How To Find The Best Gun Rights Attorney In New York
Finding the best gun rights attorney in New York can be a daunting task. This is one of the most important steps in the legal process, especially if you have been charged with a firearms or weapons offense. Finding a attorney you can trust should not be an afterthought. It should be a priority on your list.
Firearms forums and gun rights organizations that are native to New 
York can be readily accessed online . These are great resources that are available to be used in conjunction with this site and friends and family to locate good attorneys who have your best interest in mind.
When soliciting referrals from friends, family or business associates, find out what type of firearms case it was. Find out how much time has passed since the case, and if the attorney has changed firms or areas of practice.
An attorney that has changed firms or areas of practice may no longer be handling firearms related cases. They may not have taken refresher courses on new firearms legislation as he or she would have done, if they were still handling such cases on a weekly basis.
What Defines A New York Gun Rights Attorney ?
A New York gun rights attorney is much more than someone whom you contact to see about restoring your gun rights. They are someone that truly believes in your right to self defense, your right to carry a firearm and strongly believes that every citizen that can legally do so, has the right to keep and bear arms as defined in the Second Amendment.
Most Common Gun Crimes And Weapons Charges In New York
- Second Degree Criminal Possession
- Criminal Possession Of A Firearm
- Carrying A Firearm Without The Proper Permit
- Firearms Violations At / In Public Venues
- Unlawful Possession Of A Assault Weapon
- Felony Criminal Possession Of A Firearm In The First, Second, or Third Degree
- Carrying Concealed Weapons In Unauthorized Locations
- Using A Firearm In A Manner That Endangers Another Person
- Transporting A Firearm In An Illegal Fashion
- Brandishing A Weapon
- Convicted Felon In Possession Of A Firearm
- Unlawful Possession Of Certain Ammunition Feeding Devices
- Being Found In Possession Of High Capacity Magazines
- Being In Possession Of An Illegal Or Unlicensed Firearm
- Being In Possession Of Illegal Ammunition
- Being In Possession Of A Firearm That Is Not Licensed To You
- Criminal Defense
The above are just a few of the cases that a New York gun rights attorney may handle. The majority of these cases are felony offenses and stem from the Article 265 Penal Law in New York City.
What Is The Cost Of A New York Weapons Defense Attorney ?
Everyone would like to be able to hire the “best” gun attorney in New York, however, can you afford that attorney ?
The average cost of a weapons defense attorney in New York can range from $275.00 to $1000.00 per hour. Note that many New York attorneys may bill in 6 and 15 minute increments. A pre-trial flat rate fee may be available from some attorneys.
The overall cost of a criminal case can vary depending of the different factors that may be involved.
- How much experience does your NY attorney have
- Was it a misdemeanor or felony weapons charge
- Does the attorney charge a hourly fee or flat rate
- Will the case go to trial
- Will expert witnesses need to be hired
There are NY attorneys that have been known to offer reduced rates or even payment plans depending on how they feel about you as a person and how the charges against you have came to be.
Some gun rights attorneys have even been known to take on cases on a pro bono basis if they feel you have been wronged by the justice system or if there are other underlying circumstance that need to be addressed such as violation of your New York civil rights.
A civil rights violation could be being arrested for legally carrying a firearm in a place where it was legal. In some instances it could be being denied a firearms carry permit because a judge or other officer of the court decided they did not feel like issuing you a permit. These scenarios have happened on more than one occasion.
Free Attorney Consultations In New York
Many New York attorneys offer free consultations. Take advantage of this. It gives you an opportunity to meet your potential attorney and ask questions.
It is also recommended that you take a copy of your arrest record with you to your initial consultation.
This gives the attorney a chance to explain to you what kind of fines or penalties you may be facing and what kind of cost you may incur for their services.
Interview Your Attorney As If Your Freedom Depended On It
Common Questions To Ask Your New York Criminal Defense Attorney
- What is your experience in handling firearms cases such as mine
- What is your educational background
- How long have you been in practice in New York
- How long will the process last
- What are the chances of successfully resolving my case
- What is the attorneys fee, or what amount of retainer to you need to pay
- Will there be any other fees other than the attorneys fees
Some cases in New York can be extremely complicated and there may not be a simple solution. Be prepared for the worse and hope for the best.
If your case goes to trial or litigation this can change everything. Make sure your NY gun rights attorney has the proper trial experience and is well versed in litigating your defense.
Trust Your Instincts You Have Them For A Reason
If during your initial consultation you start to get bad “vibes” about the attorney your speaking with, trust your instincts. There may even be “red flags” in their office such as awards, or certificates of appreciation from anti-gun groups.
Get A Second Opinion
Just because you meet with an attorney during a consultation, does not mean your legally obligated to hire that attorney. You can always get a second opinion.
Be Cautious Of Attorney Advertising
There are thousands of listings on the major search engines where you will see attorneys in New York who claim to be gun rights attorneys, but are they really ?
Your belief in your right to keep and bear arms may be in direct conflict with their beliefs to disarm the population.
Sure these so called gun rights attorneys will be glad to take your retainer, they may smile at you, show concern for you and even represent you in court. However, do you really think they will represent you with your best interest in mind if they are a anti-gun person or law firm ?
Think about that for a moment.
It is your freedom that is on the line.
When your court date has come and gone, only your attorney is guaranteed to walk out of the court room. Do not blindly place your trust in someone just because they have a flashy website or tell you everything you want to hear.
Finding A Good Gun Rights Attorney In New York Takes Effort
Finding the right attorney may require that you devote time and it may require you to do exert amount of effort. The effort you exert on finding the right defense lawyer to represent you will fundamentally be reflected throughout your case as it winds it way through the NY court system.
The internet can be a wonderful tool to research your potential gun rights attorney in New York.