When a routine police call in Boston’s North End leads to the discovery of a rifle, magazines of ammunition, and a defendant who readily admits he has no license to carry, most would assume that a conviction would stand. However, the Massachusetts Appeals Court’s May 2025 decision in Commonwealth v.…
In criminal cases, when one side receives an unfavorable ruling, either the defense or the prosecution has the right to appeal to a higher court for reconsideration. While it’s common to see defendants appealing after a conviction, prosecutors can also appeal rulings that favor the defense, such as the suppression…
Massachusetts lawmakers and prosecutors are working hard to keep up with the evolving legal landscape when it comes to weapons and firearms. A new gun law was recently passed with broad support, addressing the growing problem of ghost guns and 3D-printed guns. These untraceable firearms can be made using commercially…
In recent years, the United States Supreme Court has expanded the protections of the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms. Traditionally, this amendment was most often associated with firearms, but these protections have extended beyond guns. In a significant development, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently addressed…