{"id":6698,"date":"2024-11-08T17:02:35","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T17:02:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=6698"},"modified":"2025-05-21T10:52:51","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T10:52:51","slug":"crime-possession-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/crime-possession-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is the Crime of Possession in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"6698\" class=\"elementor elementor-6698\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b34f9c7 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b34f9c7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-955ad7d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"955ad7d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/possession-1.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-7005\" alt=\"Cop frisking man suspected of possessing illegal items in Massachusetts.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/possession-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/possession-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/possession-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/possession-1-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-340175b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"340175b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Possession in Massachusetts refers to having control over an item or property, including but not limited to drugs. It can apply to various illegal objects, such as firearms, stolen property, or other contraband. For a possession charge, the prosecution must prove that (1) you knowingly had control over the object, and (2) the item in question was illegal or unlawfully possessed. Possession can be either actual (physically holding the item) or constructive (having the ability and intent to control it, even if not in direct possession). Penalties vary based on the item and circumstances.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ddab85b elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"ddab85b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/MY38r49O5LQ?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-24abf97 elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"24abf97\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"boomdevs-toc-widget.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        \n            \n            <div class=\"fit_content\">\n                <div class=\"bd_toc_container\" data-fixedWidth=\"\">\n                    <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper\" data-wrapperPadding=\"48px\">\n                        <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper_item\">\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_header active\" data-headerPadding=\"2px\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_header_title\">\n                                    Table of Contents                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_switcher_hide_show_icon\">\n                                    <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_content list-type-number\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_content_list \">\n                                    <div class='bd_toc_content_list_item'>    <ul>\n      <li class=\"first\">\n        <a href=\"#understanding-possession-charges-in-massachusetts\">Understanding Possession Charges in Massachusetts<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-is-the-legal-definition-of-possession-in-massachusetts\">What Is the Legal Definition of Possession in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-are-the-elements-of-possession-in-massachusetts\">What Are the Elements of Possession in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-are-the-two-kinds-of-criminal-possession-in-massachusetts\">What Are the Two Kinds of Criminal Possession in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#joint-possession-in-massachusetts\">Joint Possession in Massachusetts<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-is-physical-possession-in-massachusetts\">What Is Physical Possession in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-is-knowing-possession-in-massachusetts\">What Is Knowing Possession in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#is-possession-a-felony-in-massachusetts\">Is Possession a Felony in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li class=\"last\">\n        <a href=\"#see-how-affordable-we-are\">See How Affordable We Are<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n<\/div>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"layout_toggle_button\">\n                        <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n    \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea3e900 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ea3e900\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='understanding-possession-charges-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding Possession Charges in Massachusetts<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60a43bb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"60a43bb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Possession charges in Massachusetts cover a wide range of items beyond just drugs. You could be charged with possession of:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>firearms,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>stolen property, or<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>other illegal items.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Knowing the legal definition and what the prosecution needs to prove can help you understand your situation and what might happen next.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>This article explains what possession means, how it can be proven, and the differences between actual and constructive possession. Understanding these terms is crucial, as possession charges can carry serious consequences, depending on the item involved and your prior record.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bb26b7b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bb26b7b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-is-the-legal-definition-of-possession-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Is the Legal Definition of Possession in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bbe6b7d elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"bbe6b7d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/Z1YFvHqKiB0?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aed3812 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"aed3812\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Possession, legally speaking, means having knowledge and control over an object that is unlawful to possess. This could be something you are physically holding, or it could be something within your control, like a weapon hidden in your closet. The law requires that the person knowingly possessed the illegal item.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>To be convicted of possession in Massachusetts, it must be proven that you had knowledge of the illegal item and had control over it. This control does not necessarily mean physical contact, but it does mean having the ability and intent to manage or control the item.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c5feeb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4c5feeb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-are-the-elements-of-possession-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are the Elements of Possession in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-227b5d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"227b5d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/DYuY1KuVlQo?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a3bf6f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6a3bf6f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For possession to be proven, the prosecution must establish certain elements. First, they need to prove that the item in question was under your control, whether directly (on your person) or indirectly (in your house or vehicle). Second, they must show that you were aware of the item\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the prosecution must prove that the item was illegal or that you were not permitted to possess it under Massachusetts law. These elements are crucial because the lack of proof in any of these areas can weaken the case against you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32cb834 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"32cb834\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-are-the-two-kinds-of-criminal-possession-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are the Two Kinds of Criminal Possession in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ee1b777 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"ee1b777\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/JFyqPElpdDE?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b77362 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9b77362\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Massachusetts law recognizes two types of criminal possession: actual possession and constructive possession.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":1} --><\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"1\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Actual possession<\/strong>: This means you have the item physically on your person, like having drugs in your hand or a weapon in your pocket.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Constructive possession<\/strong>: This means you don\u2019t have the item on you, but it is within your control, such as illegal items in your home or car.