President Joe Biden announced a half-dozen executive actions to combat gun violence in America. AP.com explained that “Biden’s new steps include a move to crack down on ‘ghost guns,’ homemade firearms that lack serial numbers used to trace them and are often purchased without a background check,” among other things. As a result of all of the changes being made, it is important to know New York’s current gun laws and what you can expect in the future. Read on to learn more.
How to Obtain a Gun Permit
Residents of New York City or Long Island are required to apply to the police commissioner or the sheriff in order to get their permits. Residents of upstate New York can apply with the County Court. When submitting your application, be sure to include:
- Your name, date of birth, and address
- Whether or not you have a criminal record
- A physical description
- Mental health history
- Character references
What are the Penalties for Illegally Possessing a Gun in New York?
If you are facing charges for a gun crime in New York, you may face the following penalties:
- Class B Misdemeanor
- Unlawful possession of certain ammunition feeding devices
- Class A Misdemeanor
- Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree
- Criminal purchase or disposal of a weapon
- Certain wounds to be reported
- Burn injury and wounds to be reported
- Unsafe storage of rifles, shotguns, and firearms
- Unlawful possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device
- Class E Felony
- Criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds
- Criminal possession of a firearm
- Class D Felony
- Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree
- Criminal sale of a firearm in the third degree
- Class C Felony
- Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree
- Criminal use of a firearm in the second degree
- Criminal sale of a firearm in the second degree
- Criminal sale of a firearm with the aid of a minor
- Criminal sale of a firearm to a minor
- Aggravated criminal possession of a weapon
- Class B Felony
- Criminal possession of a dangerous weapon in the first degree
- Criminal use of a firearm in the first degree
- Criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree
What if I am Facing Charges?
If you are facing charges for any of the above, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. A skilled criminal defense attorney will work to reduce your charges and the associated penalties. Our firm will explore all possible avenues of defense.
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 KCS Law to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to assist you.
