A replica handgun was found on a teenager at a Boston school in November 2021. The teenager was carrying what appeared to be a pistol. The arrest occurred at Dearborn Stem Academy. The 14-year-old was arrested by school safety officers after they spotted him with a weapon placed in his waistband. The weapon that was found was not a gun, but instead was a BB gun that resembled a Glock pistol. The suspect was detained while law enforcement arrived at the scene. Officials determined that the teen was not enrolled in Dearborn Stern Academy or any other public school in the Boston area.
The teen charged with the offense currently faces charges involving possession of a firearm on school property as well as trespassing. The man is due in Boston Municipal Court.
A BB gun (or as it is sometimes referred to, a pellet or air gun) shoots a projectile through the use of compressed air. Massachusetts categorizes these weapons neither exactly the same as all firearms nor in the “dangerous weapon” category. Instead, the only restriction that Massachusetts places on pellet guns is an age-related one. This article reviews some of the important Massachusetts laws and ways the state addresses BB guns, which can come in handy if you are charged with an offense related to these guns.
The Use of BB Guns in Public Areas
Adults (or people over the age of 18) are permitted to own BB guns in Massachusetts freely. This means that people are not subject to any licensing or registration requirements. Discharging a BB gun across or from a public area, however, is prohibited by the state, though.
Age Restrictions in Massachusetts
Any person below the age of 18 in Massachusetts is prohibited from possessing a BB or pellet gun. People under the age of 18 who want to learn how to fire a pellet gun at a qualifying licensed firearm range must do so accompanied by either a parent or guardian. Minors in Massachusetts, however, are permitted to possess and use pellet guns if that individual has a hunting and sporting license as well as written permission from the chief of police in the area where that person resides.
The Repercussions of Firing a BB Gun in Massachusetts
A person who fires a BB gun in Massachusetts can end up facing a misdemeanor that is punishable by up to a $100 fine accompanied by confiscation of the weapon and even potential destruction of the firearm.
Contact a Firearm Defense Attorney
If you or a loved one is faced with a firearm offense in Massachusetts, you can end up facing serious penalties. One of the best steps that you can take in such a situation involves contacting an experienced firearm defense attorney who will remain committed to making sure that your case resolves in the best manner possible. Contact Attorney Edward R Molari today to schedule a free case evaluation.