Dedham Gun Crimes Lawyer

Gun and firearm charges brought in Dedham District Court range from simple licensing violations to serious felony possession charges carrying mandatory prison time. Many people facing these charges in Dedham are not career criminals — they are licensed gun owners, collectors, or first-time offenders who ran into one of the Commonwealth's strict, highly technical firearm laws. Attorney Michael DelSignore, who maintains an office in Dedham, represents individuals charged with firearm offenses in Dedham District Court and throughout Norfolk County.

Firearm cases often turn on how a case is handled at the earliest stages — the arraignment, the bail hearing, and early motions practice. Having an attorney who is familiar with how the Dedham District Court and the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office typically handle firearm cases can make a meaningful difference in how a case is approached from day one.

• Office located in Dedham, with regular appearances in Dedham District Court
• Over 20 years defending firearm and other serious criminal cases throughout Massachusetts
• Direct, hands-on handling of search-and-seizure and possession defenses in firearm cases

• Possession of a firearm without a Firearm Identification (FID) card or License to Carry (LTC)
• Carrying a firearm without a license
• Possession of a loaded firearm
• Unlawful possession of ammunition
• Possession of a large-capacity feeding device
• Firearm charges arising from a motor vehicle stop on Route 1, Route 128, or local Dedham roads

Massachusetts law imposes mandatory minimum sentences for many firearm offenses, including unlicensed carrying outside the home, which can carry a mandatory minimum sentence of one year regardless of the circumstances. Because these sentences are mandatory, prosecutors in Dedham District Court often have limited room to negotiate, which makes building a strong defense early in the case especially important.

A motion to suppress is frequently the most important defense in a firearm case. This can include challenging whether police had reasonable suspicion for a traffic stop, whether an exit order was justified, whether there was a legitimate safety basis to search a vehicle, or whether a search warrant was properly supported by probable cause. If the court finds the search unlawful, any firearm evidence recovered as a result may be suppressed.

The Commonwealth must prove that a specific person knowingly possessed the firearm. When a firearm is found in a vehicle with more than one occupant, it can often be argued that a particular person did not know it was present or did not have control over it.

Massachusetts law defines a firearm in specific, technical terms. Working with ballistics experts, an attorney can examine whether the item recovered actually meets that legal definition, including whether it is currently capable of firing a projectile.

• Do not make any statements to police beyond identifying information without an attorney present.
• Contact an attorney before the arraignment whenever possible, since bail arguments and early case strategy are often set at this first court date.
• Preserve any documentation related to firearm ownership, licensing, or storage, and bring it to the first meeting with an attorney.

• Gun and Firearm Defense in Massachusetts
• Defenses to Gun Crimes When Searched by an Officer
• Penalties for Unlawful Possession of Ammunition in Massachusetts
• Out-of-State Residents Charged With Possession of a Firearm Without an FID Card
• Dedham Criminal Lawyer
• Dedham Office Location

At DelSignore Law, we can help you if you are charged with a firearm offense in Dedham or anywhere in Massachusetts.