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NEW YORK WEAPONS & FIREARMS DEFENSE LAWYER

New York City’s gun and weapons laws are some of the strictest in the nation, and prosecutors here treat every case as a public safety issue. Even a single firearm or knife in the wrong place can lead to felony charges, mandatory minimum sentences, and devastating long-term consequences.

If you’re facing a weapons charge in New York City, you need a defense attorney who understands both the letter of the law and the realities of how it’s enforced in the five boroughs. Evan Hughes has represented clients in criminal courts across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as in federal court, bringing a record of success in cases that other lawyers refuse to try.

How New York Handles Weapons Charges

Under New York Penal Law §265, most possession offenses are felonies, and in many cases, the law presumes intent based simply on possession. That means even without proof that you meant to use a weapon unlawfully, the state can still move forward with prosecution.

Common examples include possession of an unlicensed handgun, carrying a loaded firearm outside your home or business, or having a so-called “gravity knife” or switchblade. Even antique or family heirloom weapons can lead to criminal liability if improperly stored or transported.

What’s unique about New York is the mandatory minimums tied to certain firearms offenses. A conviction for possessing a loaded, unlicensed handgun outside the home can bring three and a half years in state prison, even for a first-time offender.

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Fighting New York Gun and Weapons Charges Head-On

New York City police and prosecutors often rely on questionable searches and generalized stop-and-frisk tactics to build weapons cases. Many of these arrests violate constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment or Article I, Section 12 of the New York State Constitution.

We examine every step of the process: the traffic stop, the warrant (if any), the chain of custody, the statements you made, and how the evidence was recovered. In many cases, a single procedural flaw — an illegal stop, a bad warrant, or a coerced confession — can mean the difference between conviction and dismissal.

We’ve successfully challenged weapons cases by showing that the firearm didn’t belong to the defendant, that the police lacked probable cause for the search, or that the evidence was handled improperly. And when a trial is necessary, we prepare thoroughly and fight relentlessly before the judge and jury.

Why These Cases Demand Immediate Action

Weapons charges in New York move quickly, and an early strategy makes all the difference. Within days, key evidence such as surveillance footage or officer body-cam video can disappear. Witnesses become unreachable. The sooner you involve a lawyer, the more opportunity we have to shape the narrative before the prosecution locks in its version of events.

From the first conversation, we’ll map out your options, whether that means pursuing full dismissal, negotiating a non-criminal disposition, or preparing for trial. Our approach is pragmatic but fearless: we aim to protect your freedom, your rights, and your future opportunities.

New York Defense Grounded in Experience

Evan Hughes has defended clients accused of firearms possession, illegal transport, use of weapons in alleged assaults or robberies, and violations of New York’s complex registration and licensing laws. He brings extensive courtroom experience and a reputation for challenging aggressive prosecution tactics head-on.

The firm’s philosophy is simple: no one should face the full weight of New York’s criminal justice system without a skilled advocate. We believe in second chances, in the presumption of innocence, and in the power of a well-crafted defense.

If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for a weapons-related offense in New York City, contact Hughes Law immediately. Let us start building your weapons defense case today.

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