How a Motion to Suppress Preserved Our Client’s Freedom in a Gun Charge in Somerville District Court

Written By: Matthew W. Peterson

Published: 05/29/2025

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Gun Charge In Somerville District Court

When legal rights are at stake, the details matter. A recent case handled by Attorney Matthew Peterson on gun charge in Somerville District Court highlights how skilled legal defense can make all the difference between incarceration and freedom.

The Situation

Our client found himself in a difficult position after running out of gas on a Massachusetts highway. He pulled over and fell asleep while waiting for a friend to bring fuel. What happened next changed everything.

A state trooper approached the vehicle, knocked on the window, and upon seeing our sleeping client, opened the car door and ordered him out. During the subsequent search, the officer discovered a firearm and drugs. Since our client was from out of state without a Massachusetts firearms license, he faced serious charges in Somerville District Court.

Massachusetts Firearms Laws: What You Need to Know

Massachusetts takes firearms charges extremely seriously. If you’re found with a firearm outside your home or business without a proper license, you could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 18 months in the house of corrections—or even longer. These aren’t just warnings; they’re real consequences that can dramatically alter your life.

Our Approach

Concerned about his health and determined to avoid incarceration, our client contacted Attorney Matthew Peterson immediately after posting bail. After carefully reviewing the evidence, including the trooper’s body camera and dashboard camera footage, Attorney Peterson identified several potential legal issues with the stop and search:

The vehicle stop appeared unlawful
The order for our client to exit the car lacked proper justification
The search of the vehicle seemed to violate constitutional protections

We filed a motion to suppress, challenging the legality of the entire encounter.

The Legal Arguments

In court, the prosecution claimed the officer’s actions fell under the “community caretaking exception” – a rule that allows police to check on the welfare of motorists who might need help. Attorney Peterson disagreed and argued that:

Had the officer simply waited for our client to wake up, he would have realized no medical assistance was needed
Massachusetts law requires specific justification to order someone out of their vehicle during a traffic stop
The trooper’s own body camera revealed his real motivation: suspicion about the out-of-state temporary tag
The officer couldn’t have properly identified the substances in the car, even after close inspection at the station

The Outcome

In May 2025, the judge agreed with Attorney Peterson’s position. The court ruled that both the stop and the search of the car were illegal, and suppressed all evidence of the firearm and drugs. Without this evidence, the prosecution couldn’t proceed with their case. The result? Our client avoided an 18-month mandatory jail sentence and returned to his normal life.

What This Means For You

This case demonstrates an important principle: even when the situation seems hopeless, proper legal representation can identify constitutional violations that protect your rights.

If you’re facing firearms charges in Massachusetts, it’s critical to hire a firearms defense attorney who is deeply knowledgeable about Massachusetts law. Attorney Matthew Peterson understands the nuances of these cases and how to effectively advocate for your rights.

The difference between facing jail time and maintaining your freedom often comes down to having an experienced attorney who knows how to effectively challenge improper police actions. When your rights are protected, justice becomes possible.