Boston Gun Crimes Defense Attorneys

Former Prosecutors serving Boston and surrounding areas, including Brockton, Milford, and Hingham

Gun crimes in Massachusetts carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record that can affect your ability to secure employment, housing, or even maintain certain rights. If you’ve been charged with a gun-related crime in Boston, Brockton, or the surrounding areas, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is critical to protecting your rights and your future. At DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, we have years of experience successfully defending individuals facing gun crime charges, and we are committed to providing aggressive, personalized representation.

Understanding Gun Laws in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Violations of these laws can lead to harsh penalties, and even a first-time offense can result in jail time. The state requires individuals to have a valid license to carry (LTC) or firearm identification (FID) card to legally possess or carry a firearm. However, many gun crime charges stem from accusations of unlawful possession, carrying a firearm without a license, or involvement in criminal activities involving a firearm.

Common gun-related charges in Massachusetts include:

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm: Massachusetts law prohibits individuals from carrying or possessing a firearm without a valid license. Even if the firearm was not used in the commission of a crime, possession without the proper documentation can result in serious consequences, including up to five years in prison for a first offense.

Carrying a Firearm Without a License: Carrying a firearm outside your home or business without an LTC is a felony in Massachusetts, punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 18 months in jail.

Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony: If a firearm was used or present during the commission of another crime, such as robbery or drug offenses, the penalties increase significantly. This charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with the possibility of additional charges related to the underlying felony.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon: This charge applies when a firearm is used to threaten or inflict harm on another person. Assault with a deadly weapon is a felony offense that can result in up to 20 years in prison, depending on the severity of the incident.

Illegal Sale or Trafficking of Firearms: The illegal sale, distribution, or trafficking of firearms is treated as a serious crime in Massachusetts, often resulting in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. These cases are often prosecuted aggressively by state and federal authorities.

Consequences of Gun Crime Convictions

Convictions for gun crimes in Massachusetts can have long-lasting repercussions on your life. In addition to significant jail or prison time, the penalties for a gun crime conviction can include:

Fines: You could face fines ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the crime.

Loss of Rights: A gun crime conviction can lead to the permanent loss of your right to possess a firearm, vote, or hold certain professional licenses.

Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction will stay on your criminal record, affecting your ability to secure employment, housing, and education opportunities.

Probation or Parole: In some cases, gun crime convictions come with extensive probation or parole periods that restrict your freedom even after serving jail or prison time.