NYC
Gun Crime
Lawyer
Gun Crime Attorney in NYC
New York’s gun laws are among the strictest in the nation. The consequences of a conviction can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. If you or someone you know has been charged with a weapons offense in NYC, you need a strong defense. Securing a dedicated and reliable NYC gun crime lawyer is crucial to protect your future.
An experienced New York gun crime lawyer at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, has extensive experience defending gun charges.
Firearm-related offenses like possession of a handgun or assault with a weapon can have far-reaching consequences for your future. It is critical to have the help of a seasoned criminal defense attorney. An attorney can guide you and help you understand your legal options and build a strong defense against your charges.
Our Legal Team: Trusted NYC Gun Crime Attorneys
At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, we’re well-versed in New York’s weapons laws. With our aid, you can mount a compelling defense against the charges you face and work to protect your rights. Our firm understands how overwhelming these cases can feel. We want to help.
If you are in the Bronx or any of the other boroughs of New York City, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are criminal defense attorneys who are experienced in defending individuals facing gun charges and related offenses. We offer exceptional support, including:
- 24/7 accessibility
- Quick response times
- Experience in state and federal criminal courts
- Multilingual access
- Exceptional legal guidance going above and beyond
Whether you are facing a weapons possession charge or another type of criminal charge, our top-rated experienced criminal defense attorneys can help you understand your rights and options. Our attorneys can develop a strategic defense tailored to your unique circumstances, built on years of reliable, proven results.
Successful Gun Crime Defenses and Acquittals in Recent 2026 Cases
NYC Gun Crime Case Results
Attempted Murder & Felony Criminal Possession of a Firearm
Where Handled: Kings County Criminal Court, Brooklyn, New York
The Challenge: The client faced attempted murder and felony firearm charges carrying significant state prison exposure and a permanent violent felony record.
The Defense: Counsel conducted a detailed review of discovery and mitigation, challenged the prosecution's theory, and negotiated a conditional plea. Counsel also coordinated with probation across jurisdictions to preserve the plea when compliance issues arose.
Timeline: Approximately 18 months
The Outcome: The attempted murder charge was dismissed. The felony firearm charge was vacated and reduced to a misdemeanor. The client was sentenced to two years' probation with no incarceration.
Gun Charges in NYC Explained
The possession, sale, and use of firearms are heavily regulated in New York. Violations can result in serious criminal charges, which can affect the rest of your life. Gun charges in New York City carry different penalties depending on the severity of the offense. Some of the offenses in the state include:
- Criminal Possession of a Firearm: This is the offense of possessing a firearm without legally registering it. It can be charged as a Class E felony.
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon: A person has a weapon that is not legally registered or licensed. An individual can also be charged if they are not authorized to possess the weapon. Additionally, this charge may apply if the individual is carrying a weapon in an unauthorized location, such as a school or public park. This can include possession of certain firearms. It can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor in the fourth degree, up to a Class B felony in the first degree. It becomes a first-degree offense when you possess an explosive substance with the intent to use it on a person or their property, or possess 10 or more firearms.
- Illegal Possession of a Firearm: This offense applies when you own specific types of illegal firearms or possess a firearm while under the legal age. This can result in a Class E felony charge. If convicted, you may serve a sentence of up to four years in prison. It could also result in a Class D felony charge.
- Criminal Possession of a Firearm in Restricted Locations: Locations could include a school, a place of worship, a library, a court, a healthcare facility, or a governmental building. Possession of a firearm in these locations is a Class E felony.
- Aggravated Criminal Possession of a Firearm: This is the offense of having criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree while also committing any violent felony or drug trafficking felony. It is a Class C felony.
- Criminal Sale of a Firearm: This is when you sell a firearm without the appropriate license. It can be charged as a Class B, C, or D felony. A Class B felony is charged for a first-degree offense, which applies when you sell 10 or more firearms, or three or more within one year.
- Criminal Use of a Firearm: This charge applies when an individual is found to be in possession of a weapon while committing another crime, such as robbery or assault. This offense can result in a Class B felony charge and can carry a sentence of up to 25 years in prison. It could also be charged as a Class C felony.
There are 28 police departments serving the counties surrounding New York City that work to lower the risk of gun crimes. This can sometimes lead to overzealous arrests or charges. It’s important that you get legal representation if you are facing any of these offenses.
Conviction not only results in imprisonment and fines, but felony convictions can lead to the loss of your right to a firearm. Getting legal support could help you avoid these serious penalties and their impact on your future.
Featured Insight From Attorney Robert Tsigler
Founding Attorney Robert Tsigler was featured in Interesting Engineering, where he discussed how new fingerprint-recovery technology from fired bullet casings could impact gun-related criminal cases in New York.
In criminal defense cases, forensic evidence often plays a key role in charging decisions and trial outcomes. When new scientific techniques are introduced, courts must carefully evaluate whether those methods are reliable enough to be admitted as evidence.
“This new electrochemical technique to make fingerprints reveal themselves on spent bullet casings is an interesting development. However, its true test is not in the laboratory, but in a courtroom, where the liberty of a person is at stake.”
