Overview
Tom: your intro.
Draft for you to change or replace: New York's weapons laws are among the strictest in the country, and a firearm charge can carry a mandatory prison term even for someone with no record. Many of these cases turn on the search that found the weapon, and on whether the prosecution can prove the accused knowingly possessed it.
Offenses
| Section | Offense | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 265.01 | Criminal possession of a weapon, 4th degree | A misdemeanor |
| 265.01-b | Criminal possession of a firearm | E felony |
| 265.02 | Criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd degree | D violent felony |
| 265.03 | Criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd degree (e.g. a loaded firearm outside one's home or place of business) | C violent felony |
| 265.04 | Criminal possession of a weapon, 1st degree | B violent felony |