Will I go to Jail for Gun Charges in Massachusetts

Written By: Matthew W. Peterson

Published: 11/12/2023

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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 charges. I have been successful in getting firearms charges dismissed, winning at jury trials, and even getting firearms suppressed. Call or text me today at 617-295-7500, and put me to work defending your case.

Can I be Held Before Trial for a Gun Charge?

Depending on the charge and your record, you could be held in jail pretrial before you’ve even had a chance to fight the charges. If you do not have a Massachusetts license to carry a firearm, you could be held without bail on dangerousness. Even if you have an LTC, you could go to jail for gun charges if you cannot afford bail.

Massachusetts has a wide range of gun laws. It can be easy for those with a license to carry to violate it, such as by improperly storing their firearm. If you have a license to carry and are charged with a crime, your LTC can also be suspended.

Can I Go to Jail if I’m Convicted of a Firearm Offense?

If you do not have a license to carry a firearm and are convicted of having a firearm outside of your home, you are facing a mandatory minimum of 18 months in jail. This means if you are convicted, you will go to jail for some gun charges. If you have prior convictions for violent or drug offenses, you could also be facing mandatory minimum jail time under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

Many other firearms offenses can carry jail time if you are convicted, but do not require jail time. You could be given probation or be sentenced to a suspended sentence.

How Can I Avoid Committed Time for a Gun Offense?

You can avoid jail for a gun charge by hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight your gun charges. I have won gun charges at clerk magistrate’s hearings, gotten firearms suppressed, won jury trials, and even convinced the district attorney to reduce gun charges and not impose jail time.

Massachusetts has some of the toughest gun laws in the country. If you are facing gun charges, you can be facing jail time both pretrial and if you are convicted. I am an experienced firearms attorney who represents people all across Massachusetts. Call or text me today at 617-295-7500, and let’s get started on your defense.