“A scientific breakthrough is meaningless in a criminal trial if the prosecution is unable to prove that it was applied flawlessly in that particular case,” Tsigler added. “Our entire system of justice relies on thoroughly testing the state’s evidence against the state’s evidence, not simply accepting it because the technology appears impressive.”
— Robert Tsigler, Founding Attorney, as featured in Interesting Engineering
His insight highlights why new forensic methods must be closely examined in court before they are used against defendants in New York criminal cases.
NYC vs. New York State vs. Out-of-State Permits: Why Good-Faith Gun Owners Still Get Arrested
One of the most common themes we see at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, is that people who believed they were fully compliant with the law suddenly find themselves involved in a gun crime case in New York City. The confusion usually stems from misunderstandings about how firearm laws operate at three different permission layers.
From our experience handling gun crime cases in NYC’s criminal courts, the issue is rarely simple. At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, our NYC gun crime attorneys have seen firsthand how even responsible gun owners can be arrested because they didn’t understand how these permission layers interact.
The Three Permission Layers That Confuse Gun Owners
Gun owners are often surprised to learn that compliance in one place doesn’t guarantee compliance in another, especially in New York City. In a lot of gun crime cases in NYC, arrests often stem from confusion about how different licensing systems overlap. Our experienced NYC gun crime attorneys understand how these layers intersect, and those layers are:
- Out-of-state permits
- New York State licensing
- NYC-specific rules and enforcement
An out-of-state permit is often not recognized in New York City. Even lawful carry rules elsewhere can lead to a gun crime case and serious gun crime penalties if local licensing requirements aren’t met.
In addition, a New York state pistol license isn’t automatically valid in all NYC contexts. The city imposes additional rules and enforcement standards that can expose someone to a gun crime case even if they believed they were compliant.
Finally, NYC enforcement focuses heavily on technical definitions, like possession, storage, and whether a firearm is considered loaded. These details often determine whether someone faces felony-level gun crime penalties.
In NYC, legality in another state, or even another county, does not automatically equate to legality in the city. Working with an experienced NYC gun crime attorney from the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC is critical when these overlapping rules create criminal exposure, as misunderstandings of any of these three layers can quickly escalate into a serious gun crime case in New York City.
Some of the Most Common Arrest Situations That Cause Confusion
In NYC courtrooms, many arrests stem from confusion rather than criminal intent. At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, our NYC gun crime attorneys have represented individuals who truly believed that they were compliant, only to find themselves facing gun crime charges due to NYC’s strict and technical firearm laws. Some of the most common arrest situations that cause confusion include:
- Moving to NYC with a lawfully owned firearm
- Driving through NYC with a lawfully owned firearm in the car
- Bringing a firearm to an airport to declare it or to check it
- Borrowed car or shared apartment situations
These cases often hinge on licensing status, accessibility, and New York’s broad definition of possession, including constructive possession. What seems like lawful conduct elsewhere can quickly lead to a felony-level gun crime case in New York City.
Because gun crime cases can include incarceration, probation, and a permanent record, early intervention by a knowledgeable NYC gun crime attorney is critical. At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, we understand how quickly these cases can escalate, which is why our team conducts a detailed analysis of your gun crime case to challenge technical assumptions and law enforcement conduct, reducing or avoiding severe gun crime penalties whenever possible.
Gun Violence Elimination
There were 943 gun deaths recorded in New York in a single year in 2023, and that’s with New York having some of the strictest laws and the lowest gun death rates in the country.
Programs like the Gun Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative aim to help local law enforcement agencies protect their citizens by providing state funding for new equipment, personnel, training programs, and technical assistance.
Despite these efforts, there are still serious weapons offenses throughout the state. Prosecutors harshly prosecute these offenses to try to avoid future gun deaths.
Common Weapon-Related Charges in NYC
Gun crime laws cover a wide range of criminal activities related to firearms and other weapons. The nature and severity of the crime committed impact the penalties a perpetrator may face. In New York City, some common weapon-related charges include:
- Possession of an Illegal Weapon: An individual possesses a weapon that is illegal in New York, such as an assault weapon or a sawed-off shotgun.
- Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm: A person discharges a firearm in an unsafe or unauthorized manner. Examples include firing a gun in a public area or shooting a gun from a moving vehicle.
- Possession of a Firearm by a Felon: Anyone who has been convicted of a felony is not allowed to be in possession of a firearm.
If you are facing weapon-related charges in New York City, it is advisable to seek legal help from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our team at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, is available 24/7 to you, so you don’t ever have to be left in the dark during your case.
What Should You Do if You Have Been Arrested for a Weapons Offense in NYC?
If you have been arrested for a weapons offense in New York City, it is important to take immediate action. You must act quickly to protect your rights and defend yourself against the charges you face. The following are some steps you can take if you have been arrested for a weapons offense in NYC:
- Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent and should exercise this right immediately. Do not speak to the police or provide any statements until you have spoken with an attorney. While you may think you can explain yourself, you’re only giving more information that law enforcement can use against you.
