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Accomplished Rochester Lawyer Fights Criminal Weapons Charges

Christian Monroe County attorney defends gun owners’ rights

New York has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, but citizens are still entitled to legal and constitutional rights. The Law Office of Maurice J. Verrillo, P.C. in Rochester, New York defends individuals and dealers against weapons charges. Led by a respected attorney who has more than 30 years of experience handling difficult legal challenges, our firm delivers assertive advocacy in cases charging illegal sale or possession of guns and other weapons as well as those alleging gun-related acts of violence.

Experienced Monroe County trial attorney opposes criminal use allegations

New York law generally does not allow the open carrying of firearms. Exceptions exist for permitted uses on hunting grounds and for unloaded antique firearms. To carry a concealed handgun legally a person must obtain a license from a designated county officer.

New York’s Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act, passed in 2013, requires universal background checks on gun purchases and imposes harsh penalties for weapons violations. Other New York laws ban ownership of assault rifles and bump stocks, place strict regulations on ammunition sales and allow firearms to be taken away from people who show “red flags” like violent behavior. Some of the other types of weapons that are illegal under New York law are billy clubs, switchblade knives, electronic stun guns, “Kung Fu stars” and metal knuckles.

Among the common types of weapons crimes in New York are:

  • Unlawful possession — Depending on the weapon and the reason why possession is prohibited, unlawful possession can be a misdemeanor or a felony. Owning a firearm is generally banned for any person who has been convicted of a serious offense or whom a court has identified as a danger.
  • Unlawful use — Possessing a loaded weapon, or even displaying what appears to be a firearm, during the commission of another offense can result in a felony charge for criminal use.
  • Sale, trafficking or distribution — There are serious penalties for selling, exchanging or giving a gun or large-capacity ammunition to another person without legal authority. The degree of the crime depends in part on the quantity involved and the time period over which the exchanges occurred.
  • Assault with a deadly weapon — Assault that involves a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is charged as aggravated assault in New York. Almost any tool or object used to inflict serious injury can be classified as a dangerous weapon, which may result in a charge of aggravated assault.

We will carefully evaluate the charges brought against you, the accusations of law enforcement and the evidence available. Our criminal defense attorney will fight to have charges dropped or dismissed and we will negotiate favorable plea bargains in appropriate cases with our clients’ consent.

Dedicated attorney defends clients when police overstep legal boundaries

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits law enforcement officers from conducting unreasonable searches and seizures. Generally, police must have probable cause, a warrant or express permission to search a person’s home, car trunk, glove compartment or other space where privacy is expected. If police find firearms or other weapons during an unlawful search, the evidence may be inadmissible in court. We assert the Fourth Amendment rights of our clients and seek to have evidence suppressed whenever possible. Our defensive strategy may include demonstrating factors that disprove the alleged intentional nature of the weapons-related offense. When you retain us, we will build a defense tailored to your individual circumstances.

Contact a seasoned Rochester defense lawyer for help fighting criminal weapons charges

The Law Office of Maurice J. Verrillo, P.C. fights criminal weapons charges by asserting the legal and constitutional rights of people in Monroe County and the surrounding areas. To schedule a free initial consultation with our office in Rochester, New York, call us at 585-563-1134 or contact us online.

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