The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides U.S. citizens the right to bear arms. However, certain individuals, such as convicted felons, relinquish that right upon conviction, and there are other exceptions regarding certain types of guns a person may own. Furthermore, gunowners must have purchased their firearms legally and in accordance with laws and regulations, and they must obtain a License to Carry or a Firearm Identification card in Massachusetts. Two individuals were recently arrested in Springfield and accused of fleeing from police and possessing a loaded firearm, and each is likely considering the available options for mounting an effective criminal defense.
Details regarding the arrest
Around 7:30 p.m. on July 27, police say they reports of a suspected stolen vehicle, one that was also suspected to be involved in several recent “shots fired” incidents throughout the city. Detectives were able to locate a vehicle on Marshall Street and attempted to stop the car. As they did, the driver allegedly fled.
Police say they later spotted the vehicle at a gas station. When they turned on their lights and tried to initiate a stop, a passenger in the car, a 19-year-old man, ran away on foot. The driver of the car, also a 19-year-old male, was searched and authorities reportedly discovered a 17-round magazine with eight rounds still in it. They say they also seized a firearm the passenger had dropped, but they did not identify the weapon. Both men were taken into custody on a variety of charges.
Right to defense
Each of the two men has the right to defend against the charges. Although specific charges were not listed in the report, each is likely facing charges involving illegal firearm possession and discharging a weapon, among others. This is a serious situation for both men and can have adverse effects on their freedom and future. Each will want to work closely with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts to pursue the best outcome possible.
