{"id":6707,"date":"2024-11-08T17:29:28","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T17:29:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=6707"},"modified":"2025-05-21T10:42:07","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T10:42:07","slug":"possession-burglarious-tools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/possession-burglarious-tools\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Possession of Burglarious Tools in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"6707\" class=\"elementor elementor-6707\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33a8d0b7 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"33a8d0b7\" 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-3e3c644 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3e3c644\" 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\/picking-lock.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-6993\" alt=\"Man picking a lock to a door in Massachusetts.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/picking-lock.png 1024w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/picking-lock-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/picking-lock-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/picking-lock-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-7a7e320 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7a7e320\" 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 of burglarious tools in Massachusetts is a criminal offense under <strong>Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 49<\/strong>. It occurs when someone is found in possession of tools or implements that can be used for burglary, with the intent to commit a crime. These tools can include items like crowbars, lockpicks, or any object commonly associated with breaking and entering. The prosecution must prove both possession of the tools and intent to use them for illegal purposes. Conviction can result in penalties of up to 10 years in state prison or up to 2.5 years in a house of correction.<\/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-78a70e2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"78a70e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/ErPixHvFBGM?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-664b965 elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"664b965\" 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=\"#possession-of-burglarious-tools-in-massachusetts-understanding-the-charges\">Possession of Burglarious Tools in Massachusetts: Understanding the Charges<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-are-the-elements-of-possession-of-burglarious-tools-in-massachusetts\">What Are the Elements of Possession of Burglarious Tools in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-s-the-penalty-for-possession-of-burglarious-tools-in-massachusetts\">What\u2019s the Penalty for Possession of Burglarious Tools in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#is-possession-of-burglarious-tools-a-felony-in-massachusetts\">Is Possession of Burglarious Tools a Felony in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-is-considered-a-burglarious-tool-in-massachusetts\">What Is Considered a Burglarious Tool in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#how-can-they-prove-you-intended-to-use-a-tool-to-break-into-something-in-massachusetts\">How Can They Prove You Intended to Use a Tool to Break Into Something in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#can-you-be-convicted-for-carrying-a-screwdriver-in-massachusetts\">Can You Be Convicted for Carrying a Screwdriver in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#defenses-to-a-charge-of-possession-of-burglarious-tools-in-massachusetts\">Defenses to a Charge of Possession of Burglarious Tools in Massachusetts<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-if-the-tools-belonged-to-someone-else\">What If the Tools Belonged to Someone Else?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#understanding-how-massachusetts-courts-handle-these-charges\">Understanding How Massachusetts Courts Handle These Charges<\/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-881f1b2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"881f1b2\" 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='possession-of-burglarious-tools-in-massachusetts-understanding-the-charges'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Possession of Burglarious Tools in Massachusetts: Understanding the Charges<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ad0c82a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ad0c82a\" 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>If you\u2019ve been charged with <strong>possession of burglarious tools in Massachusetts<\/strong>, it\u2019s important to understand what that means and what you could be facing. This charge can be confusing, especially because even everyday tools like screwdrivers can lead to serious consequences under the right circumstances.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In Massachusetts, being in possession of certain tools with the intent to commit a crime can result in a felony charge. The prosecution needs to prove you not only had the tool but also intended to use it to commit burglary or another crime. This is a serious offense, and it\u2019s critical to know how these cases are handled 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-5ed2870 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5ed2870\" 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-of-burglarious-tools-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are the Elements of Possession of Burglarious Tools 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-adacbbb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"adacbbb\" 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>In order to find you guilty of possession of burglarious tools in Massachusetts, the Commonwealth must prove 5 things beyond a reasonable doubt:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you knowingly possessed a tool or implement,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That such tool or implement could reasonably used to break into something,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you knew such tool or implement could be used for that purpose,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you intended to use that tool or implement for that purpose, and<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you had the specific intention of committing a crime in that location.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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-072c172 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"072c172\" 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-s-the-penalty-for-possession-of-burglarious-tools-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What\u2019s the Penalty for Possession of Burglarious Tools 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-c6d259c elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"c6d259c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/bH5AwtZJIt8?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-805303f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"805303f\" 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>In Massachusetts, the penalties for <strong>possession of burglarious tools<\/strong> are serious. A conviction can lead to up to <strong>10 years in state prison<\/strong>. If sentenced in district court, the penalty could be <strong>up to 2.5 years in a house of correction<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>These sentences are meant to reflect the seriousness of the crime, and the judge may consider factors such as your prior criminal history and the specifics of the case. It&#8217;s important to note that even being found in possession of simple tools like a screwdriver can carry these heavy penalties if the prosecution can show intent to commit a crime.<\/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-2bbce24 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2bbce24\" 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-of-burglarious-tools-a-felony-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Is Possession of Burglarious Tools 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-5243ee7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"5243ee7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/BeA_l9QFMEM?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-07a839f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"07a839f\" 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>Yes, <strong>possession of burglarious tools<\/strong> is a felony offense in Massachusetts. This is significant because felonies carry long-term consequences beyond the immediate penalties, such as prison time and fines. A felony conviction can affect your ability to:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>find employment,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>secure housing, and<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>could even result in the loss of certain civil rights.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Felony convictions remain on your record permanently unless they are sealed or expunged, which is why fighting this charge is critical to protecting your future. It\u2019s also important to understand that being convicted of this crime could affect future legal cases if you face additional charges down the road.<\/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-302809a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"302809a\" 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-considered-a-burglarious-tool-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Is Considered a Burglarious Tool 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-cd26f0d elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"cd26f0d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/oIscZ0S73MM?