Gun & Weapon Crimes

Gun & Weapon Crimes Lawyer in Manhattan

Former Prosecutors Defending Manhattan Gun & Weapon Charges

A gun or weapon allegation in Manhattan is serious from the moment it surfaces. Whether you’re under investigation, facing an arrest, or already scheduled to appear in court, the steps taken early in the process matter. At Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein, our team includes former New York prosecutors with more than 100 years of combined experience representing clients in state and federal criminal matters throughout New York.

What a weapon allegation involves depends on many factors: the item, where it was found, who allegedly controlled it, your licensing status, and your prior record. A charge can stem from simple possession, unlawful carrying, use, sale, trafficking, or a weapon-related enhancement attached to an entirely separate offense. Each requires a different legal analysis and can carry different consequences.

Reach out to our team today at (888) 646-0025 or send us a message online to start mapping out your defense with senior counsel.

Immediate Steps to Take Following a Police Weapon Stop

Keep quiet and ask for an Attorney. Do not try to explain why you believe you can legally possess or carry a firearm, including claims that it is registered or licensed in another state. Statements made during a police encounter may later become part of the evidence in your case. Clearly state that you want to remain silent and speak with an attorney.
Do not consent to a search. You can respectfully decline a request to search your car, jacket, luggage, or home. Do not physically interfere with officers or resist a search. Whether a search was lawful depends on the circumstances, including the legal basis officers had for conducting it. Your attorney can later examine whether the search or seizure violated your rights.
Do not argue licensing issues on the street. New York City has its own firearm licensing requirements, and an out-of-state concealed carry license does not, by itself, authorize you to carry a handgun in New York City. If an officer questions you about the firearm or your license, avoid turning the encounter into an argument about your legal rights. Ask to speak with an attorney instead.
Contact defense counsel as early as possible. Early representation gives your attorney an opportunity to review the circumstances of the stop, arrest, search, and firearm seizure while preparing for the initial court proceedings. Counsel can also examine the allegations and available evidence before making decisions about how to approach the case.

How New York County Aggressively Prosecutes Firearm Allegations

New York County maintains some of the toughest weapon laws in the nation. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office prosecutes firearm offenses aggressively, treating simple possession of an unlicensed handgun as a violent felony under Penal Law 265.03, which carries a mandatory minimum state prison term of 3.5 years.

Prosecutors do not differentiate between someone carrying a weapon with criminal intent and a visitor who brought a legally purchased out-of-state firearm into New York City.

Navigating Constructive Possession & Vehicle Presumptions

Under New York Penal Law 265.15, if an unlicensed firearm is recovered inside a vehicle or shared space, the law presumes every occupant inside that vehicle or room possesses the weapon. Prosecutors regularly rely on this statutory presumption to charge everyone present, regardless of who actually owned or knew about the firearm.

Rather than waiting for fingerprint or DNA analysis, our defense team acts quickly to establish lack of knowledge, challenge the legal basis for the vehicle stop, and prove another individual exercised exclusive control over the area.

Statutory Categories of Manhattan Weapon Offenses

New York Penal Law categorizes weapon offenses across several felony tiers based on the type of weapon, whether it was loaded, and where it was recovered:

Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (PL 265.03): Class C violent felony involving possession of a loaded firearm outside your home or business. Carries mandatory state prison time upon conviction.
Criminal Possession of a Firearm (PL 265.01-b): Class E felony covering possession of an unloaded firearm. If ammunition is found in the same vehicle, bag, or room, prosecutors combine them to upgrade the charge to PL 265.03.
Sensitive Location Weapon Possession (PL 265.01-e): Felony charge for carrying a firearm into designated restricted zones, including public transit systems, government buildings, entertainment venues, and commercial corridors like Times Square.
Possession of Prohibited Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines (PL 265.01 / 265.02): Felony or misdemeanor charges covering switchblades, metal knuckles, ghost guns, or ammunition feeding devices holding more than 10 rounds.

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Why We're the Right Choice

Attentive Service. Strategic Defense.

Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.

Personalized Legal Strategy
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every case is handled with a custom legal approach tailored to your goals, your circumstances, and your future.
Risk-Free Consultation

We offer a risk-free evaluation of your case and are here to help you understand your legal options. We are available 24/7, day or night, to help you.
Top-Rated Team

Nationally recognized for results. Our attorneys have been ranked among the best in the U.S., Trusted for their strategy, skill, and relentless client advocacy
Former Prosecutors
Our founding partners are both former New York prosecutors who bring unique experience and insights to every case, especially when it comes to going to trial.

