Fall River Firearms Offense Lawyer

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Trusted Firearms Offense Attorney in Fall River, MA

You have the right to a firearm, but there are restrictions on that right. You must follow the restrictions on owning, possessing, or carrying a firearm or ammunition, but these requirements can be complex. If you have been charged with violations of these regulations, or you face more serious charges of using a firearm in the commission of another crime, you need a Fall River firearms offense lawyer.

Ellison Law LLC: Your Fall River Criminal Defense Lawyer

Getting a legal defense helps you protect your gun rights and your future, because firearm offenses can lead to jail or prison time. At Ellison Law LLC, we work entirely in criminal defense and have years of experience navigating cases throughout Massachusetts. Firearm laws are complex, and the support of an attorney can help you make sense of the regulations and what you are charged with.

It can be overwhelming to face criminal charges, especially if it is a serious criminal offense. The team at Ellison Law LLC offers unwavering and compassionate legal representation. We have handled many firearm offense cases. We can help you navigate cases in the Fall River District Court and the Bristol County Superior Court.

Types of Firearms Offenses in Fall River

Weapons offenses can range from possession and gun license issues to using a firearm in a violent offense or felony. In 2025, firearms were used in 14.2% of aggravated assaults and 6.1% of sexual assault offenses in Fall River. There were also 67 weapons law violation arrests the same year in the city.

Some common firearms offenses in Fall River include:

  • Carrying a firearm: You need a license to carry a firearm, regardless of whether it is unloaded or loaded. If you knowingly have a firearm in your possession or have it under your control in a vehicle, you are not in your home or place of business, and you are without a license, you could face a minimum of 18 months to two and a half years in jail.
  • Possession of a firearm: To own or possess a firearm at your place of business or your home, you need a license or firearm identification in Massachusetts. Without this, you could face up to two years in jail and a fine up to $500.
  • Possession of ammunition: Ammunition includes any bullets, propellants, cases, primers, or cartridges used in a firearm. Possession of ammunition carries the same penalties as possession of a firearm. In a case, the prosecution must prove that you possessed ammunition knowingly and did not have a license to possess it. The prosecution may also have to prove that you don’t qualify for one of the exemptions.
  • Improper storage of a firearm: A firearm has to be securely stored when it is not in your immediate control. Whether it is unloaded or loaded, the firearm has to be in a locked container or another similar safety device to prevent others from accessing the firearm.You could face between $1,000 and $7,500 in fines and up to 1 ½ years of imprisonment. Penalties are more serious if the firearm was a large-capacity weapon, semiautomatic firearm, or machine gun, and more severe if someone under the age of 18 had access to the firearm.
  • Possession or use of a weapon in a felony: If you commit or attempt to commit a felony offense with a firearm, there will be an additional minimum of five years of imprisonment added to a sentence. If the weapon was a machine gun or large-capacity firearm, then there is a minimum of ten years of imprisonment added to a sentence.

It is crucial that you hire a firearms offense lawyer if you are charged with a firearms offense, especially if it is a violent offense. Any of these offenses could result in serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and the loss of your firearm license or the right to have a firearm.

What Defenses Are Available for Firearm Offenses in Fall River?

The ideal defense will rely on your unique firearm offense case in Fall River, and an attorney can review your options. Potential defenses might include:

  • Lack of knowledge of the firearm for a possession charge.
  • Illegal search and seizure.
  • Other constitutional rights violations.
  • You did not have actual possession or control of the firearm.

FAQs

What Are the Rules for Guns in Massachusetts?

Generally, Massachusetts laws require you to have a permit to carry a firearm except in very limited circumstances, such as an heir who received a gun within 60 days of receiving it, or a member of the military or law enforcement during their official duties. Massachusetts also outlines firearm storage, safety training, sale, and possession identification cards. The state outlaws carrying a firearm while impaired or at certain locations.

Can You Carry a Loaded Gun in Your Car in Massachusetts?

You can only carry a loaded gun in your car in Massachusetts if you have a license to carry a firearm and the firearm is under your direct control. If you store the gun in your car, it must be securely stored in a locked container under your control. A gun being inside a car is not considered secure storage.

Can I Have an AR-15 in Massachusetts?

No, you cannot have an AR-15 in Massachusetts, as the state bans the buying and selling of assault weapons. Assault-style firearms include semiautomatic pistols, shotguns, and centerfire rifles with specific features like the ability to use a feeding device. A Colt AR-15 is explicitly listed as banned, as well as a copy or duplicate of the weapon.

Can I Lock My Gun in My Glove Box in Massachusetts?

If you have a license to carry a gun, and your glove box has an engaged lock, you can lock your gun in a glove box in Massachusetts. If you have been charged with a carry or possession offense after securing your firearm, it is crucial that you hire a firearm offense lawyer to protect your future and present evidence that you securely stored your firearm according to the law.

Hire a Firearms Offense Lawyer in Fall River

If you’ve been charged with a weapons violation or a felony alongside possession of a firearm, you need skilled criminal defense. Reach out to Ellison Law LLC today if you’re facing charges in Fall River.

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