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In Massachusetts, strict laws govern firearms possession, distribution, carrying, and use. Violating these laws can result in severe consequences, including potential imprisonment and fines. If you face charges for a gun offense in Worcester County or elsewhere in Massachusetts, turn to Geraghty Law.
Understanding Massachusetts Gun Laws
Massachusetts strictly regulates the possession, transportation, and use of firearms. Violating these laws can lead to serious criminal charges. Common firearm-related offenses include:
- Possession of an unlicensed firearm
- Carrying a firearm without a license
- Carrying a rifle or shotgun in a public place
- Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a residence
- Carrying a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Firearm charges can also increase the severity of other criminal offenses. For example, possessing a firearm while committing a drug offense may result in enhanced penalties.
Massachusetts Gun Licensing Laws
In Massachusetts, most individuals must obtain a license before legally possessing or carrying a firearm.
Class A License to Carry (LTC)
A Class A license allows individuals to:
- Possess large-capacity firearms
- Carry concealed firearms
- Carry handguns, rifles, and shotguns
A firearm is considered “large capacity” if it includes:
- Assault-style rifles
- Shotguns capable of holding more than five shells
- Handguns or rifles capable of holding more than ten rounds
- Semiautomatic firearms with large-capacity feeding devices
Class B License
A Class B license allows individuals to possess and transport non-large-capacity firearms, but does not allow concealed carry of a loaded handgun.
Firearms Identification (FID) Card
An FID card permits individuals to possess:
- Non-large-capacity shotguns
- Non-large-capacity rifles
Who Cannot Obtain a Gun License in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law generally prohibits firearm licenses for individuals who:
- Have felony convictions
- Have been convicted of domestic violence
- Have been convicted of violent crimes
- Served a two-year sentence for certain misdemeanors
- Have convictions related to controlled substances
Licensing restrictions can make otherwise legal firearm possession a criminal offense.
Gun Crime Penalties in Massachusetts
Gun crime convictions can come with hefty consequences. Penalties include:
- Possessing an illegal firearm, such as a machine gun, carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 18 months that could extend to life in prison.
- Possessing a firearm without a license could lead to up to 2 years in jail and a fine of $500.
- Carrying a gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol could result in two and a half years in jail and $5,000 in fines.
The sooner you start with Geraghty Law, the sooner we can begin building your defense and protecting your rights. The state vigorously prosecutes these offenses, and you need an experienced gun crimes attorney in Worcester to fight back aggressively.
How Geraghty Law Can Help
At Geraghty Law, we understand that facing gun crime charges in Worcester County is daunting. Our team will thoroughly investigate the charges and look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Whether challenging a search’s legality or questioning the evidence’s validity, we work tirelessly to craft a solid defense.
Protect Your Rights With an Experienced Gun Crimes Attorney
Facing firearm charges can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face the criminal justice system alone. Geraghty Law provides strategic criminal defense for individuals charged with gun crimes throughout Worcester County and across Massachusetts. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and begin building your defense.
