Rockland County Gun Crimes Attorney

New York State makes it very difficult for people to lawfully own firearms. Those permitted to own guns should understand all laws pertaining to gun ownership. Individuals who illegally own firearms can face significant penalties that may have a major impact on their future. If you have been charged with a gun crime in New York State, you may face jail time, fines, and other penalties. It is essential that you retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can protect you from an uncertain future. The Law Office of Carl Spector has proudly represented clients across Rockland County for over 30 years. Contact a Rockland County gun crimes attorney today to discuss your situation.

Gun Crimes in New York State

Anyone facing gun charges in New York State can be subject to significant penalties upon conviction. There are many different gun crimes that one can be charged with in New York. These include the following:

• Class B misdemeanors include the unlawful possession of certain ammunition feeding devices
• Class A misdemeanors include criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, criminal purchase or disposal of a weapon, certain wounds reported, burn injury and wounds reported, unsafe storage of rifles, shotguns and firearms
• Class E felonies include criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds and criminal possession of a firearm
• Class D felonies include the criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and criminal sale of a firearm in the third degree
• Class C felonies include the criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal use of a firearm 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, and aggravated criminal possession of a weapon
• Class B felonies include criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree, criminal use of a firearm in the first degree, and criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree

How Can Guns Lead to Upgraded Charges?

When weapons are involved in an offense, the offender can be subject to upgraded charges. For example, intentionally causing physical injury is assault in the third degree, a class A misdemeanor. If that same injury is caused by means of a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument, the charge becomes assault in the second degree, a class D violent felony carrying 2 to 7 years in prison.

What Each Felony Class Actually Carries

The class designations above determine your exposure. Most weapon possession offenses are classified as violent felonies, which means a determinate sentence with a mandatory minimum the court cannot go below. A class B violent felony carries 5 to 25 years, a class C carries 3 and a half to 15, a class D carries 2 to 7, and a class E carries 1 and a half to 4. Because these are determinate terms, there is no parole board deciding early release. This is why the specific subsection charged matters more than the offense name, and why reducing a charge by even one class changes the minimum you face, not just the maximum.

Contact a Gun Crimes Attorney in Rockland County

If you were charged with a gun crime in Rockland County or New York State, you must have strong legal representation on your side. The legal team at The Law Office of Carl Spector has over 30 years of experience representing individuals throughout their criminal cases. Gun offenses are very serious and can result in years of jail time, overwhelming fines, and a cumbersome permanent criminal record. If you need an attorney you can count on, contact The Law Office of Carl Spector today.