Weapons Charge Lawyer New York, NY
Facing a weapons charge anywhere in New York is a serious matter that can change the course of your life. In New York County (Manhattan), prosecutors at the District Attorney’s office pursue these cases actively, and a conviction can mean jail or prison time, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of your firearm rights. Whether you are charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree — a class A misdemeanor — or a violent felony like criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, the stakes are high. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on criminal defense, and our team understands the local courts, the legal standards, and what it takes to build a thorough defense. Owner and Founder Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who has been handling criminal matters since 1997. To request a consultation about your weapons charge, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Weapons Charges Mean in New York County (Manhattan)
Weapons offenses in New York are governed by Article 265 of the New York Penal Law. Charges range from violations, such as unlawful possession of certain knives, to class A misdemeanors (criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree) and all the way up to class C violent felonies for loaded firearms possession (criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree). Felony weapons charges often carry mandatory state prison sentences, and a conviction can also disqualify you from ever owning a firearm under federal law. Because New York does not treat weapons charges lightly, it is critical to have an experienced defense attorney on your side from the earliest stage.
In Manhattan, misdemeanor weapons cases are heard at the New York City Criminal Court, while felony weapons charges are prosecuted in the New York County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007. The court system is busy, and the District Attorney’s office has dedicated bureaus that handle gun and weapons cases. New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies, meaning many defendants are released on their own recognizance after arrest. However, certain violent felony weapons charges may still carry a bail request. An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is available for some first‑offense weapons cases — if completed successfully, the charge is dismissed after six to twelve months. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with each of these procedures and how they apply to weapons charges in Manhattan.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Weapons Charges Cases
Every weapons case begins with a thorough review of the arrest and the evidence. Was the stop lawful? Was the weapon found during a search that may have violated your Fourth Amendment rights? Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the police reports, the chain of custody for any recovered weapon, and the laboratory analysis when the weapon is a firearm. They also evaluate whether the prosecutor can prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt — for example, whether you knowingly possessed the weapon and whether any statutory exceptions apply.
After the investigation, the team focuses on the trusted path forward for the client. For a first‑time misdemeanor possession charge, that might mean negotiating an ACD so the case is dismissed and can eventually be sealed. For more serious felony allegations, the defense may involve challenging the legality of the search, contesting witness identifications, or presenting mitigating evidence to the court. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, he knows how the other side builds its case and can anticipate the prosecution’s strategy. Should trial become necessary, the team is prepared to represent you vigorously at the New York County Supreme Court or the NYC Criminal Court. Throughout the process, you will be kept informed, and every decision will be made with your input.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997 after working as a prosecutor. His firsthand experience in criminal prosecution gives him a unique understanding of how weapons charges are investigated and litigated. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has handled thousands of criminal defense matters across these jurisdictions. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), reflecting his engagement with the law at a legislative level.
Working alongside Mr. Sris is a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring decades of additional experience in criminal defense, DUI‑DWI, traffic, and family law. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. Together, they have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. cases are assessed individually, and the team’s collective knowledge is applied to each weapons charge, whether it is a misdemeanor or a serious felony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for a weapons charge in New York?
The penalties for a weapons charge in New York depend on the specific offense. Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and fines. A conviction for criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree — a loaded, operable firearm possessed outside the home or place of business — is a class C violent felony that carries a determinate prison sentence of 3.5 to 15 years. Other weapon crimes, such as criminal possession of a firearm (a class E felony), can result in probation or a state prison term. The court’s sentence is influenced by your criminal history and the facts of the case. Results may vary.
What should I do if I am arrested for a weapons charge in Manhattan?
If you are arrested for a weapons charge in Manhattan, the first step is to remain silent beyond providing your name and address. Ask to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone other than your lawyer. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 as soon as possible. Prompt legal intervention can help preserve evidence, challenge an unlawful search or seizure, and work toward your release or a favorable bail decision. An experienced attorney can also advise you on whether an ACD or a dismissal is a realistic goal for your situation.
Do I need a lawyer for a weapons charge?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor weapons conviction can result in jail time, a permanent criminal record, and restrictions on firearm ownership. An experienced defense lawyer can review the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and, in appropriate cases, seek an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) so the charge is ultimately dismissed. Without an attorney, you risk missing a viable defense or accepting a plea that carries long‑term consequences you did not anticipate. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is an ACD in New York County (Manhattan), New York?
Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a New York disposition where charges are adjourned for 6‑12 months and automatically dismissed if the defendant has no new arrests during that period. ACDs are available for many first‑offense cases at the New York County Supreme Court (60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007) or the Manhattan Criminal Court. Records of an ACD can be sealed. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Actively practices here — firm‑wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
Does New York have cash bail?
New York reformed its bail laws in January 2020, eliminating cash bail for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies. For many weapons charges, particularly first‑offense misdemeanors like fourth‑degree criminal possession of a weapon, a defendant is typically released on their own recognizance. However, certain violent felony weapons charges may still be bail‑eligible. The court may also impose non‑monetary conditions, such as supervised release or an order to stay away from specific locations. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can argue for your release and help you comply with any conditions the court sets.
Criminal defense representation is also available in other New York localities: Kings County (Brooklyn) weapons charge lawyer, Queens County (Queens) weapons charge lawyer, Richmond County (Staten Island) weapons charge lawyer, and Nassau County (Long Island) weapons charge lawyer.
Additional resources: New York Penal Law (Article 265 – Weapons) · New York City Criminal Court · New York State Unified Court System
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.