Real Defense Experience: A Case Outcome

They Told Him He Had No Defense. The Jury Acquitted Him of All Charges.

A young man from Brooklyn was facing a substantial prison sentence after being charged with possessing an unregistered firearm. Before retaining Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein, he says his prior attorney advised him to plead guilty, telling him, “You have no defense.”

Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein took a closer look. The prosecution relied in part on an officer’s testimony that the firearm had been recovered from the client’s waistband. RKL’s investigation uncovered video evidence supporting a different account: the firearm had actually been recovered from the client’s backpack. When confronted with the video at trial, the officer could not explain the discrepancy.

The defense also presented evidence surrounding why the client had the firearm and the circumstances in his neighborhood that were relevant to his explanation.

The jury acquitted the client of all charges. He returned home to his girlfriend and newborn child.

(Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.)

Tactical Defense: Video Audits & Suppression Motions

Defending a firearm or weapon charge requires examining every detail of how law enforcement initiated contact and recovered the physical evidence.

Fourth amendment motion strategy: We scrutinize whether NYPD officers had a lawful basis to conduct a traffic stop, bag search, or pat-down frisk. If the initial search was unlawful, we move to suppress the firearm from evidence.
Transit and package interceptions: For arrests happening at Port Authority, Grand Central, or high-rise building mailrooms, we challenge police assumptions about constructive possession and knowledge.
Preserving video evidence: Police body-worn cameras, transit security video, and private building surveillance footage can disprove officer statements. Because private systems overwrite footage every 7 to 14 days, we issue preservation notices immediately.
Direct access model: Senior defense counsel works directly on your case, giving your defense personal focus without delegating critical decisions to junior associates.

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They treated me wonderfully and helped me out of a bind. I feel that this firm really cares.

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Why Clients Rely on Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein

Former-Prosecutor-Led Team

Our legal team features former prosecutors who spent years managing criminal cases inside New York County courtrooms. We know how the Manhattan District Attorney's Office evaluates gun allegations, how prosecutors approach bail requests at arraignment, and how local judges view search warrant applications. This internal perspective gives our defense strategies a sharp tactical edge.

100+ Years of Combined Experience

With over a century of collective courtroom experience across state and federal jurisdictions, our attorneys have defended clients against every level of weapon offense. We bring deep legal knowledge, proven courtroom skill, and calm authority to complex criminal cases.

"Fewer Clients, Better Service"

We maintain a selective caseload policy rather than running a high-volume law practice. By taking on fewer clients, we make sure senior defense counsel gives your case the time, thorough investigation, and personal attention it deserves. You receive direct, 24/7 access to your attorney throughout the legal process.

Proven Track Record in Manhattan Courts

Our firm maintains a long history of representing individuals facing serious criminal charges across New York County courts. From initial arraignments to evidentiary suppression hearings and jury trials, our attorneys bring deep familiarity with local judicial procedures to every case we accept.

Recognized Nationally by Major Media

Our attorneys regularly appear on national news networks, legal commentary programs, and major news publications to analyze complex criminal law matters. This national media presence reflects the respect our legal team has built within the broader legal community.

Put Former Prosecutors in Your Corner

A weapon or firearm charge in Manhattan demands fast, decisive action from attorneys who understand the local court system and know how to push back against aggressive prosecution. Do not leave your future to chance.

Contact Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein today at (888) 646-0025 to discuss your defense options with an experienced attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Manhattan Weapon Cases

Does an out-of-state concealed carry permit protect me in Manhattan?

No. New York State and New York City do not recognize concealed carry permits issued by other states. Possessing a handgun in Manhattan with an out-of-state permit still results in felony charges under New York Penal Law. However, we examine the circumstances of the stop and travel history to build a strategic defense.

Can I be charged with a loaded firearm if the magazine was not inserted in the gun?

Yes. Under New York law, if a firearm and compatible ammunition are found in the same vehicle, bag, or room, the court considers the firearm "loaded" for statutory charging purposes. This upgrades an unloaded possession charge to a Class C violent felony carrying mandatory state prison exposure.

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