Defacing Firearm Serial Number

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Section 11C punishes anyone who removes, defaces, alter or obliterates the serial number contained on a firearm with imprisonment in the House of Corrections for not less than 1 month and up to 2.5 years.

In order to be convicted of the crime of Defacing a Firearms Serial Number, the prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt:
  1. That the item in question was a firearm;
  2. That the defendant knew that it was a firearm; and
  3. That the defendant intentionally removed, defaced, altered obliterated or mutilated in some manner a serial or identification number on the firearm.
Massachusetts law mandates that all firearms bear a serial number permanently inscribed on a visible metal area.  For purposes of the crime of Defacing a Firearm's Serial Number, the prosecutor is not required to prove that every part of the number was physically damaged, but only that some part of the number was intentionally removed or destroyed.

Boston Criminal Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis has extensive experience in defending persons charged with Gun / Firearms Crimes, and he can help explain and protect your legal rights.

To schedule a Free Consultation and to discuss your Gun / Firearms Case with Attorney Lefteris K. Travayiakis, Contact Us Online or call 617-325-9500.