Gun Possession Lawyer Richmond County, NY

A gun possession charge in Richmond County (Staten Island) can disrupt your life in an instant. New York enforces some of the strictest firearms laws in the country. Whether you were arrested after a traffic stop on the Staten Island Expressway, during an encounter near the St. George Ferry Terminal, or at your home in New Dorp, the charge carries potential incarceration, a permanent criminal record, and lasting consequences for employment and housing. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team represent individuals facing misdemeanor and felony weapons charges in the NYC Criminal Court and the Richmond County Supreme Court. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

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What a Gun Possession Charge Means in Richmond County (Staten Island)

Richmond County, known as Staten Island, is one of the five boroughs of New York City and sits within the 13th Judicial District. Gun possession cases here are handled in two primary courts. Misdemeanor weapons charges—such as certain fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon offenses—are adjudicated in the NYC Criminal Court, Staten Island branch. Felony gun possession charges, including second and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, are heard in the Richmond County Supreme Court at 18 Richmond Terrace in the St. George neighborhood.

Under the New York Penal Law, unlawful possession of a firearm is classified by degree. A misdemeanor weapons conviction can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail. Felony convictions carry substantially longer prison terms, with Class C violent felonies exposing a defendant to a range of several years up to a maximum of fifteen years in state prison. The specific charge and potential sentence depend on factors the prosecution weighs carefully: the type of weapon, whether it was loaded, the location where it was allegedly possessed, and any prior criminal record. New York does not take a uniform approach to every weapons arrest—the district attorney’s office evaluates each case individually, and the posture of a case can shift significantly depending on the evidence and the legal arguments raised.

Richmond County courts also operate under New York’s 2020 bail reform framework. For many misdemeanor and non-violent felony charges, cash bail has been eliminated. Defendants are often released on their own recognizance or with non-monetary conditions. Bail remains available for violent felony offenses, and certain gun possession charges may qualify. Every case turns on its specific facts, and a clear understanding of the local court’s approach to pretrial release is an important part of early representation.

Richmond County Supreme Court hours: Mon-Fri 9:00AM-5:00PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Gun Possession Cases

A gun possession charge in Richmond County begins with an arrest and an arraignment—typically within twenty-four hours. At that first court appearance, a judge will address pretrial release and set the next court date. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to appear at the earliest stage possible. Early intervention can shape the direction of a case: the arguments made at arraignment about bail, the legal issues flagged for the prosecution, and the evidence preserved from the start all matter.

After arraignment, the case moves into the discovery and motion phase. Under New York’s Criminal Procedure Law, the prosecution must disclose the evidence it intends to use. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review that evidence carefully—examining the basis for the stop or search that led to the weapons recovery, the chain of custody, and the forensic handling of the firearm. Where the evidence supports it, they prepare and file motions challenging the admissibility of the weapon or statements made by the defendant. Motion practice is a critical phase: a successful suppression motion can lead to a significant reduction in charges or a dismissal.

Throughout the case, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel explore every avenue for resolution. For eligible first-offense cases, an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) may be available—a disposition where the charge is adjourned and ultimately dismissed after a period of six to twelve months if the defendant remains arrest-free. For cases that cannot be resolved through pretrial motions or negotiated dispositions, the matter proceeds to hearings and trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare each case as though it will be tried, building a thorough defense from the first client meeting through every court appearance.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., a law firm he established in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand insight into how the prosecution builds its cases—the charging decisions, evidentiary priorities, and strategic calculations that shape a criminal matter from arrest through disposition. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and has been representing clients in criminal matters for his entire career.

Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His practice reflects a long-standing commitment to the legal process and to advocating for clients at every stage of a criminal proceeding. Alongside his Of Counsel team, he brings experienced, multi-state representation to individuals facing weapons charges in Richmond County. The team approaches each gun possession case with careful attention to the specific facts, the applicable New York law, and the practices of the local court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New York have cash bail for gun possession charges?

New York eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies in 2020, but bail may still be set for certain violent felony charges including some gun possession offenses. In Richmond County, many defendants facing weapons charges are released on their own recognizance or with non-monetary conditions such as supervised release or travel restrictions. Whether bail applies depends on the specific charge, the classification of the offense, and the defendant’s criminal history. For clients who are held on bail, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can request a bail review hearing to seek more favorable terms. Each case is evaluated individually by the court.

What is an ACD and can it apply to a gun possession charge in Richmond County?

An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a New York disposition where a criminal charge is adjourned for a period of six to twelve months and then automatically dismissed if the defendant has no new arrests. ACDs are generally available for many first-offense cases, and in some circumstances may apply to certain weapons charges in Richmond County. The Richmond County Supreme Court at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, and the NYC Criminal Court both have authority to grant ACDs in eligible matters. An ACD results in the charge being dismissed and the record can be sealed. Whether an ACD is available in a given gun possession case depends on the specific charge, the facts, and the defendant’s prior record.

Can a gun possession conviction be sealed in New York?

New York allows conditional sealing of certain convictions under CPL § 160.59, including some gun possession offenses, after a waiting period. An individual may apply to seal up to two eligible convictions after ten years have passed since sentencing or release from incarceration, whichever is later. An ACD disposition results in automatic sealing. For gun possession convictions, eligibility for sealing depends on the classification of the offense and whether it is designated as a violent felony under New York law. Cases in Richmond County are sealed through the court where the conviction was entered.

What are the penalties for unlawful gun possession in New York?

Penalties for unlawful gun possession in New York range from a misdemeanor with up to one year in jail to a Class B violent felony carrying a sentence of up to twenty-five years in state prison. The penalty depends on the degree of the charge, which is determined by factors including the type of firearm, whether it was loaded, the location where it was allegedly possessed, and the defendant’s criminal history. A fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon charge is typically a misdemeanor. Second-degree possession is a Class C violent felony. The specific sentence in any case is determined by the court after considering the charges, the evidence, and any applicable mandatory minimums under New York law.

How long does a gun possession case take in Richmond County?

The timeline for a gun possession case in Richmond County varies depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony and on the complexity of the legal issues involved. Misdemeanor cases in the NYC Criminal Court may resolve within several months, while felony cases in Richmond County Supreme Court can take significantly longer—particularly if the case involves pretrial motions, hearings, or proceeds to trial. Under New York’s speedy trial statute (CPL § 30.30), the prosecution must be ready for trial within prescribed timeframes. The actual duration of any given case depends on the court’s calendar, motion practice, and the specific facts.

Do I need a lawyer for a gun possession charge in Richmond County?

While you are not legally required to hire private counsel, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer for a gun possession charge in Richmond County provides critical guidance through the New York criminal process. Weapons charges carry significant potential penalties, including incarceration and a permanent criminal record. An attorney can evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case, identify legal issues with the stop or search, negotiate with the district attorney’s office, and represent you at every court appearance. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent clients in the NYC Criminal Court and Richmond County Supreme Court. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Criminal Defense Representation in Nearby New York Counties

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients facing gun possession and other criminal charges across New York City and Long Island:

New York Firearms Law Resources

For reference on New York firearms statutes and court operations:

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