Ch. 17 Firearms Flashcards
What do MA residents need an LTC for?
Handguns
What do MA residents need a FID for?
Rifles and shotguns
Citizens have the responsibility to provide __________ proof that they are in lawful possession of the weapon at the scene
Sufficient
Is a description about a persons race and gender, without more, adequate for reasonable suspicion when responding to a report of a person waving a gun?
No
Is a report of someone carrying a firearm, without more, reasonable suspicion of criminal activity?
No
Aside from a report of someone carrying a firearm, officers must have atleast one other reason why the suspect probably possesses the gun unlawfully. This is called:
Plus factor
A tip about a suspect possessing a firearm, that appears under _____ years old, supports a stop and frisk
21
“Plus factors” in addition to possessing a firearm include (13):
Appear under 21
Not using a holster
Brandished or concealed
Loading in public
Provocative public display
Ineligible for LTC
fired gun
Threatened someone
On-street sale
Gun typically used in crime
Gun connected with crime
Impaired
Threat to public safety
Is using a holster required by law?
No, but licensed owners typically carry their firearms in a holster
Is someone holding a gun while standing on a deserted street at night reasonable suspicion to stop
Yes
Is report of someone with a gun, holding their wasteband, reasonable suspicion for stop?
Yes
An unidentified woman called police with a panicked voice, describing a suspect with “long dreads about to shoot someone”. Does this provide reasonable suspicion of criminal activity?
Yes. Possession plus immediate threat
Does report of two men at night engaging in on-street sale provide RS of criminal activity?
Yes
Can a person be stopped just because they are carrying a firearm that is typically used in crime?
Yes, example an assault rifle
An anonymous note identified a man on a bus with a bag containing narcotics. Why does this create reasonable suspicion of a crime?
Because it includes possession of a firearm, connected with another crime (narcotics)
If a person does not produce their LTC or FID when an officer demands, they may be required to surrender their firearm, rifle or shotgun to that officer to be taken. The weapon will be returned ___________ with _____ days of the person presenting their proper license
Forthwith, 30 days
Is Miranda required when demanding a suspect produce a license?
No
Is a lack of gun knowledge a legitimate defense for not having the proper license?
No
In MA what does an FID allow?
Possession of rifles and shotguns in public
In MA what does an LTC allow?
The same as an FID but also permits carrying a firearm (handgun) in public
FIDs and LTCs are issued in MA by a:
City or town licensing authority
An applicant must be atleast ___years old to receive an FID
15
An applicant must be atleast ___years old to receive an LTC
21
Can the LA (licensing authority) consider whether an applicant has a proper purpose for carrying when deciding whether to issue license
No. If applicant qualifies for gun license, 2nd amendment permits them to carry for self-defense
An applicants fingerprints are sent to the ______________ to check state and federal records
State police colonel
What criminal convictions in MA disqualify someone from obtaining a gun license (3):
Felony
Misdemeanor punishable by more than 2 years in HOC
Convictions concerning weapon or drug possession
An applicant for an FID who was convicted of certain listed crimes may receive an FID ___ years after the end of the sentence
5 years
An applicant for an LTC who was convicted of certain listed crimes may receive an LTC ___ years after the end of the sentence
None. LTC applicant is permanently barred by all convictions
Prohibited persons ineligible for license include (5):
MA criminal convictions
Out of state/federal criminal conviction
Court-ordered commitment
Protection order
Dishonorable discharge
A person is ineligible of obtaining a license as if they were convicted of a crime in another state or federal court, that is __________ to the disqualifying crimes in MA
Similar
A person is ineligible for a license if they have ever been the subject of a court ordered commitment to a hospital or institution due to (3):
Mental illness
Alcohol or substance abuse disorder
Currently the subject of a guardianship or conservatorship
When does a protection order (209A, HPO, extreme risk order, or similar out of state order prohibit someone from getting a license?
If the order is active
What disqualifying factor prevents someone from obtaining an LTC, but does not prevent them from obtaining an FID
HPO
Aside from the listed disqualifying factors, what is the other standard when determining whether someone is eligible for gun license?
