Criminal Defense

Firearm Crimes

New York State has strict laws governing the unlawful possession and sale of firearms.

Firearm related crimes generally refer to crimes that involve the unlawful possession or the use of a firearm to threaten or inflict harm. It may include intentional crimes such as homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, and unintentional injury that results from the misuse of a firearm. There are four categories of firearms crimes: use, possession, manufacture, and distribution of firearms.

Even though firearm possession may be legal in other states, firearm possesion in New York may be illegal.

The presence of a firearm during any crime will elevate the degree and penalty of that crime.

Firearm and other dangerous weapons charges include:

• Criminal possession of a weapon
• Criminal use of a firearm
• Manufacture, transport, disposition and defacement of weapons and dangerous instruments and appliances
• Criminal sale of a firearm
• Criminal purchase of a weapon
• Prohibited use of weapons
• Purchase of rifles and/or shotguns in contiguous states

Individuals licensed to carry a concealed firearm in other states, but not licensed to carry a concealed weapon in New York State can face felony charges for the unlawful criminal possession of a weapon.

These individuals include, but are not limited to:

• Security guards
• Retired servicemen in the armed forces
• Licensed law enforcement personnel

** This non-exhaustive list serves as examples of crimes that may be considered firearm crimes**