Weapons Charge Lawyer New York County, NY

If you are facing a weapons charge in New York County (Manhattan), you need an experienced defense attorney who knows how these cases are handled in the local courts. A weapons-related arrest in New York can result in serious penalties—from a misdemeanor for possessing a gravity knife to a violent felony for criminal possession of a loaded firearm. The prosecutors at the New York County District Attorney’s Office pursue these cases actively, and the outcome can affect your freedom, your record, and your right to possess firearms. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals charged with weapons offenses at both the NYC Criminal Court for misdemeanors and the New York County Supreme Court for felony cases. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to weapons charges, working to protect your rights at every stage. To request a consultation, reach our location at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What a Weapons Charge Means in New York County

Weapons charges in New York County (Manhattan) are governed by the New York Penal Law and prosecuted in one of two courthouses, depending on the severity of the charge. Misdemeanor weapons offenses—such as criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree—are heard at the NYC Criminal Court, located at 60 Centre Street. Felony weapons charges, including criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (a violent felony), are handled at the New York County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, also at 60 Centre Street.

New York County encompasses all of Manhattan, from the Financial District to Inwood. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office reviews every weapons arrest and determines whether to file charges, what degree to charge, and whether to seek bail. Because of New York’s 2020 bail reform, most misdemeanor defendants are released on their own recognizance, but for felony weapons cases, particularly those involving loaded firearms, the prosecution may ask for bail or remand. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in both the Criminal and Supreme Court parts, bringing a thorough understanding of local prosecutorial practices and the specific judges who preside over weapons cases in Manhattan.

Beyond the immediate criminal penalties, a weapons conviction in New York can carry collateral consequences, including loss of firearm rights, immigration implications for non-citizens, and difficulties with employment or professional licensing. Our focus is on contesting the evidence, exploring pretrial diversion or Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) when available, and, when the facts warrant, taking the matter to trial. Every weapon-possession case depends on the legality of the search, the chain of custody of the weapon, and the specific elements of the charge, and we examine each of these factors carefully.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Approach Weapons Charge Cases

The defense of a weapons charge in New York County begins with a meticulous review of the arrest and the evidence. Law enforcement must have had a lawful basis to stop, detain, or search the person. If the stop or search was unconstitutional, we move to suppress the weapon and any statements. We also scrutinize the firearm examination reports, DNA or fingerprint testing, and the credibility of any eyewitness identifications. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, he understands how the District Attorney’s Office builds its case and where the weaknesses tend to be.

In the pretrial phase, we explore every available option. For first-offense misdemeanor weapons charges, an ACD may be possible, which leads to a dismissal after a set period if the defendant complies with certain conditions. For felony cases, we often negotiate with the assigned assistant district attorney to reduce the charges, perhaps from a violent felony to a non‑violent felony or to a misdemeanor, avoiding mandatory minimum sentences and preserving future rights. When a trial is the trusted path, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have the litigation experience to present a strong defense before a Manhattan jury.

Throughout the process, we keep the client informed of every development and explain the realistic range of possible outcomes. We also consider the collateral consequences—for example, a non‑citizen facing a weapons charge may be deportable if the offense is considered a crime involving moral turpitude or an aggravated felony. We coordinate with immigration counsel when necessary to build a defense that accounts for all risks.

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

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background as a prosecutor informs his defense strategy—he knows how the other side prepares and where the pressure points are.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work alongside Mr. Sris on weapons cases and bring extensive combined legal experience. Their collective practice encompasses criminal defense across all five jurisdictions the firm serves. Together, they handle every stage of a weapons case, from the initial arraignment through suppression hearings and trial. Since 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes a weapons charge in New York?

A weapons charge in New York can range from a violation for possessing an imitation pistol to a felony for possessing a loaded firearm. The New York Penal Law defines numerous weapons offenses, including criminal possession of a weapon, criminal use of a firearm, and criminal sale of a firearm. The severity depends on factors such as the type of weapon, whether it was loaded, the defendant’s prior record, and whether the possession occurred in a sensitive location like a school or a government building. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can explain the specific charge you face and the potential exposure.

Does New York have cash bail for weapons charges?

New York reformed bail in 2020, eliminating cash bail for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies; however, bail may still be set for certain violent felony weapons charges. In New York County, most defendants charged with a non‑violent misdemeanor weapons offense are released on their own recognizance. For felony charges like criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, the prosecution may request bail or remand. The court determines bail based on the specific facts, the defendant’s ties to the community, and flight risk. Our attorneys appear at arraignments to advocate for release on the least restrictive conditions possible.

What is an ACD in New York County and can it apply to a weapons charge?

An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a disposition where the court adjourns the case for 6–12 months and automatically dismisses it if the defendant has no new arrests. ACDs are available for certain first‑offense misdemeanor weapons charges in New York County. After a successful ACD, the records can be sealed. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate whether an ACD is a realistic option in your case and present your eligibility to the court.

Can I get my criminal record sealed for a weapons conviction in New York County?

New York permits conditional sealing of certain convictions under CPL § 160.59; for non‑conviction dispositions like an ACD, records may be sealed sooner. A weapons conviction that is eligible—generally a single conviction after a 10‑year waiting period with no more than one other offense—can be petitioned for sealing. For a first‑offense weapons charge that results in an ACD, the sealing is more straightforward. Because each case is different, speak with an attorney about whether sealing applies to your situation.

What are the possible defenses to a weapons charge in New York County?

Defenses to a weapons charge frequently involve challenging the legality of the stop and search, attacking the chain of custody of the weapon, or asserting mistaken identity. If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, we move to suppress the weapon, which often leads to dismissal. If the firearm report or forensic evidence is inconsistent, we cross‑examine the experienced attorney. We also investigate whether a third party may have placed the weapon near the defendant or if the item does not meet the statutory definition of a weapon. The appropriate defense depends on the specific facts, and Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys will develop a strategy tailored to your case.

How do I find a weapons charge lawyer in New York County?

Look for a criminal defense attorney who regularly appears in the NYC Criminal Court and the New York County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, and who has experience with New York weapon statutes. You may also ask about the attorney’s familiarity with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, their record of achieving dismissals or reductions, and whether they can explain the process clearly. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients in New York County from its New York location. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

Our firm handles weapons charges in neighboring boroughs and counties:
Kings County (Brooklyn) criminal defense |
Queens County criminal defense |
Richmond County criminal defense |
Nassau County criminal defense |
Suffolk County criminal defense

Relevant New York legal resources:
New York Penal Law |
New York Criminal Procedure Law |
New York County Supreme Court, Criminal Term

Last reviewed: July 2026

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Results may vary.