Did you receive a ticket for a misdemeanor or bylaw violation that's been decriminalized? Find out how to respond to it.
- This page, Pay a ticket for a misdemeanor or bylaw violation that’s been decriminalized, is offered by
- District Court
- Boston Municipal Court
- Housing Court
- Massachusetts Court System
Pay a ticket for a misdemeanor or bylaw violation that’s been decriminalized
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What you need for Pay a ticket for a misdemeanor or bylaw violation that’s been decriminalized
In some cases, the court may treat a violation of a municipal ordinance, bylaw, or misdemeanor offense as a civil infraction, unless it's listed as one of the Offenses Ineligible for Decriminalization under G.L. c. 277, s.70C. The fine depends on the ordinance, bylaw, or misdemeanor law. If the ordinance, bylaw, or misdemeanor law doesn't provide a civil fine as a possible penalty, the District Court, Boston Municipal Court (BMC), or Housing Court may impose a fine of up to $5,000.
How to pay Pay a ticket for a misdemeanor or bylaw violation that’s been decriminalized
If the court proceeds with treating the violation as a civil infraction, the court won't appoint you a lawyer. If the court finds you responsible for the offense, you will be “adjudicated responsible,” instead of “found guilty,” and will not be sentenced to any time in prison. You may be ordered to pay restitution.
Downloads for Pay a ticket for a misdemeanor or bylaw violation that’s been decriminalized
Open PDF file, 9.82 KB,
Offenses Ineligible for Decriminalization under G.L. c. 277, s.70C
(English, PDF 9.82 KB)