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Both types of possession can lead to criminal charges, but actual possession is often easier for the prosecution to prove. Constructive possession requires more evidence to show that you had control over the illegal item and were aware of its presence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e1c7cfd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e1c7cfd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='joint-possession-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Joint Possession in Massachusetts<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f601ba7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"f601ba7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/u36thor2yIU?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c5672e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4c5672e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"41\" data-end=\"282\">In Massachusetts, possession doesn\u2019t always mean something is physically on you. <strong data-start=\"122\" data-end=\"142\">Joint possession<\/strong> happens when two or more people share control over an item. If you know about it and have the ability to access it, you could be charged.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"41\" data-end=\"282\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"284\" data-end=\"528\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Being near an illegal item isn\u2019t enough to prove possession. The prosecution must show you were aware of it and had some level of control. If the item was in a shared space, like a car or apartment, more than one person may be held responsible.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d0d2acc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d0d2acc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-is-physical-possession-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Is Physical Possession in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7c5dd3d elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"7c5dd3d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/hhIM1dXrFY8?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8227c3a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8227c3a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Physical possession, or actual possession, means that the illegal item is on your person. This could be:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>drugs in your pocket,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>a weapon in your hand, or<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>stolen property in your bag.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>If the item is found directly on you, this is the clearest and most straightforward type of possession.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Physical possession is often easier for the prosecution to prove since the item was directly in your control. If you are physically holding an illegal item or it\u2019s found on your body, it can be challenging to argue that you were not in possession.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a61e542 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a61e542\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-is-knowing-possession-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Is Knowing Possession in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd1a229 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"cd1a229\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/8rcKCh6jspo?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a8254b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a8254b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Knowing possession means that you were aware that the item existed and that it was illegal or unlawful to possess. You cannot be convicted of possession in Massachusetts unless it is proven that you knew the item was present and knew what it was. For example, if drugs are found in your apartment but you had no idea they were there, the prosecution may struggle to prove you had knowing possession.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The concept of knowing possession is vital because it protects people from being unfairly convicted. Without proving that you had knowledge of the item, a possession charge may not hold up in court.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7945533 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7945533\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='is-possession-a-felony-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Is Possession a Felony in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1feaf65 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"1feaf65\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/4ezi2N2iQY8?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9599abb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9599abb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Whether possession is considered a felony in Massachusetts depends on the item in question and the specific circumstances. Possession of certain:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>drugs,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>weapons, or<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>stolen property<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/massachusetts-criminal-law-process\/\">can be charged as a felony<\/a>, especially if you have prior convictions or if the item is tied to another criminal activity.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For example, possession of large quantities of certain controlled substances can result in felony charges. The penalties for felony possession are severe and may include significant jail time and fines, particularly for repeat offenders.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d8b8ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0d8b8ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='conclusion'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5815c94 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"5815c94\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/ORD7kS22pkY?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-daa4a29 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"daa4a29\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"19\" data-end=\"460\">Possession of an illegal item in Massachusetts\u2014whether it\u2019s drugs, firearms, stolen property, or other contraband\u2014is a serious charge that can lead to severe legal consequences. The penalties depend on the type of item, the circumstances of the possession, and whether you have prior offenses. However, every case is unique, and legal defenses may be available, such as lack of knowledge, unlawful search and seizure, or mistaken identity.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"19\" data-end=\"460\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"462\" data-end=\"889\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">If you\u2019re facing a possession charge, it\u2019s important to take action quickly. We can help you understand your rights, explore possible defenses, and work toward the best possible outcome in your case. At Afford Law, we believe everyone deserves high-quality legal representation, regardless of financial situation. Contact us today for a free consultation\u2014because your future is worth fighting for.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b107c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9b107c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='see-how-affordable-we-are'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">See How Affordable We Are<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a62b7f elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2a62b7f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/AEmIP8eEDII?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4ca4cc elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"d4ca4cc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><div id=\"calculatorexpress_com-calculator\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Loading...<\/div>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/calculatorexpress.com\/apps-js\/scripts_embed.js\"><\/script>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n\tvar embed = '<style>iframe#fee-calc{width: 100%;min-width: 900px;border:none;}@media only screen and (max-width: 600px) {iframe#fee-calc { display: block; 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color: #0086ff; background-color: #fbde00;\" href=\"tel:5084531250\"><strong>Let&#8217;s Discuss Your Case Today 508-453-1250<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:button --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons -->\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37b9579 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"37b9579\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Possession in Massachusetts refers to having control over an item or property, including but not limited to drugs. It can apply to various illegal objects, such as firearms, stolen property, or other contraband. For a possession charge, the prosecution must prove that (1) you knowingly had control over the object, and (2) the item in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[60],"class_list":["post-6698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-criminal","tag-general-offenses"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is the Crime of Possession in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about possession charges in Massachusetts, including actual and constructive possession, legal definitions, knowing possession, and when possession can be a felony.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/crime-possession-massachusetts\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is the Crime of Possession in Massachusetts? 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