Firearms Licensing Issues

Massachusetts LTC & FID Card Licensing
Defense & Appeals

In Massachusetts, obtaining and maintaining a License to Carry (LTC) or Firearms Identification (FID) Card requires navigating some of the most complex, strictly enforced firearm laws in the nation. A licensing denial, suspension, or revocation strips away your constitutional rights and requires immediate surrender of your personal property.

Whether your application was wrongfully denied by a local police chief, wrongfully suspended or revoked due to an allegation, or revoked due to a statist disqualification, you do not have to accept this decision. Attorney Daniel C. Hagan provides experienced guidance, administrative advocacy, and courtroom representation to preserve and restore your firearm licensing rights across Massachusetts.

Common Firearms Licensing Issues Handled

Licensing authorities (typically your local Chief of Police) exercise broad oversight when evaluating LTC and FID applications. Attorney Hagan represents clients facing a range of licensing administrative hurdles, including:

Application Denials

A local police department may deny an initial or renewal application for an LTC or FID card citing a statutory disqualifier or claiming the applicant is an "unsuitable person." If your application for an LTC has been denied, you have a limited window of time to file a formal judicial appeal. Denial for an FID card requires the licensing authority to file a petition with the district court in order to deny you for an FID.

License Suspensions

Licenses are often suspended immediately upon notice of an active court proceeding, a domestic dispute allegation, an ongoing criminal investigation, or an emergency restraining order (209A/509A). A suspension requires the immediate surrender of all firearms, rifles, shotguns, and ammunition in your possession.

License Revocations

If a licensing authority formally revokes your LTC or FID, you lose your legal right to possess firearms in Massachusetts. Revocations frequently stem from a new criminal case / conviction, or statutory amendments to prohibited person categories.

Property Surrender & Storage Issues

When an LTC or FID is suspended or revoked, Massachusetts law mandates that firearms be surrendered to local police. Police may transfer the surrendered firearms after a period of time to a license bonded warehouse. Attorney Hagan assists clients with legal property transfers and ultimately reclaiming surrendered firearms once licensing issues are resolved.

The LTC / FID Appeal Process in District Court

If a licensing authority denies, suspends, or revokes your LTC or FID card, you have the right to challenge that decision in court.

The LTC / FID Court Appeal Timeline

Step 1: Notice of Denial or Suspension / Revocation

You receive written notice from the licensing authority (local police chief) stating the specific legal or factual reasons for the adverse action.

Step 2: Strict 90-day Filing Deadline

You have exactly 90 days from receiving notice to file a formal petition for judicial review in District Court. Note that for an FID card denial, the licensing authority must initiate the petition in District Court in order to deny you.

Step 3: Evidentiary Hearing

Attorney Hagan presents evidence, witness testimony, and legal argument before a District Court judge to prove the police chief’s decision was arbitrary, capricious, or legally improper.

Step 4: Judicial Ruling

The judge orders the licensing authority to issue or restore your license, or upholds the chief’s decision (which may then be appealed to higher state courts).

Why Work with Attorney Daniel C. Hagan on Licensing Matters?

Deep Statutory Knowledge: Massachusetts gun laws change frequently. Attorney Hagan stays at the forefront of state legislative updates, Massachusetts case law, Firearms Records Bureau (FRB) directives, and landmark Supreme Judicial Court decisions.
Proven Courtroom Track Record: Filing a licensing petition is a real court lawsuit against a municipality. Attorney Hagan actively litigates licensing appeals in District Courts throughout the Commonwealth.
Proactive Gun Rights Advocacy: As a Board Member of the Gun Owners' Action League (GOAL), and advocate alongside Comm2A, an NRA referred attorney, and a USCCA Emergency Response Attorney, Attorney Hagan is deeply committed to protecting lawful gun owners against administrative overreach.
Comprehensive Strategy: Beyond filing court documents, Attorney Hagan helps clients gather character references, resolve background record discrepancies, reopen old disqualifying convictions, and present a compelling case for a license being granted / restored.

Frequently Asked Questions About Firearms Licensing Issues

How long do I have to appeal an LTC / FID denial?

You have 90 days from the date you receive written notice of the denial, suspension, or revocation to file a petition for judicial review in the appropriate District Court. Missing this strict deadline can permanently waive your right to challenge the chief's decision. Note that for an FID denial, the licensing authority must initiate the petition with the District Court in order to deny you.

Can a police chief still deny my LTC / FID for "unsuitability"?

While recent legal precedents have reshaped how licensing authorities evaluate applicants, police chiefs still scrutinize applicant history—including non-conviction police contacts, dismissed charges, or past incidents—when evaluating licensing suitability. Attorney Hagan presents evidence to directly counter suitability claims.

What happens to my guns if my LTC / FID is suspended?

By law, you must immediately surrender all firearms, rifles, shotguns, and ammunition to your local police department. Police may ultimately transfer them to a licensed, bonded firearms warehouse. Attorney Hagan works to protect your personal property and coordinate lawful transfers while your legal status is addressed.