While there is much of a debate regarding gun laws in the country, the state of New York’s laws is very strict. It is because of this that those who violate these laws can face extremely harsh penalties. New York makes it difficult for a person to lawfully obtain a permit to purchase or carry a firearm. With these laws in place, it is crucial to understand them in order to stay in accordance with the law. If you or someone you know was charged with unlawful possession of a gun in New York State, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for assistance with your case.
The NY SAFE Act
The NY SAFE Act was enacted in 2013 as a gun regulation law. It was described by Governor Andrew Cuomo as the toughest gun control law in the country. Under the act, there is no permit required to purchase, carry, possess a license, or register rifles and shotguns outside of New York City. However, there are more restrictions for handguns. Instead, the state does require a permit to purchase, carry, possess, and own handguns. It must also be registered with a governing body. It is important to know that handgun owners are not allowed to open carry. All assault weapons in the state are prohibited unless they were purchased before the Act was enacted. However, they must be registered as well. The new law also limited magazines to 10 rounds.
Felony Gun Crimes
Those who violate gun laws in New York can face serious consequences as a result. The felony gun crimes in the state are as follows:
- The possession of an unlicensed firearm
- The possession of an assault weapon is a felony unless the weapon was purchased before the NY SAFE Act and was registered
- The possession of a large capacity ammunition magazine
- The sale of a firearm without a license
Upgrading Crimes When Weapons Are Involved
In the event that a person was arrested for a crime and a firearm was involved, the charges can be upgraded significantly. For example, if an individual commits assault while in possession of a weapon, the charge can be upgraded to an aggravated assault. This can result in much more jail time, increased fines, and other burdens that come with a criminal conviction.
Contact our Firm
Criminal matters can change the course of your life forever. This is why you need an experienced attorney who will aggressively combat your charges to help mitigate their long-term effects. If you are in need of experienced legal counsel for a criminal defense matter on Long Island or throughout New York State, please contact Grunwald & Seman, P.C. to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to assist you.
