Firearms Possession Lawyer Brooklyn, NY
Facing a weapons charge in Brooklyn can feel overwhelming. The Kings County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes firearm offenses with considerable resources, and New York’s gun laws are among the most stringent in the country. Whether you are accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the second, third, or fourth degree—charges defined under Article 265 of the New York Penal Law—a conviction can bring incarceration, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. Our firm understands how these cases move through the Kings County courts, from the Criminal Court at 120 Schermerhorn Street for misdemeanors to the Supreme Court at 360 Adams Street for felonies. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, provides experienced criminal defense representation to individuals in Brooklyn and throughout New York. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team bring a thorough understanding of local court procedure and the strategies used by the prosecution. If you or a family member has been arrested on a firearms charge, contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Understanding Firearms Possession Laws in Brooklyn, New York
New York classifies firearms offenses by the type of weapon, the circumstances of possession, and the defendant’s prior record. A loaded firearm carried outside the home may be charged as a violent felony, while possessing an unregistered handgun in a vehicle could be a lower-level felony. Cases are heard in the Kings County court system—misdemeanors in the New York City Criminal Court, Brooklyn division, and felony cases in the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term. The court address is 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Because Brooklyn includes neighborhoods as diverse as Downtown, Williamsburg, Park Slope, Flatbush, and Brownsville, the police activity and the volume of gun arrests can be high. Residents from Coney Island to Bushwick may find themselves facing serious charges after a stop-and-frisk encounter, a traffic stop, or a search warrant execution.
Since 2020, New York’s bail reform has eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, meaning many defendants are released on their own recognizance pending trial. However, certain firearms charges may still carry bail, particularly those classified as violent felonies. After arrest, the defendant is arraigned, and if the charge is a felony, the case may be presented to a grand jury for indictment. Throughout this process, having an attorney who practices regularly in the Kings County courts can help protect your rights, from arguing for a reasonable bail to filing motions to suppress evidence.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Firearms Possession Cases
Mr. Sris approaches each firearms case with careful attention to the details of the arrest and the evidence. As a former prosecutor, he understands the methods the Kings County District Attorney’s Office uses to build a case and can anticipate potential weaknesses. The Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings additional trial experience and legal insight. Together, they examine every aspect of the charge—whether the stop was lawful, whether the search was valid, whether any statements were obtained properly, and whether the firearm was handled in accordance with forensic protocols.
Depending on the facts, the defense may move to exclude evidence obtained through an unconstitutional search, challenge the reliability of witness identifications, or negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or a non-criminal disposition where allowed. While every case is different, our attorneys are prepared to take a case to trial if a favorable plea is not offered. Throughout the process, clients receive straightforward guidance on the strengths and weaknesses of their case so they can make informed decisions.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Since founding the firm in 1997, Mr. Sris has concentrated his practice on criminal defense, representing individuals charged with serious offenses in state and federal courts. His testimony before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 reflects his commitment to legal reform and to the rights of the accused.
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of experienced Of Counsel attorneys who also handle firearms and other criminal matters. The Of Counsel attorneys bring substantial trial skills and local court knowledge. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have obtained favorable results in numerous criminal cases. Results may vary. When you work with our firm on a Brooklyn firearms charge, you benefit from a collaborative defense strategy that draws on decades of combined courtroom experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for illegal firearms possession in New York?
Penalties for illegal firearms possession in New York range from a misdemeanor with up to one year in jail to a violent felony with a prison term of up to life. The classification of the offense depends on factors such as the type of weapon, whether it was loaded, where it was carried, and the defendant’s prior record. For example, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree is a class A misdemeanor, while criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree is a class C violent felony. A conviction can also bring fines and long-term consequences including loss of firearm rights and immigration implications for non‑citizens. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate the specific charge and any mitigating circumstances that may affect the potential sentence.
Can a firearms possession charge be dismissed in Brooklyn?
A firearms charge can be dismissed if the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient or was obtained through an unlawful stop or search. Many gun cases arise from police encounters on the street, during a traffic stop, or after a warrant execution. If the defense can show that the officer lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, a judge may suppress the firearm and any statements the defendant made. Without that evidence, the prosecution may have no viable case. In other situations, a judge may consider a pretrial diversion program for certain eligible defendants, though such options are limited for felony gun charges. Each case is fact‑specific, so early consultation with a lawyer is critical.
What happens after a firearm arrest in Kings County?
After a firearm arrest in Kings County, you are typically held for arraignment and then either released or given a bail amount. For misdemeanor weapons charges, bail may be eliminated under New York’s 2020 reform, though some felony firearms offenses remain eligible for bail. At arraignment, the judge reads the charge and you enter a plea. If the charge is a felony, the case is then scheduled for a preliminary hearing or presented to a grand jury. Throughout this period, your attorney can advocate for a lower bail or release conditions, gather exculpatory evidence, and begin building a defense. Missing a court date can lead to a bench warrant, so it is important to appear as required and remain in close contact with counsel.
Should I speak to the police if I am arrested on a gun charge?
You should not answer questions from the police about a firearms charge without an attorney present. The right to remain silent is a fundamental protection, and anything you say can be used against you in court. Police officers may attempt to obtain a statement by suggesting that cooperation will help, but even an innocent explanation can be misinterpreted or used to establish possession or intent. Politely inform the officer that you wish to speak with a lawyer and then say nothing further. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to have legal representation during any interrogation or court appearance.
How does being a former prosecutor help in a firearms defense case?
A former prosecutor understands how the District Attorney’s office builds and evaluates a weapons case, which helps identify weaknesses early. Mr. Sris’s background gives him insight into charging decisions, plea bargaining, and the evidence the prosecution will rely on. He can anticipate arguments the assistant district attorney is likely to make and can craft a defense strategy that addresses those issues. This perspective is especially valuable in Brooklyn, where the DA’s office has experienced trial attorneys dedicated to gun prosecutions. Clients benefit from a defense that is informed by an insider’s knowledge of the prosecution’s playbook.
Why choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a Brooklyn firearms case?
Our firm offers multi‑state experience, a former prosecutor’s perspective, and a dedicated team that practices in Kings County courts. Mr. Sris founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted in New York as well as four other jurisdictions. He and his Of Counsel team have handled firearms charges across a range of felony and misdemeanor classifications. We take a meticulous approach to each case, from reviewing police reports to negotiating with prosecutors and, when necessary, trying the case before a jury. Our firm serves clients throughout Brooklyn, including neighborhoods from Downtown and Williamsburg to Bay Ridge and Flatbush. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
Our attorneys also represent clients in other New York City boroughs and nearby counties. Learn more about our criminal defense services in New York County (Manhattan), Queens County (Queens), Richmond County (Staten Island), and Nassau County (Long Island).
For additional information on New York firearms law and the Brooklyn courts, you may visit these official sources: New York Penal Law Article 265 (Firearms and Other Dangerous Instruments) and Kings County Supreme Court.
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