Massachusetts § 18A - Dangerous weapon; assault in dwelling house; punishment
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 18A — Dangerous weapon; assault in dwelling house; punishment, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18A. Dangerous weapon; assault in dwelling house; punishment
Section 18A. Whoever, being armed with a dangerous weapon, enters a dwelling house and while therein assaults another with intent to commit a felony shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life, or for a term of not less than ten years. No person imprisoned under this paragraph shall be eligible for parole in less than five years.
Whoever, being armed with a dangerous weapon defined as a firearm, as defined in section 121 of chapter 140, enters a dwelling house and while therein assaults another with intent to commit a felony shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a term of not less than ten years. Such person shall not be eligible for parole prior to the expiration of ten years.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 18A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 18A cover?
Section 18A ("Dangerous weapon; assault in dwelling house; punishment") 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 § 18A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 18A" (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 § 18A 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.