What Criminal History Should I Disclose on my LTC Application?
Question 4 on the Massachusetts LTC application asks for your criminal history. Specifically, the question asks: “Have you ever been arrested or appeared in court as a defendant for any criminal offense?” This question has caused a lot of difficulty for my clients. How much of their criminal history should they discuss? What if the […]
Will I go to Jail for Gun Charges in Massachusetts
If you are arrested for a gun charge in Massachusetts, you could be facing significant time in jail. Massachusetts has some of the strictest firearms laws in the country. Firearms charges can mean detention prior to jail and mandatory minimum jail time if you are convicted. You should hire an attorney experienced in defending gun […]
Firearms Charges DISMISSED at Clerk’s Hearing in BMC Central
On September 15, 2023, Boston firearms lawyer Matthew W. Peterson successfully got firearms charges withdrawn at BMC Central at a clerk magistrate’s hearing. Our client was charged with bringing firearms from out of state and not getting a license to carry in Massachusetts. When police were called to his home for a potential domestic violence […]
What’s the Difference Between an LTC and an FID in Massachusetts?
The main difference between a License to Carry (LTC), and a Firearms Identification Card (FID) is the type of firearms that you can legally possess. If you have an LTC, you are given more freedom in terms of which class of firearm you can have in your possession. If you have an FID, you can […]
Massachusetts Gun Laws Apply to Those from Out of State
Massachusetts has some of the toughest gun laws in the country, and these apply equally to those from out of state. If you carry a gun into Massachusetts, you generally must have a license to carry from Massachusetts or face strict penalties. Carrying a firearm without a license in Massachusetts carries a mandatory minimum penalty of […]
Misdemeanor Plea for Out of State Client with Gun Charges
On August 7, 2023, we secured a misdemeanor probation plea for a client charged with carrying a firearm without a license. Our client was facing 18 months in jail as a mandatory minimum for carrying a firearm without a license in Massachusetts. Our client was from out of state and legally possessed the firearm in […]
Firearms Charges DISMISSED at Clerk’s Hearing in South Boston
On June 15, 2023, Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson secured a dismissal of firearms charges at a clerk’s hearing in South Boston Court. This means that the gun charges will not appear on our client’s records, and he faces no penalties for them. Our client was a legal gun owner from an open-carry state […]
What Could Cause a Gun License Suspension?
In Massachusetts, your gun license can be suspended if the licensing authority determines that you may be a threat to public safety. Below are some examples of circumstances that may cause your firearms license to be suspended: Misdemeanor domestic violence or assault arrest; OUI or other alcohol-related offenses arrest; A restraining order; Living in the same […]
What Is Improper Storage of a Firearm in Massachusetts?
The laws surrounding the crime of improper storage of a firearm are designed to prevent gun access to children and others who should not be handling a firearm, as well as the loss and theft of a firearms. This charge can apply even if you have a license to carry a gun. If you or […]
Attorney Matthew W. Peterson Selected as a 2022 Super Lawyers Rising Star
I am thrilled to announce that I have been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for the year 2022! Super Lawyers selects attorneys for this honor using a patented, multiphase selection process involving nominations, independent research on the nominated attorney, and peer evaluation. Verdicts, pro bono and community service, and experience, are just a […]