Gun Possession Charges in Queens – Understanding the Law

Gun Possession Charges in Queens – Understanding the Law

Dealing with a gun possession charge in Queens can be really confusing and scary. Like, what exactly are the laws around owning or carrying a gun in New York City? And what might happen if you get arrested? This stuff is kinda complicated, but I wanna break it down so you understand the basics.

Gun Ownership Laws in NYC

New York City has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. And Queens is no exception. Here’s a quick rundown:

• You need a license to possess a gun in NYC. This applies to both handguns and long guns (rifles and shotguns).
• Getting a gun license here is really tough. You have to apply through the NYPD and go through a strict background check and approval process.
• If you somehow do get approved for a license, there are still a bunch of rules about how and where you can carry your gun.
• Bottom line – for most people in NYC, owning or carrying a gun legally is pretty much impossible.

Common Gun Possession Charges

So what happens if you break these gun laws? Well, you could be looking at some pretty serious criminal charges:

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon – This is the most common charge for illegally having a gun in NYC. It covers everything from carrying a loaded handgun to keeping an unregistered rifle in your home.
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm – This charge is specifically for possessing handguns illegally.
• Criminal Use of a Firearm – This charge covers actually firing an illegal gun or using it to commit another crime.

The specific charges and penalties you face depend on the details of your case. But in general, illegal gun possession is always treated as a felony in New York.

Penalties for Gun Possession Charges in Queens

Like most places, Queens has a “three strikes” rule when it comes to gun felonies. Here’s how the penalties break down:

• First gun possession conviction – Up to 15 years in prison.
• Second gun possession conviction – Up to 25 years in prison.
• Third gun possession conviction – Minimum of 25 years in prison.

In addition to jail time, a conviction also brings big fines (up to $5,000 typically) and a permanent criminal record. If you own any firearms legally, you would also lose the ability to possess guns going forward.

Defending Against Gun Possession Charges

Facing down gun charges in New York City can feel scary. The laws are so strict and the penalties are so severe. But there are still ways to fight the charges against you – with the right legal strategy.

An experienced Queens criminal defense lawyer can argue things like:

• The gun was not actually yours
• You had no knowledge the gun was there
• You had a valid reason for possessing the weapon (self-defense, etc.)
• The search or arrest was not conducted properly

In some cases, we may even be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed through negotiations with the prosecutor. But you need an aggressive lawyer on your side who knows the system and will fight tooth and nail.

Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Case

If you or someone you love is facing gun charges in Queens, please get legal help immediately. Don’t go through this alone. What you need is an experienced Queens criminal attorney who can protect your rights and work to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that’s reducing charges or getting them dismissed altogether.

At [Law Firm Name], our team of seasoned criminal defense lawyers has been successfully defending gun cases in Queens and all over NYC for more than 20 years. We know how to analyze the evidence, identify weaknesses, negotiate with prosecutors, and fight for our clients in court.

We treat every client like family – we’ll walk you through the legal process, answer all your questions, and keep fighting for your future every step of the way. Don’t leave anything to chance. Call us or reach out online to set up your free case evaluation today.

Resources

For more information on gun laws and criminal defense in New York City, check out the following resources:

• Overview of NYC Gun Laws
• What Counts as Criminal Possession of a Weapon in NY?
• Penalties for Illegal Gun Possession in New York
• When Can You Legally Use a Gun for Self-Defense in NY?

Wikipedia also has more background on New York gun laws and gun laws by state.

If you need any help understanding your case or finding the right lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to listen and provide whatever support we can.