Categorizing Gun Crimes in New York

Citizens of the United States are given the right to bear arms via the second amendment of the Constitution. This allows an individual to own a gun as long as they follow the legal process to do so. In order to legally obtain a gun in the state of New York, a person is required to go through the process of acquiring permits before they can purchase a firearm. These laws exist to protect the general public. Those in possession of a gun without a permit can face very serious consequences. It is important to know that these consequences can worsen if the gun was involved in a crime. The majority of gun crimes fall under a misdemeanor or a felony.

Categorizing Gun Crimes

The consequences of gun crimes can vary depending on the misdemeanor or felony the offense falls under. If you have been charged with a gun crime, you should understand the class of your offense. The classification for gun crimes in New York is as follows:

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 firearm
• Criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds

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 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
• Criminal use of a firearm in the second degree
• Aggravated criminal possession of a weapon

Class B Felony

• Criminal possession of a dangerous weapon in the first degree
• Criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree
• Criminal use of a firearm in the first degree

Escalated Charges

If an individual is in possession of a gun while committing another crime, it can escalate the situation at hand. This can cause the individual to face more severe charges than just possession.

Contact our Firm

If you or someone you know was charged with gun possession and wishes to speak with an experienced attorney, contact the Law Office of Kevin T. Conway today.

Kevin T. Conway has over 30 years of experience as a Spring Valley criminal attorney handling DUI, DWI, traffic violations, violent crimes, sex crimes, illegal gun possession, shoplifting, and juvenile crimes. Attorney Conway is also experienced in commercial law matters, zoning law, and estate planning. If you need a Rockland County criminal lawyer, contact our Spring Valley office for a free consultation.