Suitability
Regarding suitability for an LTC, what does the licensing authority do if there is credible information that an applicant presents a risk of harm to self of others?
LA shall deny application
Regarding suitability for an FID, what does the licensing authority do if there is credible information suggesting that an applicant presents a risk of harm to self of others?
Licensing authority may only prevent the issuance of an FID by filing a petition in district court
Who is responsible for issuing temporary LTCs to aliens and non-residents? What are the standards?
State police colonel
Standards are the same
When do FID/LTC expire?
On the date shown
If a license holder applied to renew their license ______ the expiration date, their license will stay active until it is approved or denied
Before
For active duty military, their license remains valid for ______ days after discharge, even if they did not reply for a renewal
180
If a license holder is found with an expired license and did not apply for a renewal, but is still qualified for their LTC or FID, what is the strongest police action?
Officers may only confiscate the expired license and guns, and seek civil fine NLT $100 NMT $5000
If a person is found with an expired LTC or FID, when can they be arrested for unlawful possession (2):
Currently disqualified from receiving license (whether or not they applied to renew)
Renewal application already denied orally or in writing
When determining if a person qualifies for the renewal exemption, is the burden on the license holder or police?
Burden on license holder to show they qualify
Is producing an expired license enough to show that person qualifies for the renewal exemption?
No
The ___________ exemption only applies to guns, not ammunition or large capacity feeding devices
Renewal exemption
License holders within _____ days of moving, must send notice
30 days
Who must license holders notify of an address change (3)
Original licensing authority
Authority in new community
DCJIS
Anyone with an LTC or FID that is invalid for the sole reason that they failed to notify authorities about an address change, is subject to what penalties?
Civil fine only
What should officers do to anyone found with an LTC or FID that is invalid for the sole reason that they failed to notify authorities about an address change?
Confiscate any license and guns
Notify LA
What is the Massachusetts Instant Records Check System used for?
The way a LA may use to suspend/revoke a license
What does LA have to decide when decision is made to suspend/revoke license
Whether to:
-Require immediate surrender of license, firearms and ammunition
-delay confiscation
If licensing authority decides to require immediate surrender of license, firearms and ammunition, the items must be surrender to police ________. Failure to do so is a crime
Without delay
If LA decides to suspend/revoke license and require immediate surrender, does it matter if the license holder is planning to appeal
No
If LA decides to delay confiscation, when is the delay until?
Can keep their guns while their appeals are pending in district court
If LA decides to suspend a license due to domestic violence allegations made to DCF, can police enter the residence to confiscate guns without consent or warrant
No. There is no exigency. Police could order the couple to remain outside while police secured the home and applied for a search warrant
Once licensing authority notifies license holder of their suspension/revocation, do police then have legal authority to enter house
No. Need consent or a search warrant
What is another name for the Extreme Risk Protection Order?
Red flag law
What is more officiant than using the Extreme Risk Protection Order?
An administrative suspension
When police collect rifles, shotguns and firearms from people no longer permitted to possess them, the weapons may be turned over to:
A licensed firearms dealer operating a bonded warehouse
After a firearm has been transferred to a a licensed storage company, what happens if it is returned, bought or transferred or sold?
The person taking it may have to pay storage fees
For constructive possession, there must be proof that the suspect ____ about the gun, _______ to possess it, and had the physical ability to ______ it
Knew, intended, control
Does a suspect have to exercise exclusive control over a gun to be charged with unlawfully possessing it?
No
Is a ballistics certificate by itself sufficient to prove that gun is operational?
No
Most persuasive way to prove a “working firearm, rifle or shotgun
Ballistics testimony
6 ways to prove a “working” firearm, rifle or shotgun
Ballistics testimony
Defendant observed firing gun
Witness testimony
Recovered gun has “spent” cartridge
Police expert dry fires
Arresting officer fired gun
Owner testified he fired gun
Is a claim that dealer said gun worked sufficient to prove it’s a “working” gun
No
If arresting officer is going to fire gun to prove it’s working, what must be done first?
Gun must be examined by a certified ballistician first