Facing weapons charges in New York is serious and requires a strong defense. The state has some of the toughest laws against unregistered guns, and they may get tougher.
What does the new gun law entail?
In October 2021, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the state’s strongest laws yet to combat unregistered guns and gun violence. The law makes it illegal for “ghost guns” to be sold and requires all dealers and gunsmiths to register any and all firearms in their possession. The law includes guns that are disguised to look like toys.
Why were the laws enacted?
The purpose behind the legislation is to ensure that guns are sold legally to people who can own and use them responsibly. It aims to prevent guns from getting into the hands of those who should not own them in order to curb gun violence.
State Senator Anna Kaplan stated that if a person cannot pass a background check, they should not be able to acquire a gun. However, many people have been able to get unregistered assault weapons. State Senator Brad Holyman stated that there has been a 479% increase in ghost guns being seized over the past three years in New York. He further expressed great support for the new gun laws that Governor Hochul signed.
In recent years, mass shootings throughout the country have fueled political debate over gun laws. New York has taken the lead to put a stop to unregistered guns circulating.
Changing laws could mean that you get arrested for not complying with new regulations that you barely know about. If you have been arrested on weapons charges, you need to understand and protect your rights.
