Drivers in Massachusetts and elsewhere are responsible for ensuring their cars are currently registered with the state and properly inspected, and their vehicles must display the required plates and stickers. Failing to do this can lead to traffic stops, which may only result in a citation. However, sometimes, a traffic stop can lead to serious legal issues for the occupants of the vehicle, as three young men recently found out.
Traffic stop and arrests
On Aug. 9, a trooper with the Massachusetts State Police observed a car near Revere Beach that apparently did not have a front license plate or a current inspection sticker. Reportedly, the officer used the rear plate number to investigate and allegedly discovered its registration was expired. The trooper initiated a traffic stop, aided by others with the MSP.
Three young men were in the car, ranging in age from 18 to 23. Police apparently informed the driver the car would be towed, and they had all occupants exit the vehicle. The officers conducted an inventory of the car’s interior. They say they found a fanny pack that contained some 30 rounds of .22 ammunition along with a loaded Colt pistol. They also say they seized substantial amounts of suspected marijuana and pre-rolled joints as well as scales and other paraphernalia. It was reported that none of the three individuals had a license to carry a firearm, and each was taken into custody on a variety of serious charges.
Right to defense
The charges these men face for unlawful possession of a firearm are serious and considering that police say the gun was also loaded, it may add to the amount of minimum time served if one or more of the accused individuals are convicted in court. Since these men are just beginning their adult lives, any conviction on a felony weapons charge would likely have dire consequences for their future. As such, each will want to work closely with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts to help them pursue the best outcome possible.
