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.

How DeGiacomo & Mikhlin Can Help

At DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, we understand the gravity of gun crime charges and how they can impact your life. Our attorneys are experienced in Massachusetts gun laws and have successfully defended clients in Boston, Brockton, and throughout the state. We take a detailed approach to each case, carefully investigating the circumstances of your arrest, the evidence presented, and any potential violations of your rights.

Here are some strategies we may use to defend your case:

• Challenging the Legality of the Search: Many gun charges arise from searches conducted by law enforcement. If the search that led to the discovery of the firearm violated your Fourth Amendment rights, we can file a motion to suppress the evidence.

• Questioning the Evidence: We will examine the evidence the prosecution plans to use against you, including how the firearm was discovered, the chain of custody, and whether the weapon was properly tested and identified.

• Proving Lack of Intent: In some cases, we may be able to show that you did not intend to use the firearm in a criminal manner or that you were unaware of its presence.

• Negotiating Plea Deals: In some cases, we can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges or penalties, especially if this is your first offense or if there are mitigating circumstances.

Contact DeGiacomo & Mikhlin for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been charged with a gun crime in Boston or Brockton, you need an experienced legal team to fight for your rights. At DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, we are committed to providing the aggressive defense you need to navigate the complexities of gun crime charges. We will work tirelessly to protect your future and secure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us begin building a strong defense on your behalf.

Call DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. now at (617) 941-3666 for your FREE Case Evaluation.