Plymouth Gun Crime Lawyer
Massachusetts has some of the strictest firearm laws in the country, and a gun charge here can carry a mandatory jail sentence even for people with no criminal record. Many people facing these charges are not violent. They are hunters who didn’t realize their license had expired, travelers from another state who didn’t know Massachusetts law, or people who kept a firearm for protection without understanding the licensing rules.
Attorney Samantha Cremin is a Plymouth gun crime lawyer who represents people charged with firearm and weapons offenses throughout Plymouth County. She understands how frightening it is to face a possible mandatory minimum sentence, and she takes the time to learn how you came to be in this situation. Then she uses everything the law allows to protect your freedom and your rights.
Gun charges are often filed together with other offenses, like assault and battery or drug charges, and some begin with an OUI stop where police find a firearm in the car. Young people charged with weapons offenses may also need a juvenile defense lawyer.
What Gun Charges Does a Gun Crime Attorney in Plymouth Handle?
Attorney Cremin defends clients charged with:
- Unlawful carrying of a firearm without a license under M.G.L. c. 269, § 10(a)
- Possession of a firearm, rifle, shotgun, or ammunition without a Firearm Identification card under M.G.L. c. 269, § 10(h)
- Carrying a loaded firearm, which can add penalties under M.G.L. c. 269, § 10(n)
- Possession of a large capacity feeding device
- Improper storage of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm while subject to a restraining order
- Assault and battery by discharge of a firearm under M.G.L. c. 265, § 15E
- Possession of other dangerous weapons, such as certain knives
Is There a Mandatory Minimum Sentence for Carrying a Gun in Massachusetts?
Yes. Unlawful carrying of a firearm under M.G.L. c. 269, § 10(a) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 18 months in jail, even for a first offense. In most cases, a judge cannot reduce that sentence, suspend it, or continue the case without a finding. That is why the defense strategy in a gun case usually focuses on the evidence, the search, and the licensing questions, rather than on the sentence.
A gun crime lawyer in Plymouth can explain whether the charge in your case carries a mandatory sentence and whether a lesser charge may be possible.
How Did the 2024 Firearm Law Change Things?
In 2024, Massachusetts passed a major overhaul of its gun laws, Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024. The law changed rules around licensing, untraceable “ghost guns,” assault-style firearms, and where firearms can be carried. Some conduct that was legal before is now a crime, and some people may be charged under provisions they never knew existed. A Plymouth gun crime attorney who follows these changes can help sort out which version of the law applies to your case.
What Licenses Are Required to Own or Carry a Gun in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts requires a license from the local licensing authority, usually the police chief, to own or carry most firearms. The rules are found in M.G.L. c. 140, § 129B (Firearm Identification cards) and M.G.L. c. 140, § 131 (licenses to carry). An expired license, a license from another state, or a firearm kept in the wrong place can lead to charges. Attorney Cremin can also help if your license has been suspended or revoked after an arrest or restraining order.
What Are Common Defenses to Gun Charges?
Every case depends on its facts, but common defenses include:
- An illegal stop or search of your car, home, or person, which can lead to suppression of the firearm
- Lack of knowledge or control, such as a gun found in a shared car or apartment
- A valid license or exemption that applied at the time
- Problems proving the item meets the legal definition of a firearm, including whether it was operable
- Constitutional challenges based on recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions on the right to bear arms
Courts have been reconsidering some firearm licensing laws since the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. Whether those arguments help in a particular case depends on the facts and the charge, and a gun crime lawyer in Plymouth can evaluate them for you.
What Should I Do if I’m Charged With a Gun Crime?
- Don’t make any statements to police about the firearm, where it came from, or who it belongs to.
- Don’t consent to searches of your home, vehicle, or phone.
- Gather any license, permit, or paperwork related to the firearm, including out-of-state licenses.
- Follow all bail conditions, including any requirement to surrender other firearms.
- Contact a Plymouth gun crime lawyer immediately. The early stages of these cases matter a great deal.
Why Hire Sam Cremin as Your Plymouth Gun Crime Lawyer?
Sam Cremin knows how much is at stake when a mandatory minimum sentence is on the table. She approaches each gun case with urgency and close attention to detail, because small facts about a stop, a search, or a license can decide the outcome.
She also understands that most people facing firearm charges are not dangerous. She listens to your story with an open mind and treats you with respect, whether you made a licensing mistake or are facing a more serious accusation. In court, she is a determined advocate who challenges the Commonwealth’s evidence at every step. As a solo practitioner, she handles your case personally.
If you are facing a gun or weapons charge in Plymouth County, contact Attorney Cremin today. Fill out the online form to schedule an obligation-free, confidential consultation, or call to speak with her directly.