The Boston Youth Strike Force recently arrested 9 people and recovered 10 firearms in just one operation on Memorial Monday. This is one of several recent operations that have pulled in a large haul of illegal firearms confiscated from young people. In May, the Boston Youth Strike force recovered 15 guns in one week from juveniles, which included an incident in which a 13 year old boy and a 17 year old boy each brought loaded 9mm Glock handguns into Charlestown High School. The BPD remarked that there has been an alarming trend for young people carrying guns.
Massachusetts is known for having more restrictive gun laws, but licensing laws can’t stop the flood of illegal firearms like 3D printed guns that are available over the internet and the dark web. These unlicensed guns, known as “ghost guns” have seen a 4 percent rise. Youths who can’t obtain gun licenses in Massachusetts are more likely to be carrying these firearms.
Who Makes up the Boston Youth Strike Force?
The Boston Youth Strike Force is comprised of the BPD’s gang unit, targeting people in youth gangs. The Boston Youth Strike Force’s division Operation Ceasefire specifically targets youths with guns and aims to reduce youth gun violence. These policing divisions aim to deter gun violence by cracking down severely on offenders that may be ringleaders of youth gang operations, as a way of warning other young people in the area that violent crime will be severely punished.
Because the Boston Youth Strike Force works within the community and targets specific members of youth gangs, they may stop someone with a history of offending, even if that person is getting their life back on track or involved in a minor offense. The BPD’s Youth Strike Force division can make an example of offenders in an effort to deter others to get involved in crime. If you or someone you know is being targeted by the police and is caught with an illegal firearm, police will not hesitate to crack down on this offense.
Illegal Possession of a Firearm in Massachusetts
Illegal possession of a firearm in Massachusetts is a big deal in the eyes of the law. It is a felony punishable by 18 months minimum in state prison. The more dangerous the weapon, the more serious the crime, so if someone is caught with a sawn off shotgun or assault rifle they could be facing life imprisonment. The firearm may not even belong to the person who is carrying it. In Massachusetts it is illegal to possess an unlicensed firearm or to carry a firearm outside the home without a license. Boston prosecutors and police have made no secret of the fact that they are cracking down on illegal guns with programs like the new Rapid Firearms Indictment program.
If you or someone you know has been apprehended by the police, we encourage you to reach out to our law office immediately and have one of our attorneys speak to you. We are highly experienced criminal defense attorneys who have defended many serious gun cases. We believe everyone has the right to a fair trial and will do our utmost to fight for you in court. Please contact us ASAP to discuss your case.
Don’t risk your future or freedom by hesitating to retain an experienced weapon defense lawyer. At Dhar Law, LLP, we have the skill set needed to fight serious charges of this nature. With decades of experience helping clients with all types of weapons charges, you can rely on us to use our extensive resources to help you get through this difficult time. With a thorough understanding of the law surrounding weapons charges and the prosecutors in the area, you can count on us to help you.
To find out what your options and legal rights are and to speak with a Boston weapon crime defense lawyer, please call our firm today at (617)- 880-6155 and schedule a free consultation.
