Firearms Licensing

This video from the Masters of the Law series on ReelLawyers.com

Whether you are a new applicant applying for your first license or an experienced shooter with a long licensing history, Attorney Guida should be your first choice for firearms licensing representation. Attorney Guida’s proven experience can achieve positive results in the following areas:

License Application Review – As a former licensing official, Attorney Guida reviewed and approved over 2,000 license applications every year. He knows what licensing officials are looking for on an application and the mistakes that applicants commonly make. Contact Attorney Guida before you file your resident or non-resident license application. Let him put his knowledge and experience to work to get you the license that you want for the reason that you want.

Firearms Licensing Review Board Petitions – You only get one chance to ask the Board to restore your right to possess a firearm.   Don’t go it alone! Attorney Guida served as Counsel to the Board for over 4 years. His clients rely on his experience to guide and support them through every step of the review process. If you have a minor conviction on your criminal record, contact Attorney Guida today for help.

License Denials, Suspensions and Revocations – Every moment you wait to appeal a license denial can limit your options and affect your rights. Attorney Guida is an experienced litigator and an expert in firearms licensing law. He has built relationships with licensing officials and can often achieve a favorable result without going to court. If your license has been denied, revoked or suspended, don’t delay – contact Attorney Guida today.

Criminal Record Corrections – If an old criminal record is keeping you from getting your license, you need a firearms attorney with experience in the criminal court system. Attorney Guida is that attorney. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Guida knows the rules and procedures that are used to correct errors and update criminal records. Attorney Guida will follow through with the licensing authority to ensure that an incorrect criminal record does not prevent you from getting your firearms license.

Restriction Appeals – License holders are often surprised and frustrated to find that their license has been restricted. While the firearms laws allow for restrictions, many times the restrictions do not meet the needs of the applicant. Attorney Guida wrote the restriction policy most commonly used by licensing authorities. He knows how to make a proper showing of need to remove a restriction and get the license you need. You do not have to settle for a restricted license – contact Attorney Guida to discuss your options.

Licensing Delays – How long should you wait for a firearms license? 2 months? 6 months? A year? If you have been waiting more than 40 days, your rights may be affected. Don’t wait any longer than you have to – contact Attorney Guida today.

46 thoughts on “Firearms Licensing”

  1. Nate White

    Hi, I applied for my ltc on March 20th 2018 in salem. I have contacted you before. I am still waiting for my ltc and I was told by dcjis that it was sent to Salem police station. At this point I’ve hit a wall and cannot figure out why I’m getting delayed so long. I need help figuring out how to proceed. Thank you

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  3. rfbox86

    Good afternoon, in 2016 I attempted to obtain my LTC, and was subsequently denied because of a DUI conviction 23 years prior. I then embarked on the lengthy process of gathering the necessary documentation to file an appeal in front of the Review Board. After several months, I was given a review date of June 6, 2017. That was over a year and a half ago and to this day am still waiting for a reply. It’s frustrating to have paid the $200 fee and to have not received a reply. At this point I’m not sure what options I have left?

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon –

      The Firearms Licensing Review Board is no longer issuing favorable decisions due to a recent adoption of a federal legal opinion asserting that the Board does not have the authority to restore firearms rights. I am currently in the midst of litigating this very issue. Please call my office to discuss further.

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  4. Thomas waldron

    Hi, I had a continued without a finding for bringing contraband ( 1 suboxone) into a prison. I did 6 months probation supervised and 6 unsupervised. I just want to know if I can still get my LTC? I was going to wait a year and then try, not sure if I would be better off getting a lawyer to help. But just want to know before I start taking classes.

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon Mr. Waldron – it is best to discuss the specifics of a case offline. If this matter was a CWOF it may not prohibit you but will certainly be a suitability issue. Please contact my office at (617) 383-4652 to discuss a case review and LTC preparation package. – j

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  5. Xavier Delvalle

    Hello , back in 2004 I got arrested for larceny over 250 and B&E at night with intent to commit a felony on motor vehicle wanted to know how I can restore my civil rights and obtain a LTC …After period of time I had my record sealed need your help and Guidance Thank you

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    1. jaguida

      There is a litigation option – however there is a time limit on filing. Please give my office a call at (617) 383-4652 to discuss

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  8. John Alves Sr

    I was denied a gun license from a case in 1996. I has less then 30 days to appeal at the moment. What can I do to appeal? I can be reached at 508-287-2565.

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  9. Steve

    Good afternoon. I live in Boston and have received my second restricted Ltc class A. I was told that I basically need to be assaulted or testify against a gang in order to receive an unrestricted liscense. How can I go about having this restriction lifted?

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    1. jaguida

      Hi Steve – Boston has a very strict restriction policy. That policy was challenged in federal court and upheld. Boston will consider issuing unrestricted LTCs to some business owners, some firearms instructors and some victims of crimes. If you do not fit into those categories, you will not be eligible for an unrestricted LTC right now.

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  10. William Ramos

    currently going to apply for my ltc in Medford roughly about 7-8 years ago I got a misdemeanor charge aka assault and battery case that wasn’t charge and was never convicted what so ever but it is on my record the case was dropped due to the face the other party didn’t show multiple times will this stop my chances in getting my ltc

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    1. jaguida

      Hi Will – suitability is always an issue – a police chief can deny an LTC based upon conduct that did not result in a conviction. We can walk you through how to approach the application process – Please give our office a call at (617) 383-4652 to discuss.

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  11. Andre J. L.

    I applied for an unrestricted license in Boston after completion of basic firearms training program in May of 2020. I just received my LTC in the mail in November 2021 when I open up the mail my license had a restriction on it for ” Target and Hunting” when I specifically applied for a unrestricted class A LTC. What is the process for getting this removed for my license and what kind of fees are involved to having this restriction removed so I may have my unrestricted class A LTC?