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-44b9a81 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"44b9a81\" 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>A <strong>burglarious tool<\/strong> is any object that could be used to commit a burglary or other similar crimes. Some common examples include tools like <strong>crowbars<\/strong>, <strong>lockpicks<\/strong>, <strong>slim jims<\/strong>, and <strong>bolt cutters<\/strong>. However, ordinary items like screwdrivers, pliers, or even a hammer could be considered burglarious tools depending on the circumstances.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s important is how these tools are being used, or more specifically, how the prosecution claims you intended to use them. If you had a screwdriver in your backpack, for example, that might not be enough to charge you. But if you had the same screwdriver while standing next to a locked door at night, that could lead to more serious charges.<\/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-4cec059 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4cec059\" 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='how-can-they-prove-you-intended-to-use-a-tool-to-break-into-something-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How Can They Prove You Intended to Use a Tool to Break Into Something 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-975e678 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"975e678\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/8ff4eAFNcLg?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-32c5868 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"32c5868\" 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>Proving <strong>intent<\/strong> is often one of the most challenging aspects of these cases for the prosecution. They must show that you not only had the tool but also planned to use it for illegal purposes. This is typically done by looking at the surrounding circumstances, such as your location when stopped by the police or any statements you may have made.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The prosecution may also use evidence such as the time of day, the location of the alleged crime, and your actions before and after being stopped. For example, if you were near a locked building or car and had tools commonly used for breaking in, that could be used to suggest intent.<\/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-3c05807 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3c05807\" 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='can-you-be-convicted-for-carrying-a-screwdriver-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Can You Be Convicted for Carrying a Screwdriver 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-731979a elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"731979a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/xtNHJuUNOPM?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-6f4c2e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6f4c2e5\" 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>While carrying a screwdriver is legal and common, it can still lead to charges if it is found in suspicious circumstances. <strong>Possession of burglarious tools<\/strong> can include common household items like a screwdriver if the prosecution can prove you intended to use it for illegal purposes.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For example, if you were found near a locked car or building late at night with a screwdriver, the police might argue that you intended to break in. However, without additional evidence of intent, carrying a screwdriver alone is not enough to convict someone of possessing burglarious tools.<\/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-11b0e66 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"11b0e66\" 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='defenses-to-a-charge-of-possession-of-burglarious-tools-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Defenses to a Charge of Possession of Burglarious Tools 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-6cc6ba0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"6cc6ba0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/zZ1mZdF7snA?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-01ed608 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"01ed608\" 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>Several <strong>defenses<\/strong> can be used to fight a charge of possession of burglarious tools in Massachusetts. One common defense is <strong>lack of intent<\/strong>. If you had a legitimate reason for possessing the tools\u2014such as for work or home repairs\u2014it can be difficult for the prosecution to prove that you intended to use them for a crime.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Another defense could be <strong>unlawful search and seizure<\/strong>. If the police found the tools during an unlawful search, the evidence may be inadmissible in court. Additionally, it may be possible to argue <strong>insufficient evidence<\/strong> if the prosecution cannot prove you had intent to use the tools in a criminal act.<\/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-56edb0f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"56edb0f\" 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-if-the-tools-belonged-to-someone-else'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What If the Tools Belonged to Someone Else?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74a3885 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"74a3885\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/3g0Trkd-dA4?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-41eb464 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"41eb464\" 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>In some cases, you may be in possession of a tool without knowing it or the tool may belong to someone else. This can be a defense in a <strong>possession of burglarious tools<\/strong> case if you can show that you had no control over or knowledge of the tool. For example, if the tools were found in a shared space or someone else\u2019s car, it may be harder for the prosecution to prove that you had control and intent.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s essential to clarify your connection to the tool and explain the circumstances. Even if you were aware of the tool\u2019s presence, your intent will still need to be proven for a conviction.<\/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-73f11b3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"73f11b3\" 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-how-massachusetts-courts-handle-these-charges'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding How Massachusetts Courts Handle These Charges<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-746e781 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"746e781\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/uD5WDlhLQ0g?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-aa182c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"aa182c4\" 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><a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/massachusetts-criminal-law-process\/\">Courts in Massachusetts<\/a> take <strong>possession of burglarious tools<\/strong> charges seriously because of the potential for property crimes. That being said, each case is unique, and the courts will consider all the circumstances, including your history and the context of the situation.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In cases where intent is difficult to prove, the court may be more lenient, especially if there\u2019s a reasonable explanation for the possession of the tools. Judges also have discretion in sentencing and may opt for probation or alternative sentences depending on the case&#8217;s specifics.<\/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-10b99e1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"10b99e1\" 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_11\" 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-b043c45 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"b043c45\" 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-5ad8dff elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"5ad8dff\" 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; width:100%;min-width:280px; }<\/style><center><iframe id=\"fee-calc\" src=\"https:\/\/calculatorexpress.com\/API9\/Paul_Whelan_UW\/\" scrolling=\"no\" border=\"no\" onload=\"iFrameResize()\"><\/iframe><\/center>';\r\ndocument.getElementById('calculatorexpress_com-calculator').innerHTML = embed;\r\n<\/script><\/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-083b8ad elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"083b8ad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/AaJxhjJXUDQ?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-81c9ca8 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"81c9ca8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Your freedom is a<br> phone call away <br> 508-453-1250<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\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\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Possession of burglarious tools in Massachusetts is a criminal offense under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 49. It occurs when someone is found in possession of tools or implements that can be used for burglary, with the intent to commit a crime. These tools can include items like crowbars, lockpicks, or any object commonly [&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":[53],"class_list":["post-6707","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-criminal","tag-property-crimes"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is Possession of Burglarious Tools in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Possession of burglarious tools in Massachusetts is a serious felony. 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