Massachusetts Firearm Crimes Criminal Defense Attorney

Firearms charges are complicated. Any person facing a gun charge has an enormous amount at stake. As top criminal defense attorneys in Massachusetts, we have the skills, professional expertise, and proven experience to handle a full range of gun charges. Some of the most common firearms offenses in Massachusetts include:

• Possession of a Firearm—a “10(a) Offense.”  10(a) refers to the specific statute in Chapter 269 governing the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm. If you are caught possessing a firearm in public without an LTC or possessing a firearm in your home or business without an LTC or FID, then a conviction carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 18 months in jail and the potential of a state prison sentence. This type of charge is a felony.  If the Commonwealth prosecutes you under this section, a continuance without a finding is not available. 
• Possession of a Firearm—a “10(h) Offense.”  This is often called a “simple possession” case.  If you are caught in possession of a firearm without a proper license, there is no minimum sentence and it’s a misdemeanor offense with a maximum sentence of two years in the House of Corrections. 
• Possession of a Loaded Firearm—a “10(n) Offense.”  This type of offense is deals with what is called on and after time. If you are charged with a 10a Offense and the firearm is loaded, you can also be charged with possession of a loaded firearm. If you are convicted of this crime, you will be further punished for a sentence of not more than two and a half years in the House of Correction.  This sentence would not begin until after the expiration of the sentence for the 10a Offense.  Importantly, to be convicted of this crime, you must know that the firearm was loaded. 
• Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device.  A large capacity feeding device is one that holds more than ten rounds of ammunition to be fed continuously into a semi-automatic rifle or shotgun. Conviction under this crime carries with a state prison sentence of two and a half to ten years, with a minimum term of imprisonment of one year. 
• Possession of a Machine Gun.  The crime applies to machines guns or sawed-off shotguns.  A machine gun is a weapon from which a number of shots may be rapidly or automatically discharged by one continuous activation of the trigger. A sawed-off shotgun is any weapon made from a shotgun, if as modified, has a barrel less than 18 inches or an overall length of less than 26 inches.  Conviction under this statute is serious and carries with it a mandatory minimum sentence of 18 months, and a maximum sentence of life. 
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.  In this type of crime, if you are caught with a firearm during the commission of a felony, in addition to the penalty for that felony, you will be sentenced to an additional mandatory five-year state prison sentence. If that firearm is found to be a large-capacity weapon or machine gun, the sentence is a mandatory ten-year state prison sentence. 

In Massachusetts, certain individuals are exempt from the requirement to have a License to Carry (LTC) or a Firearms Identification Card (FID) in order to possess firearms. These exemptions include:

• Imitation firearm
• Signal device
• Federal firearms dealers if they are transporting or storing firearms
• Voluntary surrender of gun
• Ordinary shipping
• Target concession (think about shooting games at a carnival)
• Under 15 years old and under immediate supervision.  The person supervising the youth must have an FID or LTC
• For film, TV, or stage production if under the supervision of an FID or LTC holder
• Temporary instruction, examination, or firing in the presence of an LTC or FID holder
• Transfer to heir provided the recipient gets an LTC or FID
• Military or police
• Black powder rifles and shotguns
• Official veterans organizations
• Museums, provided the guns are unloaded and secured from unauthorized handling
• Bank collateral for a secured transaction
• Antique if manufactured before 1900

For non-Massachusetts residents, there are exceptions to the Commonwealth’s laws for the possession of rifles, shotguns, and ammunition. A non-resident may be able to rely on one or more of the following six exemptions:

1. You must meet the gun requirements in the state you live;
2. You must have a valid non-resident hunting license during hunting season; OR
3. Be at a shooting range; OR
4. Be traveling in or through Massachusetts with your gun unloaded and enclosed in a container; OR
5. Be at a firearms display organized by an existing gun collectors’ club; OR
6. Be 18 or older when buying a rifle or shotgun from a licensed firearms dealer provided that the buyer has a valid firearms license from his state of residence and that the licensing requirements in the buyer’s state are as stringent as the Commonwealth’s for an FID

Additionally, if you are a new resident to Massachusetts or released from any U.S. military, you may possess, but not carry in public, firearms, rifles, shotguns, and ammunition for 60 days.  A nonresident may carry a handgun in or through Massachusetts in order to take part in a competition or hunting excursion so long as the nonresident is a U.S. resident, has a valid LTC from another state, and has a hunting license.

There are also a wide range of different federal laws in place regulating firearms. Federal law imposes strict penalties for firearms offenses, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, trafficking in firearms across state lines, providing false information on federal firearms forms, and using a firearm during the commission of a federal crime. If you or a loved one is facing a federal charge for a firearms offense, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced defense lawyer.

Can I Own a Firearm in Massachusetts if I have a Criminal Record?

The answer depends entirely on the nature of your charge. Some people with criminal records can lawfully own a firearm. That being said, Massachusetts law prohibits individuals convicted of certain crimes, such as violent felonies, from owning firearms. If you are unsure, consult with a lawyer. 

Can I Challenge the Legality of a Search that led to the Discovery of a Firearm?

Yes. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures. If you were subject to an unlawful search, you always have the right to challenge that search in court. In some cases, evidence obtained in an illegal search may not be admissible into a criminal case. Contact a Massachusetts firearms defense lawyer to learn more. 

Should I Accept a Plea Bargain When Facing a Gun Charge in Massachusetts?

Whether or not you should accept a plea bargain when facing a gun charge in Massachusetts depends on the specific facts of your case, including the strength of the evidence against you and the potential penalties if you are convicted. It is crucial to consult with an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney who can evaluate your case, advise you on your options, and, if appropriate, negotiate with prosecutors for the most favorable plea agreement. 

How Massachusetts Gun Crimes Defense Lawyer Nate Amendola Can Help 

Massachusetts has some of the strictest, most comprehensive firearms laws in the country. Many gun crimes are charged as felonies. A conviction could cost you, your freedom because some firearms charges have mandatory jail time. . Our founder and lead criminal defense lawyer Nate Amendola is committed to personalized, results-focused legal representation. We are here to be your first call and your last call. When you reach out to our law firm, you will have an opportunity to consult with a Massachusetts firearms defense attorney who can: 

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the criminal charges; 
• Investigate the allegations, gathering evidence; 
• Represent you before police and prosecutors; and
• Develop a personalized defense strategy designed to get you the best outcome.

At Nate Amendola Defense, our Massachusetts gun crimes defense lawyers are standing by, ready to protect your rights. If you’ve been arrested on a gun charge, domestic violence, or assault, you should speak to an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. Be proactive. You can contact us online or call our office directly at 781-740-0800 to schedule your free consultation with one of our top-notch defense lawyers. With a law office in Norwell, we handle firearms charges throughout Massachusetts. We have been proudly servicing clients throughout Norwell, Massachusetts , and surrounding areas such as Plymouth, Barnstable, Nantucket, and more.