Firearms Possession Lawyer New York County, NY
You were at a friend’s apartment in Hell’s Kitchen when police executed a search warrant and allegedly recovered a firearm that you did not realize was present. Now you face criminal weapons charges in New York County. A conviction can mean jail time, a permanent record, and the loss of your right to possess a firearm. You need a firearms possession lawyer who understands New York’s strict gun laws and can build a defense around the specific facts of your case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options for Firearms Possession Charges in New York County
At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team handle firearms possession cases by first examining the circumstances of the alleged offense. They question whether law enforcement followed proper procedure, whether you had actual or constructive knowledge of the weapon, and whether any statutory defenses—such as a valid home or place of business exception—apply. Their goal is to develop a thorough defense that addresses the prosecution’s evidence and seeks the most favorable resolution possible under the law, whether that means a dismissal, a reduction to a non‑criminal disposition, or a negotiated plea to a lesser offense.
New York County’s criminal courts at 60 Centre Street process hundreds of weapons cases annually. Mr. Sris and his team appear regularly in both the Criminal Court (for misdemeanors) and the Supreme Court Criminal Term (for felonies). They understand how the district attorney’s office evaluates firearm possession allegations and can present arguments that highlight weaknesses in the state’s case, such as chain‑of‑custody issues, missing evidence, or lack of intent.
What to Expect When You Are Charged with a Weapons Offense
After an arrest for a firearms offense in New York County, you will typically be processed and may receive a desk appearance ticket (DAT) to return to court on a future date. For misdemeanor charges, your case will likely be heard in New York County Criminal Court; felony charges proceed to the Supreme Court Criminal Term. New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies, so many individuals charged with unlawful possession of a firearm are released on their own recognizance. However, bail may still be set for certain violent felony weapons counts. Your attorney can advocate for your release at arraignment.
Many first‑offense firearm possession cases may be eligible for an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), a disposition in which the charges are adjourned for six to twelve months and then automatically dismissed if you stay out of trouble. Even if an ACD is not appropriate, Mr. Sris can explore other avenues—such as a reduction to a non‑criminal violation or a motion to suppress evidence—that may lead to a better result.
Penalties for Firearms Possession in New York County
Under the New York Penal Law, unlawful possession of a firearm can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on factors such as the type of weapon, whether it was loaded, and your prior criminal record. A Class A misdemeanor conviction carries up to one year in jail; a felony conviction can result in a state prison sentence of one to fifteen years or more. In addition, a felony weapons conviction will result in a lifetime prohibition on possessing firearms and may affect employment, housing, and immigration status. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case to minimize the consequences you face.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Together with his Of Counsel—attorneys engaged through Excella and not employees of the firm—he brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to firearms possession defense. Results may vary. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented over 4,739 case results across all practice areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New York have cash bail for firearms charges?
For most misdemeanor and non‑violent felony firearms charges, New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminates cash bail; however, bail may still be set for certain violent felony weapons offenses. At the New York County Supreme Court, 60 Centre Street, your attorney can present arguments for your release on your own recognizance or under supervised conditions. Judges consider factors such as your community ties, criminal history, and the nature of the charge. Mr. Sris can prepare a focused presentation on your behalf.
What is an ACD and can it apply to a firearms possession case?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a disposition where charges are adjourned for six to twelve months and then automatically dismissed if you have no new arrests; it may be available for some first‑offense firearm charges. In New York County, an experienced attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to seek an ACD. If accepted by the court, you would be placed on a period of supervision; upon successful completion the charges are dismissed and the record is sealed. Eligibility depends on the specific facts and your background.
Can I get my criminal record sealed after a firearms conviction?
New York offers conditional sealing under CPL § 160.59 for certain qualifying convictions after ten years, and an ACD results in automatic sealing. A firearm possession conviction may be eligible for sealing if it meets statutory criteria, though violent felony offenses generally are not. Mr. Sris can evaluate your record and determine if you qualify for sealing or other forms of post‑conviction relief, and guide you through the application process.
Do I need a lawyer for a firearms possession charge in New York County?
While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, the consequences of a conviction—jail time, fines, a permanent criminal record, and loss of firearm rights—make experienced legal representation critical. A skilled lawyer can challenge the legality of the search, file motions to suppress evidence, negotiate for reduced charges, or pursue non‑criminal dispositions like an ACD. Having an attorney familiar with the prosecutors and procedures in New York County can help you obtain favorable outcomes.
How much does a firearms possession lawyer cost in New York County?
Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the case, the level of the charge, and the attorney’s experience. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we offer a consultation to discuss your situation and provide information about our fee structure. We accept multiple payment methods and can discuss payment plans if appropriate. Contact our location at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.
What should I bring to my consultation with a firearms lawyer?
Bring any paperwork you have received, including the desk appearance ticket (DAT), complaint, or bail receipt, along with a list of any witnesses and any other information that may be relevant to your case. If you have any permits, firearm registration documents, or evidence that could challenge the allegation, share them with your attorney. Providing this information early allows us to prepare a comprehensive response and advise you on the trusted course of action.
Our firm also represents clients charged with firearms offenses in neighboring counties: Kings County (Brooklyn), Queens County, and Richmond County (Staten Island).
Request a Consultation
If you are facing a firearms possession charge in New York County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Our New York location serves clients throughout the borough and across the state. Phones are answered 24 hours a day, every day.
Our New York location: 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202. All consultations are by appointment.