Massachusetts § 10J - Breaking and entering building, ship, vessel or vehicle to steal firearm; penalty
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 10J — Breaking and entering building, ship, vessel or vehicle to steal firearm; penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 10J. Breaking and entering building, ship, vessel or vehicle to steal firearm; penalty
Section 10J. (a) Whoever in the nighttime or the daytime breaks and enters a building, ship, vessel or vehicle to steal a firearm shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years or by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 21/2 years or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(b) Whoever in the nighttime or the daytime breaks and enters a building, ship, vessel or vehicle to steal a firearm to distribute to a prohibited person, as defined in section 131 of chapter 140 shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 10 years or by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 21/2 years or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(c) Whoever in the nighttime or the daytime breaks and enters a building, ship, vessel or vehicle to steal a firearm and in the process causes injury of another shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 10 years or by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 21/2 years or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Any motor vehicle lawfully owned or operated by any person convicted pursuant to this section shall be forfeited pursuant to section 24W of chapter 90. All proceeds from the auction of the vehicle shall be deposited into the Public Safety Training Fund established under section 2JJJJ of chapter 29.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 10J
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 10J cover?
Section 10J ("Breaking and entering building, ship, vessel or vehicle to steal firearm; penalty") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 10J?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 10J" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 10J apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.