New York Criminal Defense
Lebedin Kofman LLP defends clients accused of possessing a firearm, rifle, or shotgun in a sensitive location or restricted location under New York law.
Defense for criminal possession of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun in a sensitive location Charges
Sensitive-location and restricted-location allegations can arise from carrying or possessing a firearm in places where New York law imposes special restrictions. These cases require careful review of location, licensing, exemptions, notice, and police conduct.
The New York Courts Article 265 table lists criminal possession of a weapon in a restricted location and criminal possession of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun in a sensitive location as separate modern firearm offenses.
What Prosecutors May Focus On
Prosecutors may focus on the exact location, firearm status, licensing records, witness observations, security reports, police recovery, body-camera footage, and statements.
- Whether police can prove actual or constructive possession, identity, knowledge, intent, and the exact statutory theory charged.
- Whether searches, stops, warrants, statements, and forensic testing were handled lawfully and reliably.
- Whether the evidence supports the charged degree or a lower-level offense, dismissal, or non-criminal resolution.
Defense Issues to Review Early
Defense issues can include whether the location legally qualifies, whether an exemption applies, whether the accused knowingly possessed the firearm there, whether the search was lawful, and whether records or licenses were interpreted correctly.
- Search and seizure issues, including vehicle, home, phone, and bag searches.
- Constructive possession and access by other people.
- Forensic testing, lab reports, operability, weight, classification, or statutory-definition issues.
- Statements, body-camera footage, discovery, informant reliability, and co-defendant evidence.
How Lebedin Kofman Approaches These Cases
Lebedin Kofman LLP evaluates the charge level, evidence, police conduct, and collateral consequences early. Depending on the facts, the strategy may involve pre-arrest intervention, grand jury advocacy, suppression motions, forensic review, negotiation, mitigation, or trial preparation from the outset.
Related Defense Pages
- Gun Charges
- Criminal Possession of a Firearm
- Criminal Use of a Firearm
- Federal Gun Trafficking
- Criminal Defense
- Russ Kofman Profile
- Representative Cases & Media Coverage
Contact a New York Defense Attorney
If you are under investigation or charged with criminal possession of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun in a sensitive location, speak with counsel before making statements or trying to explain the case to investigators.
646 663 4430 Send a Confidential Inquiry
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts, evidence, procedural posture, and applicable law.