Syracuse Gun Crimes Lawyers Defending Individuals Accused of Firearm Offenses

Criminal possession of a firearm in New York is a serious felony offense. New York gun laws are some of the strictest in the nation and are becoming more stringent every year. If you are convicted of a gun crime, you could be facing years in prison and hardships for your family. In addition, a life-long felony criminal record can impact you for the rest of your life in terms of employment, the ability to legally possess a firearm, and being able to obtain adequate housing.

If you have been accused of weapons charges, you need the help of a qualified attorney who can fight aggressively for your rights. All charges related to criminal possession of a firearm in New York are serious and cannot be taken lightly.

If you have been charged with a gun crime, call Passalacqua & Associates, LLC at (315) 500-6425 to schedule a free strategy session.

How Are Gun Crimes Classified in New York?

A Class E felony involves a person knowingly possessing an operable firearm and is punishable by one to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Criminal possession of a weapon, Fourth Degree is a Class A misdemeanor and applies to a person carrying any kind of illegal weapon. If convicted, you could receive one year of jail time. This can include a black powder rifle or muzzleloading firearm.

Criminal possession of a weapon, Third Degree, is a Class D felony offense. This charge is normally brought when other serious issues arise in relation to the weapon, such as possessing three or more weapons at one time or attempting to alter the weapon to avoid identification. If convicted, an individual could face a prison sentence of two to seven years in state prison.

Criminal possession of a weapon, Second Degree, is charged as a Class C felony offense. It is applicable in situations such as when it has been alleged that an individual had a loaded weapon with the intent of using it to harm another. It may also be used in cases where an individual is found to be in possession of five or more firearms.

The most serious of all criminal possession of weapon charges is the First-Degree offense. Class B felony charges are brought against individuals who have been apprehended with ten or more firearms or are caught with an explosive device with an intent to use it to harm others. A conviction means a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 25 years in state prison.

What are First- and Second-Degree Criminal Use of a Firearm?

According to New York State law, if you have been arrested with a firearm while committing a violent felony offense, there are two potential criminal use of firearm charges available to prosecutors. The first option is the second-degree criminal use of a firearm, which is a Class C felony offense. The second is the first-degree criminal use of a firearm, a Class B felony offense. Both of these charges are considered to be violent in nature.

The prosecutor must be able to prove that you openly displayed what appeared to be a shotgun, revolver, rifle, pistol, assault weapon, machine gun, or another type of gun. In addition, if you were found to have been in possession of a loaded deadly weapon while committing a felony, you could also be charged with first-degree criminal use of a firearm.

Can Gun or Weapons Charges be Dismissed or Reduced in New York?

Due to the strict laws that govern firearms in New York, it can be extremely difficult to have gun or weapons charges reduced or dismissed. It is critical that you hire an attorney who has extensive knowledge and experience in handling cases that involve any type of weapons charge.

Without a qualified attorney, you could potentially face years in prison if you are found to be in possession of too many guns at one time. Do not endanger your future by hiring an attorney who is not equipped to adequately handle your case. You need a legal representative who will aggressively fight for your rights.

Why Should I Hire Passalacqua & Associates, LLC to Represent Me in My Gun Crime Case?

You need the help of an attorney who can provide both a thorough and strategic defense on your behalf. As attorneys with Passalacqua & Associates, LLC, our main goal is to have your criminal charges dismissed or reduced from a felony classification.

We can review your charges and advise you of your legal options. We strive to obtain a high degree of trust in our attorney-client relationship and will always provide you with any information related to your case as it becomes available. Contact our law offices today by calling (315) 500-6425 and scheduling an appointment with a member of our legal team.