Understanding New York’s Firearm Laws
New York has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and many Central New York residents are surprised to find themselves facing serious criminal charges over firearm possession they didn’t realize was illegal.
In New York, possessing a handgun without a valid pistol permit is a felony — even in your own home. Pistol permits are issued at the county level and are not automatically valid across state lines. Bringing a legally owned firearm from another state into New York without following New York’s rules can result in immediate arrest.
The NY SAFE Act, passed in 2013, banned assault-style weapons, limited magazine capacity to 10 rounds, and expanded background check requirements. Violations can result in felony charges.
In 2022, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen, New York passed the Concealed Carry Improvement Act, which significantly tightened the requirements for obtaining a concealed carry license, including character references, social media review, and mandatory training hours.
Criminal Possession of a Weapon (CPW) charges range from a Class A misdemeanor (4th degree) to a Class B violent felony (1st degree), depending on the type of weapon and circumstances. These charges carry serious prison time.
If you’ve been charged with a weapons offense in Central New York, the details of your situation matter enormously. Contact Samson Legal for a free consultation.
