Fernndo Costa an illegal alien from Watertown tried to pay a $250 court fine with fake money. Costa, 24, was given a $250 in the Brighton District Court after he was arrested for driving without a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.
Costa took off running after the court clerk tested the money and learned it was counterfeit. Costa was caught a short time late. Because of his immigration status he was detained by ICE or Immigration and Customs Enforcement and faces deportation.
Illegal or undocumented aliens are not allowed driver’s licenses in Massachusetts. It was later revealed the Costa had been charged with unlicensed operation numerous times in the past. However, the maximum penalty or unlicensed operation in Massachusetts is a fine of $100. In this case, the court may dismiss a charge on an amount greater than the maximum penalty.
Attorney Patrick Donovan provides the best criminal defense in the Brighton District Court. Attorney Donovan has represented people charged with felony, misdemeanors and warrants in the Brighton Court. Attorney Donovan is a former prosecutor that has appeared in over fifty courts in Massachusetts.