Staten Island Gun & Weapons Charges Defense Lawyers
If a gun or any other weapon is utilized in the commission of a crime, state and federal laws usually impose harsher penalties upon conviction than for a crime committed without a weapon. Additionally, under New York law, simply possessing a firearm can be considered a criminal offense in certain circumstances.
If you have been charged with a weapons offense in Staten Island, it is essential that you seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer who is familiar with weapons charges can start working on your case immediately to try and get the charges reduced, dismissed, or deferred in order to avoid prison time and costly fines.
At The Law Offices of Patrick Parotta, we boast one of the largest and most experienced criminal defense teams in Staten Island. Our attorneys have a wealth of knowledge defending clients against all types of weapon offenses. What sets us apart from other weapons defense law firms is our unique qualifications, which include:
More than 30 years of combined experience defending individuals charged with weapons offenses in Staten Island
Ten N.Y. defense attorneys who focus exclusively on representing people accused of crimes
Certified criminal trial attorneys, indicating specialized training in criminal law litigation.
A successful track record that includes numerous criminal trials resulting in dismissals
24/7 availability to respond to your need for legal representation.
If you have been charged with a weapons offense in Staten Island, the Law Offices of Patrick Parotta can provide you with experienced legal representation. Our criminal defense lawyers are highly qualified and have extensive experience in defending clients against weapons charges. To arrange a free consultation to discuss your case, contact us online or call 718-556-9800 today. We proudly serve clients throughout Staten Island and beyond.
Weapons Charges and Penalties Under NY Law
In New York, weapons charges typically involve the unlawful use or possession of a handgun, shotgun, assault rifle, knife, razor, or box cutter. However, depending on the circumstances and how an object is used, anything – such as bats, bottles, hammers, pipes, or other objects – can be considered a weapon.
In many instances, a weapons charge is an additional criminal charge that accompanies another offense, such as assault, robbery, or any other act of violence. The use of a firearm or other weapon while committing a crime may result in the original charge being upgraded to a more serious one, such as assault being increased to aggravated assault due to the presence of a deadly weapon used to threaten or hurt someone.
Our law firm handles a variety of potential weapons charges that are available to police and prosecutors. Some of the more common gun offenses we handle include:
Possession of a Firearm for Unlawful Purpose
Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
Possession of a Handgun without a Permit or License
Possession of a Rifle or Shotgun Without a Permit or License
Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Crime
Possession of a Weapon or Firearm at an Educational Institution
Possession of a Weapon or Firearm During Commission of a Drug Offense
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, such as Gun Possession by a Convicted Felon or while on Probation or Parole
Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, such as Robbery or Assault
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, such as Gun Possession by a Convicted Felon or while on Probation or Parole
Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile
Use of a Gun in a Federal Drug Crime
Failure to Surrender a Gun while on Conditional Release or after a Domestic Violence Arrest
Offenses involving a BB gun, Airsoft Gun or Paintball Gun
Illegal Weapons
Imitation Firearm Offenses
Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons Offenses.
Typically, weapons charges are filed as felony crimes of the second- to fourth-degree.
Charges and penalties for basic weapons offenses (not including charges for assault, robbery, etc., with a deadly weapon) include:
Second-degree offense: 5 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
Third-degree offense: 3 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Fourth-degree offense: Up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
If you face weapons charges in New Jersey, you’ll need experienced legal representation to minimize your exposure to significant prison time and the potentially heavy fines that are often handed down upon conviction.
How Our Attorneys Can Help You Fight Staten Island Weapons Charges
No matter what happened before or during your arrest or indictment for weapons charges, you are entitled to the presumption of innocence in the courts of New York until a court finds you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. You have the right to a robust legal defense that can create doubts about the accusations against you and resolve your case in a way that is beneficial to you.
At the Law Offices of Patrick Parrota, our legal team is committed to providing you with a robust defense that challenges the prosecution's case. We understand that prosecutors may only be aware of the police version of events, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all sides are heard. Our attorneys will strive to make sure all facts are known and your side of the story is given a fair hearing. We will do everything in our power to resolve the charges against you in a way that is most beneficial for you.
If you need legal assistance, contact the Law Offices of Patrick Parotta as soon as possible. Once we are hired, we will begin work and may:
Immediately secure your release for the lowest bail available or on your own recognizance, in some instances.
Begin our investigation into the weapons charges against you, including obtaining statements from you and other witnesses and reviewing police reports and other evidence connected to the case. We will argue that disputable evidence be excluded from further proceedings.
Identify holes in the prosecution’s case, such as:
Illegal search and seizure
Illegal arrest
Failure to inform of Miranda rights
Improper suspect lineup
Unavailable witness
False or impeachable witness testimony
False or impeachable evidence
Issues with chain of custody of weapons that is presented as evidence
Inability to prove control of the weapon(s) allegedly seized upon your arrest
Bias (racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, etc.)
Other prosecutorial and/or police misconduct.
After conducting a thorough investigation of your case, our attorneys will attempt to negotiate a reduction or dismissal of the charges against you. We are well-versed in finding potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case, as many of our lawyers are former prosecutors. Additionally, we understand that cases involving weapons can be complex and that the police may not have all the facts at the time of arrest or indictment.
Prosecutors in New York trial courts often offer a plea deal to defendants facing their first charge, provided that no one was harmed and no significant property damage occurred, in order to avoid a crowded criminal docket.
Our attorneys have earned the respect of prosecutors across Staten Island due to their decades of legal practice, enabling them to effectively negotiate deals for our clients through the strong working professional relationships they have established.
Our legal team is committed to providing you with the strongest defense possible if your case goes to trial. We have a wealth of experience in litigation and will use the evidence gathered during our investigation to mitigate any evidence against you. Our attorneys are prepared for every weapons case as if it will go to trial, and we have an impressive record of obtaining not guilty verdicts.
Contact Our Staten Island Law Office About Your Handgun or Weapons Charges
At the Law Offices of Patrick Parotta, our Staten Island attorneys are committed to providing strategic and effective defense against mandatory punishment for weapons charges filed in New Jersey. With over 200 years of collective experience, we specialize in defending New Jersey residents facing unlawful possession or use of guns and other weapons. Let us help you or your loved one today.
If you or someone you know is facing weapons charges in Staten Island, don't hesitate to call us today at 718-556-9800 or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced attorney. An arrest is just the start of a legal process that may not end in a guilty verdict. We can provide a defense that gives you hope and optimism for the future.
What Our Clients Say
"Extremely Professional staff, Communication was exceptional. Patrick and his staff gave me the reassurance I was looking for knowing I was in the right hands. I would highly recommend!"
