Defending a Firearm or Weapons Charge in Massachusetts

Charged With a Gun Crime in Massachusetts?

Speak With a Boston Gun Charge Lawyer Immediately.

Massachusetts has some of the strictest firearm laws in the country. A weapons charge is not a minor offense — many gun-related crimes carry mandatory minimum jail sentences, even for first-time offenders.
If you are facing a firearm or weapons charge in Boston, you need immediate legal representation. Les cabinets d'avocats d'Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley defend individuals accused of gun crimes throughout Boston, Suffolk County, and surrounding Massachusetts courts.

A conviction can mean mandatory incarceration, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent felony record.

Massachusetts Firearm Laws Are Strict — And Prosecutors Pursue Them Aggressively

• Under Massachusetts law, it is illegal to:
• Carry a firearm without a valid License to Carry (LTC)
• Possess a firearm without proper licensing
• Carry a loaded firearm without authorization
• Possess a firearm with an obliterated serial number
• Carry a firearm in a school zone
• Possess certain prohibited weapons

Even technical violations can result in felony charges. Many firearm offenses fall under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269.

Do Massachusetts Gun Charges Carry Mandatory Minimum Sentences?

Yes. Many firearm offenses carry mandatory minimum jail sentences, meaning a judge may have limited discretion to reduce the penalty.

Examples may include:

• Carrying a firearm without a license
• Possession of a loaded firearm
• Subsequent firearm offenses
• Firearm offenses connected to drug crimes
• Mandatory minimums can require months — or years — of incarceration.

This makes early, strategic defense critical.

Common Gun Charges We Defend in Boston

Les cabinets d'avocats d'Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley defend clients charged with:

• Unlawful possession of a firearm
• Carrying a firearm without a license
• Possession of ammunition without an FID or LTC
• Assault with a dangerous weapon
• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
• Improper storage of a firearm
• Large capacity firearm offenses

Many of these cases arise from traffic stops, vehicle searches, or street encounters with police.

How Firearm Charges Often Begin: Traffic Stops & Searches

Many gun cases begin with:

• A motor vehicle stop
• A stop-and-frisk
• A search of a vehicle
• A search warrant execution
• A probation search

The legality of the stop and search is often the most important issue in the case.

If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights, evidence — including the firearm — may be suppressed. If the gun is suppressed, the case may collapse.

Challenging Illegal Searches and Seizures

We carefully review:

Whether police had reasonable suspicion to stop you
Whether probable cause existed to search
Whether consent was valid
Whether a warrant was properly issued
Whether the search exceeded its lawful scope

If your firearm was discovered during an unconstitutional search, we may file a motion to suppress the evidence. Gun cases are often won or lost on these constitutional issues.

Collateral Consequences of a Firearm Conviction

A firearm conviction in Massachusetts can result in:

• Mandatory incarceration
• Permanent loss of firearm rights
• Felony record
• Immigration consequences
• Loss of professional licenses
• Enhanced penalties for future charges

Because of the long-term impact, gun charges should never be treated casually.

Defense Strategies in Massachusetts Weapons Cases

Every case is different, but potential defenses may include:

• Illegal stop or unlawful search
• Lack of knowledge or constructive possession issues
• Improper firearm classification
• Licensing misunderstandings
• Ownership disputes
• Evidence chain-of-custody issues

Massachusetts firearm law is highly technical. Even small statutory nuances can significantly impact the outcome.

Pourquoi choisir les cabinets d'avocats Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley ?

Firearm cases demand serious, strategic defense. At The Law Offices of Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley, we understand how Suffolk County prosecutors approach gun cases — and how judges evaluate suppression motions and bail requests.

We work to:

• Challenge unlawful searches
• Attack weak evidence
• Seek dismissal where appropriate
• Negotiate favorable outcomes when possible

Protect your constitutional rights at every stage Early intervention is critical in cases involving mandatory sentencing exposure.

 

---

Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Charges in Massachusetts

Can I go to jail for carrying a gun without a license in Massachusetts?
Yes. Carrying a firearm without a valid license may carry a mandatory minimum sentence.

What if the gun was found during a traffic stop?
The legality of the stop and search must be evaluated. If the stop was unlawful, the evidence may be suppressed.

Does Massachusetts recognize out-of-state gun permits?
Generally, no. Massachusetts has strict licensing requirements that may not recognize permits from other states.

Can a firearm charge be reduced or dismissed?
Depending on the facts, defenses involving suppression motions, licensing issues, or evidentiary challenges may lead to dismissal or reduction.

 

---

Call a Boston Gun Charge Lawyer Today

Gun charges in Massachusetts are serious felony matters. Many carry mandatory minimum sentences and long-term consequences that can affect your freedom and your future.
If you are under investigation or have been arrested for a firearm offense in Boston, contact The Law Offices of Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley immediately.

Do not discuss your case with police. Do not consent to additional searches. Protect your rights from the start. Call today for a confidential consultation.