Gun Possession in New York - Kevin T. Conway Esq.

In order to own a gun, an individual must go through the correct process. In New York, an individual must have a permit to buy and carry a handgun. The permit process requires a thorough background check. If an individual is found in possession of a gun without a permit, they may face harsh consequences. A gun owner must not let another person use their gun. Failure to follow gun laws can put people in danger and require an individual to face consequences. It is important to understand the laws regarding gun possession in New York before purchasing one.

Obtaining a Permit

If a person wants to own a gun, they must have a permit. Gun permits let law enforcement monitor the buying and selling guns. It also lets them know why an individual owns a gun. Permits are useful in the event of a crime, as it allows law enforcement to track a gun that was used in a crime back to its owner.

The New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act (NY SAFE ACT) was created in 2013 to modernize the laws regarding guns and ammunition. The following changes were made:

Residents must have a permit to possess a handgun, but not a long gun (rifles and shotguns) outside New York City
Open carry of handguns is not permitted
Assault weapons banned unless registered before the NY Safe Act
Magazine size limited to 10 rounds
Ammunition dealers must conduct background checks and report all of their sales to the state
Online dealers must work with a state licensed dealer
Mental health professionals must report any serious threats from patients
Increased penalties for gun crimes
Permit renewal every 5 years

Eligibility

In order to apply for a gun permit, an individual must meet a number of requirements. These are as follows:

Over the age of 21, unless honorably discharged from the military
Not dishonorably discharged from the military
Not convicted of a felony or serious offense
Not previous gun license revoked
Not addicted to controlled substances
Must state if they suffered from or been treated for mental illness
Not committed to a mental institution involuntarily
Never had a guardian appointed due to lack of mental capacity
Never denounced their citizenship in the U.S.
Be in the United States lawfully
Have no clear reason for denial of a licenses

Consequences of Gun Crimes

Gun crimes are taken very seriously in New York. When a gun owner does not have a permit, they can face consequences for breaking the law.

Possession of an unlicensed firearm is a felony
Possession of an assault weapon after the NY Safe Act is a felony
Possession of a large amount of ammunition magazine is a felony
Selling firearms without a license is illegal and considered a felony
A non-resident of New York transporting firearms throughout the state may be arrested

Contact our Firm

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.