Defending Weapon Possesion Charges Throughout Long Island & New York City

Offices Conveniently Located in Nassau & Suffolk County

When it comes to weapon possession, New York has some of the strictest laws, and violation of these statutes can lead to severe penalties. These types of cases do not typically allow much room for plea bargaining. Therefore, it is important to work with a team of weapon possession lawyers in Long Island who have an in-depth understanding of how these laws work and how to build a strong defense on your behalf.

From the time of your arrest to the conclusion of the trial and final judgment, our legal team will take you step by step through the process for your best possible outcome. Call us today at (516) 588-7590 and schedule a free consultation.

What Constitutes a Weapon?

When most people think of a weapon, the first thing that typically comes to mind is a gun or a knife. However, in New York, virtually any object can be considered a weapon and lead to weapon possession charges, if it is held with criminal intent. A person may be charged with weapon possession if they 1) possess a weapon that is listed as a “per se” weapon in Penal Law Section 265.00, or 2) have the intent to use any other dangerous instrument unlawfully against another person.

A “per se” weapon is one that is explicitly banned by law, meaning it is always illegal to possess it. There are several “per se” weapons, including:

• Firearms

• Gravity knives

• Plastic knuckles

• Switchblades

• Nun-chucks

• Kung Fu stars

• Billy

• Metal knuckles

• Cane sword

• Pilum ballistic knife

• Bludgeon

• Wrist-brace-style slingshot

• Electric stun guns

• Electric dart guns

Simply possessing any of the above weapons is enough to result in charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. This is a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. It is commonly charged in conjunction with other offenses, such as robbery or assault, which involved the use of a weapon.

Classifying Weapon Possession Charges in Long Island

Above, we introduced the criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. This is the least severe type, among many other weapon possession charges.

Additional weapon possession classifications include:

• Criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds – Class E felony, punishable by one to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000

• Criminal possession of a firearm – Class E felony, punishable by one to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000

• Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree – Class D felony, punishable by two to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000

• Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree – Class C felony, punishable by 3.5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000

• Criminal possession of a dangerous weapon in the first degree – Class B felony, punishable by five to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $30,000

Weapon Possession Attorneys in Nassau & Suffolk County

Trust a law firm that will not give up until all aspects of your defense have been tested. Our Long Island Weapon Possesion defense attorneys will offer you sound counsel, compassion for your situation and tenacious defense of your alleged crime.

For more information about our legal services, contact us today.
We have offices located in Nassau and Suffolk County.