New York Gun Crimes: FAQ

Outside very limited circumstances, you cannot possess a firearm in New York City. T0 possess a gun in New York City, a special permit must be granted and issued by the NYC police commissioner. NY Penal Law § 400.00(6)

In New York, possessing a gun is a crime, unless a person is otherwise permitted to possess the firearm. Possessing a gun is covered by the crimes of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First, Second, Third and Fourth Degrees. These crimes range from a B felony, punishable by up to 25 years in state prison, to an A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in local jail or even no jail time whatsoever.

Very simply, it is a crime to possess a firearm in New York without a permit or right to do so specifically from the State of New York and the jurisdiction where you possess the firearm. As such, it can be a felony to possess a legally registered firearm in New York City that is otherwise legally possessed elsewhere in New York State or in another state.

Possessing a gun in New York City is a crime, unless a person is specifically authorized to possess the firearm by the NYPD Commissioner's Office. NY Penal Law § 400.00(6)

No. Even if a person is authorized to possess a firearm in New York, possessing a firearm that is unregistered is a violation of New York Penal Law 265.01-b(1), Criminal Possession of a Firearm, which is an E felony punishable by up to 4 years in state prison. If the firearm is also loaded, it is a violation of New York Penal Law 265.03 with a mandatory minimum sentence of three and one half years in prison and as long as fifteen years in custody.