Improper Storage of a Firearm

Massachusetts Gun Laws, per Chapter 131L, Section (a), make it unlawful for any person to store or keep any firearm, rifle or shotgun unless the weapon is secured in a locked container OR equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device. 

The 'safety device' must be properly engaged so as to render the firearm inoperable by any person other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user.

A conviction of this gun law for improperly storing a firearm could subject the person to 1 year imprisonment for firearms that are not 'large capacity weapons'; and for not less than 1 year nor more than 10 years in state prison in the case of a large capacity weapon or a machine gun.

For those persons that are charged with Improper Storage of a Firearm and who are not properly licensed to possess firearms, penalties are greater:
  • Imprisonment not less than 1 year nor more than 10 years in the case of a firearm that is not a large capacity weapon; or
  • Imprisonment not less than 2.5 years nor more than 10 years in the case of a firearm that is a large capacity weapon.
Under Massachusetts Gun Laws, a firearm is defined as "a pistol, revolver or other weapon...loaded or unloaded, from which a shot or bullet can be discharged..."

Boston Criminal Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis has significant experience in defending persons charged with Massachusetts Gun Crimes, including Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Possession of a Loaded Firearm, and is available 24/7 for consultation.

To schedule a Free Consultation, Click Here to Contact a Boston Gun Crimes Lawyer or call 617-325-9500.