to work, going to the grocery store, etc., become much more manageable when you have a hardship license in place. It is worth taking the step to find a lawyer for Registry hearing simply because of how much you stand to gain if you walk away successful.
Take Away Some Pressure
Knowing that it will be a big help to actually secure a hardship license, you may feel some pressure to get through this with a positive outcome. Of course, feeling pressure and being nervous about getting through the process isn’t really going to help you in the end. Rather, you just need to be organized, prepared, and ready to state your case. A lawyer will help you take the emotional side out of the picture while focusing simply on what you need to do to position yourself for approval when all is said and done.
It isn’t required to hire a lawyer for Registry hearing, but it should be clear by now that it is a good idea for a number of reasons. If you would like to learn more about what we can offer, or if you would like to schedule a meeting, please contact us right away to get started.