Firearms Possession Lawyer New York County, NY

You were leaving your apartment in Washington Heights when police stopped you. An officer searched your vehicle and found a firearm you believed was legally stored. Now you face a firearms possession charge in New York County — and the uncertainty of what comes next. The court system in Manhattan moves fast, and a conviction can mean jail time, a criminal record, and the loss of your right to own a firearm. You need an attorney who understands New York County’s courts and the state’s firearms laws, and who will work to protect your rights at every stage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients facing firearms charges throughout New York County, from the Criminal Court on Centre Street to the Supreme Court Criminal Term. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Firearms Possession Means in New York County (Manhattan)

New York County — Manhattan — is the most heavily policed borough in New York City. The New York County Criminal Court at 60 Centre Street handles misdemeanor and violation‑level firearms offenses, while felony charges are prosecuted in the New York County Supreme Court Criminal Term. New York Penal Law classifies firearms offenses across a wide spectrum, from simple unlicensed possession to weapons possession by a convicted felon, and the consequences can be severe.

Law enforcement agencies in Manhattan actively investigate suspected firearms violations, and prosecutors in the New York County District Attorney’s Office pursue these cases with resources that can feel overwhelming. New York’s post‑2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies, meaning many defendants are released on their own recognizance, but the legal stakes remain high. A conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, incarceration, and a loss of firearm rights that extends beyond New York. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to firearms cases in Manhattan, and they work to build a defense that addresses both the immediate court proceedings and the long‑term consequences of the charge.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Firearms Possession Cases

Every firearms case begins with a thorough review of the arrest and the prosecution’s evidence. The firm’s attorneys examine whether the stop and search that led to the gun’s discovery was lawful, whether the firearm was properly identified and handled, and whether the charging document accurately describes the alleged offense. In New York County, this often means challenging the legality of a search, contesting the basis for a traffic stop, or seeking to suppress statements that were obtained in violation of Miranda rights.

If the evidence permits a motion to dismiss or reduce the charge, the firm’s attorneys file those motions promptly. Where a plea disposition is the most favorable realistic outcome, they negotiate to secure an ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal), a reduced charge, or a sentence that avoids incarceration. When the case goes to trial, Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring trial experience and a working knowledge of how the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office prepares its cases. The goal in every matter is to achieve the favorable outcomes while protecting the client’s future.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Before founding the firm, Mr. Sris served as a former prosecutor. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who practice independently and are of counsel to the firm, bring considerable criminal‑defense and courtroom experience to firearm‑possession matters in New York County. Together, they provide comprehensive representation grounded in local court practice and a multi‑state perspective. The firm’s attorneys have documented case results across multiple practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New York have cash bail?

New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies. In New York County (Manhattan), the majority of defendants charged with firearms offenses that are not violent felonies are released on their own recognizance or with non‑monetary conditions. Before the reform, a person could sit in jail simply because they could not afford bail. Now, release is the default unless the charge is a qualifying violent felony or the court finds a risk of flight. The New York County Supreme Court and Criminal Court follow the same statutory framework, so anyone arrested in Manhattan should know that bail may not be a barrier to pretrial freedom.

What is an ACD in New York County (Manhattan), New York?

An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a New York disposition where the court adjourns a criminal charge for a set period — often six months to a year — and then automatically dismisses the case if the defendant has no new arrests. ACDs are available for many first‑offense firearms charges in New York County, and they offer a clean end to the case without a conviction. The New York County Supreme Court and Criminal Court both grant ACDs when the prosecutor agrees. Once dismissed, the record may be sealed under New York law. An experienced lawyer can argue why your case qualifies for this result.

Can I get my criminal record sealed in New York County?

New York law allows conditional sealing of eligible convictions under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, and an ACD results in automatic sealing. For a conviction, sealing is available for up to two qualifying convictions after a 10‑year waiting period. Cases disposed of in New York County Supreme Court or Criminal Court are sealed through the court that handled the matter. Marijuana‑related firearm offenses (where the underlying conduct involved cannabis) may have expanded eligibility. The sealing process removes the record from most public access and helps with employment and housing opportunities. The firm’s attorneys can assess your specific record and explain whether sealing is an option.

What are the penalties for firearms possession in New York?

Penalties for a New York firearms possession offense depend on the charge classification — a violation carries up to 15 days, a Class A misdemeanor up to one year in jail, and felony sentences range from probation-eligible Class E (1–4 years) to life imprisonment for the most serious violent felonies. Firearm‑possession charges can be felonies with mandatory minimum sentences, especially if the defendant has a prior felony conviction or the gun was loaded. The exact penalty depends on the specific Penal Law section charged, the defendant’s criminal history, and the facts. In Manhattan, prosecutors often seek incarceration for weapons offenses, but not every case ends in jail. The firm’s attorneys work to seek charge reductions, dismissal, or alternative sentencing.

Do I need a lawyer for a firearms charge in New York County?

Yes — a firearms charge in New York County can result in a permanent criminal record, loss of firearm rights, and incarceration; having legal representation helps ensure that every defense is considered and that your rights are protected throughout the court process. Even a misdemeanor conviction can affect employment, housing, and immigration status. The Manhattan court system is complex, and the prosecution will be represented by experienced assistants. The firm’s attorneys can evaluate the strength of the evidence, negotiate with the District Attorney’s Office, and, if necessary, take the case to trial. To discuss your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

For a more detailed statutory breakdown, see our comprehensive analysis at srislawyer.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.