Facing Gun Crime Charges In Boston? Work With A Lawyer That Does Not Compromise.

Massachusetts’ gun laws are exceptionally strict, and convictions for most gun or firearms-related offenses often carry mandatory jail or prison sentences. If you have been arrested and charged with a gun crime, your freedom and future may be at stake.

Attorney Lefteris K. Travayiakis has been providing aggressive advocacy for the accused since 2004. This extensive experience has given him a thorough understanding of Massachusetts gun laws, their consequences and the defense strategies that can mitigate them. At the Law Offices of Lefteris K. Travayiakis, P.C., he is ready to use this knowledge to fight tirelessly for your case. 

What Constitutes An Illegal Firearm In Massachusetts?

The definition of a firearm broadly includes:

• Pistols
• Revolvers
• Rifles
• Shotguns

It also covers certain components such as frames and receivers, whether loaded or unloaded. What makes these “illegal” depends on the specific circumstances of their possession and use, including whether proper authorization exists. This includes:

• Unlicensed carrying of a firearm
• Possessing ammunition without legal authority
• Carrying a loaded weapon
• Owning a high-capacity weapon
• Possessing an automatic weapon or a machine gun
• Removing or obscuring a gun’s serial number
• Failing to secure a firearm properly
• Acquiring a weapon with an altered serial number
• Possessing a weapon with an altered serial number during the commission of a felony

Even if you possess a Class A or Class B Firearms License, you can still face prosecution if you fail to properly store your gun or ammunition. For example, if you are stopped for a minor traffic violation and police discover a firearm or ammunition not being properly stored or transported, you could face charges. 

Another scenario might involve the Fire Department responding to your home and finding your gun or ammunition not in a locked container or without the proper locking device. You may also face charges if you fail to properly conceal your firearm from public view when carrying it. 

What Possible Penalties Could A Person Face If Convicted?

Massachusetts imposes some of the strictest gun crime penalties in the nation, often including mandatory minimum jail or prison sentences. The specific penalties for a gun crime conviction, in addition to any minimum mandatory sentences, depend on several factors. These include:

• The precise firearms crime charged
• Whether the firearm was used in the commission of another offense
• The defendant’s prior criminal history

If a person has previously faced gun crime charges, they could face significantly enhanced penalties under statutes such as the Armed Career Criminal Act or the Massachusetts Habitual Offender Statute. 

Are There Any Defenses Available For Gun Charges?

Every case is different. Depending on the facts and evidence of one’s case, there are ways to challenge the charges or seek a more favorable outcome. This includes:

• Challenging unlawful search or seizure: If law enforcement obtained the firearm through an illegal search that violated your constitutional rights, an attorney can file a motion to suppress that evidence
• Disputing possession or knowledge: The prosecution must prove the defendant knowingly possessed the firearm, so if the firearm was not found directly on the defendant – such as in a vehicle with multiple occupants or a shared residence, an attorney may argue that the defendant did not have control over it or was unaware of its presence.
• Lack of proper identification: Arguments can be made if police wrongly identified the defendant as the person who possessed the firearm

Attorney Travayiakis examines every case to uncover strategies for pretrial motions that could lead to evidence being excluded, charges being reduced or even a full dismissal. If the case does proceed to trial, attorney Travayiakis has a strong track record of pursuing and achieving “not guilty” verdicts, even in the most challenging situations.

Understand Your Options With The Help Of A Seasoned Gun Crime Defense Attorney

If you’re facing gun charges in Boston, understanding your legal position is crucial. Get in touch with the Law Offices of Lefteris K. Travayiakis today. Schedule your free consultation by calling 617-657-2333 or by sending a message through the contact form.