- Contact an Attorney: The first thing you should do after being arrested for a weapons offense is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Make sure to find one who is familiar with New York City's gun laws. A New York gun crime attorney can advise you of your rights and help you understand the charges you face.
- Attend All Court Appearances: It is important to attend all court appearances related to your case. Failure to appear can result in additional charges and penalties. The support of a dedicated attorney helps you understand what is expected of you.
- Do Not Discuss Your Case: The only person you need to talk to about your case is your attorney. They are the one person who needs every detail to help you build a strong defense. Other than that, it’s important not to disclose details about your case with anyone. Statements made to friends, family members, or anyone else can be used against you in court.
- Cooperate With Your Attorney: Work closely with your attorney to develop a strong defense strategy. Be sure to provide your attorney with any information or evidence that may be helpful to your case. No detail is too small when it comes to strategizing with your lawyer.
- Avoid Additional Offenses: Weapons charges are serious enough on their own. It’s wise to avoid any actions that could result in additional criminal charges, such as possession of a weapon or drug use.
Being arrested for a weapons offense can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. You don’t have to navigate it by yourself. With the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can contest the charges you face and protect your rights.
How a New York Gun Crime Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
It’s crucial that you quickly begin working with a defense lawyer after being charged with a gun crime in New York, so they can begin working on your case. If you are facing gun charges or have been detained for a weapons offense in New York City, an attorney can assist you in several different ways, including:
- Explaining Your Legal Rights: A gun crime attorney can clarify your legal rights and help you understand the charges you are facing. They can help you make informed decisions about your case. Your attorney can also provide you with guidance on what to anticipate throughout the criminal justice process.
- Creating a Powerful Defense: A robust defense plan can help you avoid or lessen the repercussions of the allegations you are facing. This is something an experienced gun crime attorney can assist you with. This could entail disputing the accuracy of certain pieces of evidence, appealing for its suppression, or negotiating a plea agreement with the prosecution.
- Defending Your Interests: It is a good idea to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. Your attorney can take steps to lessen the severity of the charges or negotiate a plea agreement. They can also investigate alternative sentencing options to lessen the potential repercussions of a conviction. Your defense attorney can help you understand when these options are right for your case.
- Advocating for You in Court: A gun crime attorney can represent you in court. They can argue your case before the judge or jury, advocating for your future and an ideal outcome. To conclude your case outside of court, they can also bargain with the prosecution.
Working with a quality attorney is crucial if you are facing gun charges or have been arrested for a weapons offense in New York City. Even if you think it’s an open-and-shut case, it may not be so straightforward. You may be able to secure reduced charges or a dropped case altogether with the help of an experienced New York gun crime lawyer.
When you hire a gun crime lawyer, you can enjoy valuable legal assistance and support to ensure you understand your charges and your legal options.
FAQs About NYC Gun Crime Laws
How old do you have to be to own a gun in New York?
Under federal law, you must be 21 years old to purchase a handgun, but you only have to be 18 to buy a long gun or assault weapon. In New York, you must obtain a license or permit to possess a handgun, rifle, or shotgun.
To apply, you must be at least 21 years old. Individuals under age 21 are not permitted to purchase or possess a handgun, even with written consent from a parent or guardian.
How long does it take to get a gun license in New York?
In general, the process of obtaining a gun license in New York can take anywhere from several months to over a year. The application process typically includes:
- A thorough background check
- Fingerprinting
- An interview with a licensing officer
Applicants may also be required to complete a firearms safety course.
How many bullets can you carry in New York State?
In New York State, it is illegal to possess a large-capacity ammunition magazine. This is defined as any ammunition feeding device that can hold more than 10 rounds. Possession of a large-capacity ammunition magazine is a serious offense in New York State. In general, individuals are not allowed to carry more than 10 rounds of ammunition in any firearm magazine or feeding device.
Does New York have the strictest gun laws?
Yes, New York State and particularly New York City have some of the strictest gun laws in the United States. The state has enacted several gun control measures that regulate the possession, sale, and use of firearms, including:
- Assault weapons bans
- Background checks for all gun purchases
- Restrictions on magazine capacity
Get the NYC Legal Assistance You Need to Protect Yourself and Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer
If you are facing gun charges, or have been arrested for a weapons offense in New York City, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. The New York gun crime lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, can provide valuable legal assistance and support. We can help you understand your rights, build a strong defense, and protect your interests throughout the legal process.
Contact us right away to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you with your case.
Serving Clients Across New York City
- Brooklyn Gun Crime Defense
- Queens Gun Crime Defense
- Staten Island Gun Crime Defense
- Manhattan Gun Crime Defense
- Bronx Gun Crime Defense
Call today to schedule a consultation to discuss the options for defending your gun crimes charge. Reach our team at 718-878-3781.
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The Gun Crimes Law Firm of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, Is Ready to Advocate for You
Getting representation as soon as possible following any Gun Crimes-related charge is the strongest chance you can give yourself to secure the most favorable result. These charges are considered very serious and can result in expensive fines, the loss of driving privileges or professional licenses, and even incarceration. Only an experienced New York Gun Crimes lawyer can successfully defend your case.
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