Although the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants the rights of citizens to bear arms, some members of the population are prohibited from owning weapons. Those convicted of felonies cannot lawfully possess firearms; however, that does not stop many from obtaining guns and other weapons. If caught, offenders can face even more serious consequences to their freedom and future. This appears to be the case for one man from Massachusetts, a felon, who was recently sentenced for possessing firearms.
Details concerning arrest, conviction and sentencing
The 28-year-old Springfield resident was convicted in 2019 for felony domestic violence offenses. Although federal law prohibits him from possessing firearms, reports state he purportedly had in his possession and fired guns at a gun range in another state on three different occasions in 2020.
The gun range was in Maine, and after an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the man was arrested. He entered a guilty plea to the charges in May 2021. He then received a sentence from a U.S. District Court judge to 15 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Right to defense
Considering this man pleaded guilty to the charges against him, the evidence against him must have been strong. However, everyone has a right to mount an effective criminal defense to fight the charges against them, no matter how strong the evidence. Those in Massachusetts facing accusations of serious felony offenses will want to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney from the start to help them obtain the most favorable outcome possible considering the circumstances.