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    1. jaguida

      The City of Boston has a very strict restriction policy. Unrestricted licenses are only issued to certain business owners, certain firearms instructors and law enforcement. Boston’s policy has been upheld in federal court. If you do not fit within the policy, you will not get an unrestricted LTC in Boston.

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  12. Josh

    I got my LTC in Boston and am restricted to target and hunting. I know its difficult to get the restrictions removed but I seek more clarity in regards to the limited group of people that can. Who makes the decision as to which job fits the policy? Is there someone who would assess the risk of everyone’s employments to determine if a concealed carry is necessary?

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    1. jaguida

      Good morning – Boston has a strict restriction policy which has been upheld by the federal courts. Typically, only business owners and certain professionals are allows to carry unrestricted. The licensing officer makes the decision and he has a great deal of discretion. Most people in Boston are forced to accept a target and hunting without recourse.

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  13. J

    Hi , in 2013 i had a case , with contributions that were not mines . Took it to trial and beat the case . I havent been in any trouble since .. in 2020 i applied for LtC chief denied me because of suitability .. i had the same attorney that beat my case in 2013 to fight my case in the firearm …. The judge denied as well . What can i do? Can i get the LtC still ? Or FID? Whats your thoughts?

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    1. jaguida

      Police Chiefs have an enormous amount of discretion to determine who is suitable to hold a license. If you have already challenged a denial and lost, you are left with little recourse. Wait some time, try again and hope the Chief gives you the benefit of the doubt.

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  14. With the new ruling by the Supreme Court over NYC violation of people 2nd amendment rights, how does or will this affect Boston, MA residents with restrictions LTC. What steps should be taken to have said restrictions lifted? Should we be reaching out to BPD’s licensing department requesting restrictions removal?

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    1. jaguida

      Just FYI – Boston reprinted all LTCs for their residents with the restrictions removed. Contact BPD and ask for yours (if you haven’t already)

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  15. Brandon Fiorini

    I recently applied for my LTC and just got denied because of a DUI/OUI from 2011 that I got in CT while living in CT. Is there anyway to still get my LTC?

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  16. Matt

    I’m 43 and I’ve applied for my LTC in Chelmsford. I’m currently awaiting my interview/fingerprints. I previously ran my CORI, and FBI background check and noted the charges on my application. I’m not a PP but I do have 4 charges from 20+ years ago (1997 thru 2000) and one additional in 2005 from nyc and I’m wondering what your thoughts are on potential suitablilty issues?
    Charge 1: shoplifting – non-conviction (1 compact-disc)
    Charge 2: driving on suspended license – non conviction (failure to pay ticket)
    Charge 3: disorderly person – conviction (graduation bonfire in the woods),
    Charge 4: Disorderly conduct – conviction (4th of july backyard fireworks display)
    Charge 5: Mischief 4th degree – conviction *this was auto-sealed due to nys law – the charge itself carries a maximum of 1 year or 3 years probation

    Thank you for your time.

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    1. jaguida

      Since you have already applied, all you can do now is wait for a response. If you are denied, feel free to call and discuss. While you may not be prohibited, suitability is always an issue.

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  17. James nalesnik

    Hi I’m 42 and was arrested a few times as a teenager for fighting and for intimation of a witness and received probation a few times. I had my juvenile and adult record pulled but none of these came up so I’m looking for help filling out a gun application

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    1. jaguida

      We always review the reasons for a denial. If the denial is based on suitability, the attorney will usually conduct a phone conference to determine the viability of the case. If it is based on eligibility (ie a conviction), then a case review service will be offered since the attorney would not be able to assist until he has had the opportunity to fully review the court records in your case.

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  19. Michael J Weckbacher

    Hello I was recently denied in Abington based on suitability issues from things from my past 15 years ago that I was never even arrested or prosecuted for I have no guilty verdict ever just a cwof from a dwi and licensee carrying while intoxicated.. I took it to court myself with letters of recommendation from friends family and employer. The judge took all evidence along with police officer evidence that I objected to almost all. That was almost 4 weeks ago and I have still not heard anything from the court or police department. I’m just wondering what is the next step I can do if I never get a response or worse the judge finds in towns favor. Thank you very much

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    1. jaguida

      There is no time limit imposed on a judge who takes a case under advisement. I have had decisions take up to 6 months to issue. If you are unsuccessful, you have a right to further review in Superior Court – this review is limited to correcting lower court errors and must be filed within 60 days.

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  20. Timothy Dodge

    I was denied an LTC a couple years ago due to an OUI in 1995. I did not appeal within the 90 days. Should I reapply? The issuing officer would have approved otherwise. Do they rule favorably on the appeals??

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon – an OUI conviction makes you ineligible for an LTC. Check out the blog post on this website for information about the Firearms Licensing Review Board and give our office a call to discuss.

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  21. Gregory

    Good afternoon Attorney Guida. I submitted my application on Jan 9, 2023 in Boston. I been calling and they finally submitted and finger printed me in July. So now I guess my 40 days starts from July. I spoke to a Lt. When I called to check on status he said I have to waiting for state police. Just wondering if this is a normal time frame and procedure. My name is Gregory Pearson. Email address is Keiwon27@gmail.com.

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon – Boston has significant licensing delays and we are currently suing the City in federal court over these delays. There are also delays at the state level that may be in effect. The 40 days is only relevant if you choose to litigate against the City for the delay. Otherwise, they can just ignore it.

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    1. jaguida

      NICS is causing lots of problems for my clients – in many cases that citing non convictions as disqualifiers and refusing to reverse incorrect decisions on appeal. This has been an ongoing issue for many years. Simply put, the system is broken. GIve our office a call to discuss.

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