Queens Gun Crime Lawyer

Queens Gun Crime Attorney

Gun crimes are taken very seriously in Queens, New York, due to the extreme injuries or fatalities guns can cause. Anyone who is being accused of charges related to gun crimes, such as illegal firearm possession or trafficking, should hire legal representation as soon as they can. A Queens gun crime lawyer can help find ways to leverage the intricacies of New York’s gun laws to either reduce or dismiss the charges their clients face.

At Greco Neyland, PC, we have spent years learning the gun laws that dictate how gun owners should behave in Queens, New York. Our education, coupled with a track record of successfully defending clients against gun charges, makes us a competitive law firm to consider in the area. If you need Spanish-speaking support, we have members of our team who can offer the same level of quality legal support in your native language. Contact us today to begin.

What Defense Strategies Can Protect Me Against Gun-Related Charges in Queens?

There are many different ways to protect yourself against gun-related charges in Queens. When working together with your Queens criminal defense lawyer, you will be able to collectively decide on which strategies would be the most effective to substantiate your own personal claims of what happened.

Some of the most common defense strategies include:

Challenging the Legality of the Search and Seizure

A common defense strategy employed in cases involving firearms is challenging how the illegal weapons were found in the first place. If there is any evidence that shows law enforcement engaging in an illegal search and seizure, the evidence they collect could be dismissed due to the violation of your Fourth Amendment rights. This can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case, as they wouldn’t be able to use the gun they found as evidence.

Lack of Possession or Knowledge

If you were unaware that you had the gun in your possession, you could use a “lack of possession or knowledge” defense. This could be an effective strategy if the gun was found in a place where multiple people had access or if a gun you do not own was “placed” in your possession. Demonstrating this lack of awareness in court can help a judge and jury understand your lack of intent to be in possession of an unlawfully obtained gun.

Self-Defense

Sometimes, a defendant may claim that they needed to use a weapon they do not legally own for self-defense purposes. This would require a defense attorney to show how their client believed they were in imminent danger of death or injury and needed to act in the way they did. Evidence like witness testimonies or security camera footage can help a judge and jury assess if the level of self-defense was proportional to the threat they faced.

Lack of Evidence

Prosecutors are required to prove every element of the charge they are bringing forth to the court beyond a reasonable doubt. A defense attorney will need to question the quality of their evidence and account of what happened to combat these allegations. This could include identifying inconsistencies in a witness’s testimony or questioning how reliable their forensic evidence is.

Violation of Constitutional Rights

If there is any evidence to demonstrate how a defendant’s rights were violated during their arrest or investigation, it could serve as a foundational element to a strong defense. For example, if an officer did not read Miranda rights to a suspect, engaged in coercive interrogation tactics, or unlawfully detained someone, any of this could be scrutinized as illegal behavior.

Permits and Licensing

Sometimes, defending yourself in a firearms case simply requires you to prove that you had the right to be in possession of the weapon. If you have secured a valid permit or license in the past, this documentation alone could help to drop the case. If the firearm was registered to someone else who had lawful possession, this might not be the criteria to drop the case but could be a relevant factor to help lessen the penalties.

Queens Gun Crime FAQs

Q: What Disqualifies You From Owning a Gun in NY?

A: There are many different factors that can disqualify someone from owning a gun in NY, including having previous felony convictions, being the subject of an order of protection, or having a clear history of mental illness. Anyone who also has a history of habitual drug use or has been charged with domestic violence offenses could also be disqualified. Before purchasing a firearm, review this criterion with an attorney to ensure you don’t engage in illegal behavior.

Q: What Is the NY Safe Act?

A: The New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act is a gun control law enacted in 2013. It was designed to reduce the prevalence of mass shootings throughout the state. This act helps to ensure there are more universal background checks happening before someone purchases a gun, bans high-capacity magazines, and imposes stricter regulations on assault weapons. This helps promote public safety and reduce gun violence.

Q: How Do I Choose the Right Defense Attorney?

A: There are many different factors to look into before selecting which criminal defense attorney you should hire in Queens. The first priority should be to find someone who has experience handling similar cases to yours. You also want to make sure they have won the majority of these cases they have represented in the past. Read reviews and seek referrals to help find unbiased testimonies of what being a client for each specific attorney is like.

Q: How Much Does a Queens Defense Attorney Cost?

A: The total cost of a defense attorney in Queens is based on how complicated your case is and how many years of experience the attorney has in practice. While most attorneys will charge their clients per hour, others may offer a flat fee for specific services. This is especially true when the cases seem straightforward. Be sure to discuss these costs during your initial consultation to avoid any surprise fees in the future.

Contact Greco Neyland, PC Today

If you are involved in a gun-related charge and need criminal defense support, contact the attorneys at Greco Neyland, PC today. We have already helped many clients like you by reducing or dismissing the charges they face. Our Spanish-speaking staff is also available to anyone who needs this option. Contact us today to secure our support and start working on your defense.