Law enforcement in Springfield recently arrested four men and seized an illegal firearm and cocaine after executing a search warrant at an apartment. The arrests occurred after detectives investigating the illegal possession of firearms were granted a warrant to search the apartment. A firearm was later found to have been tossed out of the window during the search.
Law enforcement later recovered the firearm as well as 133 rounds of ammunition, an empty magazine, approximately five grams of cocaine, and $451 in cash. Various charges have since been brought against the four men including possession of a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of ammunition without an FID card, and improper storage of a firearm.
If you are a Massachusetts resident charged with a firearm offense, it is easy to feel uncertain or overwhelmed about what the future holds. One of the best first steps you can take is to speak with a skilled criminal defense lawyer.
Massachusetts Firearm Laws
There are various laws in Massachusetts dictating firearm usage. Some of the most common firearm offenses with which people in the state are charged include:
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Knowingly possessing a loaded or unloaded firearm outside your home or place of business or without the required firearm license.
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Possessing an illegal weapon like a machine gun or sawed-off shotgun.
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Carrying a shotgun or rifle on a public way.
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Possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.
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Carrying a loaded firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Illegally discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling without the owner’s permission.
Even if you are not aware of the offense at the time of the violation, you can still end up facing serious penalties.
Responding to Firearm Related Offenses
If you are convicted of a firearm charge in Massachusetts, all is not lost. Instead, there are many ways to respond to these offenses. Some of the most common defenses used to respond to these charges include:
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That you were someplace else at the time the firearm offense occurred
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You did not own the firearm in question and it instead belonged to someone else
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You had the necessary registration to carry the firearm in such a manner
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You were subject to improper police tactics. This might include insufficient Miranda warnings, illegal searches or seizures, or the violation of other Constitutional rights
It can be difficult to determine which defenses can be raised in response to a firearm charge, which is why the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer often proves critical.
Speak with an Experienced Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are charged with a firearm-related offense in Massachusetts, you have options. A skilled criminal defense attorney can review your case and create a strong legal strategy to respond to these charges. Contact attorney Edward R. Molari today to discuss your charges during a free case evaluation.