Suffolk County Gun Crime Lawyer

Suffolk County Gun Crime Attorney

Accusations of any gun crime can be a frightening experience, with convictions carrying the potential for prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. A Suffolk County gun crime lawyer can help you through this difficult period. You don’t have to face your charges alone.

About Us

Koch Law, PLLC has spent years representing the people of Brookhaven, Babylon, Islip, and other communities throughout Suffolk County. Our lead attorney, Lee A. Koch served in the United States Air Force and the National Security Agency before switching his focus to criminal law. His legal accomplishments earned him a membership as one of the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers and an Avvo Rating of 10.0.

Overview of Gun Crimes in New York

Gun crimes are a pressing concern for law enforcement in New York. Suffolk County is a member of the statewide Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. GIVE reported 558 shooting incidents in 2024, with 689 victims and 116 people killed. Suffolk County accounted for 26 shootings, with 32 victims and five deaths.

Gun crimes in Suffolk County are processed in different courts, depending on where you live and whether the charge is a felony or misdemeanor. The central location for misdemeanor cases is the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip. The main center for all felony cases is the Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court Complex in Riverhead.

Types of Gun Crimes and Penalties

New York gun crimes cover a variety of charges that range from criminal possession to a gun being used in another unlawful action. The following are some of the most common types of accusations and gun crime penalties we can handle:

Criminal Possession of Weapon vs Firearm

The distinction between criminal possession of a weapon and a firearm can be confusing, but the charges carry different punishments. Criminal possession of a firearm occurs when someone owns an unauthorized or unregistered firearm. It is a Class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison.

Criminal possession of a weapon can carry higher penalties, and covers ownership of illegal firearms, such as machine guns, assault weapons, and explosive devices. It also takes into account any criminal intent. Prison times vary based on the level of crime. A fourth-degree conviction is a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum of 364 days in prison, while a first-degree charge is a Class B felony with up to 25 years imprisonment.

Criminal Use of a Firearm

Criminal use of a firearm is typically an additional charge when a firearm is used to attempt or commit another felony. A second-degree instance occurs when a firearm is displayed or possessed and loaded during the commission of a Class C felony. It is a Class C felony and is punished by up to 15 years in prison.

Criminal use in the first degree is defined as the display of a firearm or possession of a loaded gun when committing a Class B felony. It usually results in an additional five years in prison in addition to the sentencing for said Class B felony.

Meet Your Attorney

Lee A. Koch

Managing Attorney, Koch Law PLLC

Lee draws on his background as a former USAF intelligence specialist to bring precision and strategy to defending clients in New York City facing white collar crime charges. From fraud and embezzlement to insider trading and complex financial investigations, he builds defense strategies designed to challenge evidence, protect your reputation, and position you for the strongest possible outcome in court.

Call 866-640-2264

Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer

Facing a gun crime accusation can be overwhelming and confusing. But you don’t have to handle it alone. Hire a gun crime lawyer to help with your defense. Your Suffolk County gun crime attorney can be at your side for each step of your case, from initial arrest to final court verdict.

At Koch Law, PLLC, we can provide many vital services to support your case. We can shield you from manipulative interrogation tactics, challenge procedural errors or bad faith accusations, build your defense, and represent you in court. If a conviction seems likely, our team can negotiate with the prosecution to find a plea bargain that works for you. Plea deals can shorten prison sentences and reduce charges that appear on your record.

FAQs

How Much Does a Gun Crime Lawyer Cost in New York?

How much your New York gun crime lawyer costs depends on the complexity of your case, the severity of charges you face, and the work hours it requires. A minor instance of criminal possession of a firearm with an early plea bargain typically costs less than a case centered around a gun’s use during another crime, which requires a full trial. In your initial consultation, your attorney can provide an estimate for your total legal expenses.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Gun Crime Case in New York?

New York state law does not legally require you to hire a lawyer for a gun crime case. However, doing so can have several benefits for your defense. An experienced lawyer can review evidence against you, craft your defense, and represent you at every hearing, both in and out of court. If a conviction seems likely, they can use years of legal knowledge and skills to negotiate a plea bargain that mitigates the case’s impact on your life.

Can You Get Your Gun Rights Back After a Gun Crime Charge in New York?

Whether you can get your gun rights back after a gun crime charge in New York depends on whether you are convicted and the type of crime you are accused of. New York state law bars anyone convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm. However, if you are charged but not convicted of a felony, this does not apply. Certain misdemeanors can also block your ability to restore gun rights.

How Long Does a Gun Crime Case Take in New York?

How long a gun crime case takes in Suffolk County, New York can vary, depending on several factors. These may include the amount and complexity of the prosecution’s evidence, whether you have any previous criminal history, and more. The factor that can most impact how long it takes to resolve your case is whether it goes to trial. Many cases can be resolved outside of court, but cases that go to trial can take significantly longer.

Speak With a Suffolk County Gun Crime Attorney Today

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, where we can learn your story, explain your rights, and explore potential legal strategies. You may also visit our Long Island office in Wantagh, on Waterbury Drive just east of Twin Lakes Preserve and Wantagh State Parkway.

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