Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

What Do You Need to Know About Massachusetts Ammunition Laws?

 A fugitive was recently accused of armed robbery and assault. The man’s arrest came after law enforcement months of searching for him. At the time the man was taken in by law enforcement, a “ghost gun” was found on him. The 20-year-old was later arrested on warrants for armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, firearm offenses, and making threats. 

Law enforcement from the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and a detective unit for Essex County began searching for the man in the summer of 2020 by checking various addresses where he had lived and interviewing multiple sources. The man, however, could not be found. 

Law enforcement then learned about an address for the man on Fern Street in Lawrence. A woman allegedly answered the door at this location and provided a fictitious name. The woman was later identified as wanted for a warrant for narcotics distribution and arrested. 

The fugitive was then discovered and arrested. Law enforcement states that a gun was located next to the man in plain sight on television. While performing a search warrant later, law enforcement seized the weapon, which turned out to be a ghost gun modeled after a Glock P80. Ghost guns are untraceable firearms. Law enforcement also seized 17 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition, one 9mm round, and what appeared to be Xanax pills. Additional charges against the man are still pending. 

If you are facing ammunition-related charges in Massachusetts, there are some important details that you should remember.

Massachusetts Ammunition Laws

Some of the highlights of ammunition laws in Massachusetts include the following:

  • Massachusetts does not prohibit unreasonably dangerous ammunition

  • Massachusetts requires a firearm license to either purchase or possess ammunition

  • Massachusetts law prohibits selling or furnishing long gon ammunition to anyone under the age of 18

  • Massachusetts requires anyone who sells ammunition to obtain a license 

Penalties for Violating These Laws

If you are arrested by the police for the unlawful possession of ammunition in Massachusetts, you can end up facing some serious ramifications. Gun laws in Massachusetts should be taken extremely seriously. Under Massachusetts law, possessing ammunition is considered a criminal offense that can result in up to two years imprisonment as well as fines of up to $500. 

What Defenses Can be Raised to Ammunition Charges?

Some defenses that are commonly raised in response to charges involving ammunition include:

  • Being in the proximity of ammunition does not always equate to possession

  • At the time of the arrest, you were not aware that ammunition was on you

  • Law enforcement might have violated your constitutional rights while performing a search 

Obtain the Assistance of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

As soon as you are arrested, law enforcement begins to create various strategies to weaken your case. In these situations, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact Attorney Edward Molari today.