Criminal Defense Practice Area
Firearm Offenses
Firearm charges can carry serious penalties, including mandatory minimum jail sentences in some cases. A careful defense should examine possession, licensing, the police encounter, and the evidence used to connect you to the firearm.
What may matter in your case
- Possession and licensing issues
- Whether the stop, search, or seizure was lawful
- Whether the firearm was operable
- DNA, fingerprint, and other forensic testing
- Statements attributed to you
- Mandatory-minimum sentencing exposure
A focused defense starts early
Some firearms offenses carry a mandatory minimum jail sentence. Being prepared for the lengthy battle of a firearms offense requires a steadfast approach with an attorney who has necessary experience defending these cases.
The first line of defense involves a motion to suppress. Ryan will work to ensure your constitutional rights are protected, and will seek to exclude any evidence the police got in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
These cases often involve expert witnesses, including experts with the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab. The Crime Lab tests to make sure the firearm is operable, whether there is DNA on the firearm, and whether there are fingerprints on the firearm. I have worked with these expert witnesses in his time at the DA’s Office, and have a full understanding of the complicated science behind all of this testing. More importantly, I know what the procedure should be and can recognize the smallest deviation from the procedure. I can use that knowledge to argue why the prosecution’s case doesn’t add up.
We can also work with the prosecution to see if they would agree to break the charges down. With that breakdown, we can try to prevent any mandatory minimum jail sentence.
Facing a charge or investigation?
Speak with counsel before answering questions or making decisions that may affect your case. An attorney can help advise on what, if anything, you should say. Let someone from the Law Offices of Ryan P. Callahan guide you through this complicated process.