Weapons Charge Lawyer Manhattan, New York
A weapons charge in Manhattan, New York County, is governed by New York Penal Law (PEN) and can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B felony, carrying penalties including up to 1 year in jail or 5-25 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding Weapons Charges Under New York Penal Law
Weapons charges in Manhattan, New York County, are prosecuted under the New York Penal Law (PEN), specifically Article 265 (Firearms and Other Dangerous Weapons) and Article 270 (Other Offenses Relating to Public Safety). Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree (PL § 265.01) is a Class A misdemeanor, while criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (PL § 265.03) is a Class C violent felony. Penalties range from up to 1 year in jail for misdemeanors to 5-25 years in prison for serious felonies. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing weapons charges in Manhattan.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York Penal Law (PEN) — official site
Official Legal References
For the full text of New York weapons laws, see New York Penal Law Article 265 (New York State Senate — official site). For court procedures, visit New York County Supreme Court (nycourts.gov — official site).
Insider Knowledge: Weapons Charges in Manhattan Courts
In New York County Supreme Court, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for weapons possession near schools or public parks. We have observed that judges in Manhattan often consider the defendant’s criminal history and the specific type of weapon when setting bail or imposing sentences.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts and surveillance footage.
- Contact a weapons charge lawyer near me Manhattan immediately.
- Attend all court appearances at New York County Supreme Court, 60 Centre Street.
- Explore ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) for first-time offenses.
- Consider conditional sealing under CPL § 160.59 for eligible convictions.
In Manhattan, New York County, weapons charges carry penalties ranging from up to 1 year in jail for misdemeanors to 5-25 years in prison for serious felonies, depending on the classification and circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree (PL § 265.01) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | N/A | Probation, criminal record |
| Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree (PL § 265.02) | Class D Violent Felony | 2-7 years | Up to $5,000 | N/A | Mandatory surcharge, loss of firearm rights |
| Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree (PL § 265.03) | Class C Violent Felony | 3.5-15 years | Up to $15,000 | N/A | Mandatory minimum sentence, no parole eligibility |
| Criminal Possession of a Weapon 1st Degree (PL § 265.04) | Class B Violent Felony | 5-25 years | Up to $30,000 | N/A | Life-time firearm ban, federal consequences |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Weapons Charge Defense
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Our team understands the details of New York weapons laws and the Manhattan court system. We provide 24/7 availability and personalized defense strategies case-specific to your case.
Your Defense Team
Proven Results in Weapons Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 12 documented results in weapons-related cases: 12 dismissed or not guilty, 0 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% for those cases. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our Manhattan Location
Our location in Buffalo, NY is approximately 370 miles from New York County Supreme Court (60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007), with access via I-90 and I-87. We serve as a weapons charge lawyer near me Manhattan for clients throughout the borough.
Serving the communities of Manhattan: Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, Inwood.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (838) 292-0003
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weapons Charges in Manhattan
Does New York have cash bail?
Yes. NY reformed bail in 2020, eliminating cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. Most defendants in New York County (Manhattan) are released on recognizance. Criminal cases heard at New York County Supreme Court (60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007). ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) available for many first offenses — charges dismissed after 6-12 months. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
NY reformed bail in 2020, eliminating cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies.
What is an ACD in New York County (Manhattan), New York?
Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a NY disposition where charges are adjourned for 6-12 months and automatically dismissed if you have no new arrests. Available for many first offenses at New York County Supreme Court (60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007). ACD records can be sealed. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
An ACD is a disposition where charges are dismissed after 6-12 months if you have no new arrests.
Can I get my criminal record sealed in New York County (Manhattan), New York?
Yes. NY offers conditional sealing under CPL § 160.59 for qualifying convictions (up to 2) after 10 years. ACD results in automatic sealing. Marijuana offenses have expanded eligibility. Cases in New York County (Manhattan) sealed through the court. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Yes, conditional sealing is available under CPL § 160.59 for qualifying convictions after 10 years.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in New York County (Manhattan), New York?
Class A misdemeanor in New York County (Manhattan): up to 1 year jail. Class B: up to 3 months. Violations: up to 15 days. Cases heard at New York County Supreme Court (60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007). NY’s 2020 bail reform means most misdemeanor defendants are released without bail. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Class A misdemeanor: up to 1 year jail; Class B: up to 3 months; Violations: up to 15 days.
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with harsher penalties and no parole.
How does a lawyer defend against weapons charges in New York?
Defense strategies for weapons charges in New York may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced weapons charge lawyer Manhattan evaluates the specific facts under New York Penal Law (PEN) to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
What should I do if I am facing weapons charges in Manhattan?
If facing weapons charges in Manhattan, contact an affordable weapons charge lawyer Manhattan immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under New York law require prompt action.
Contact a weapons charge lawyer immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
Related Resources
Last verified: April 2026. This page was updated to reflect current New York Penal Law and court procedures.