Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys | February 13, 2026 | New York Law
Carrying a concealed firearm in New York is a serious responsibility, one that comes with strict legal requirements. The state has some of the toughest gun control laws in the country that can result in severe criminal penalties if they’re violated. As a result, learning about current concealed carry rules is essential to avoid legal trouble.
Here’s what you should know about how concealed carry works in New York State, including when it may be wise to hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you.
New York’s Concealed Carry Permit Requirements
Per New York Penal Law § 400.00, anyone who wants to carry a concealed handgun must first obtain a valid New York State pistol permit. This rule applies statewide, including in New York City, which has its own additional licensing authority.
To qualify for a concealed carry license, applicants generally must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in N.Y. State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n v. Bruen, New York no longer requires applicants to prove “proper cause” to carry. However, the state responded by passing the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA), which added new requirements.
Training and Background Requirements
The CCIA significantly expanded what’s required to obtain a concealed carry permit.
Now, applicants must:
- Completing a firearms safety training course
- Four character references
- Disclosure of their spouse or domestic partner, as well as any other adults who live in the home
- In-person interview
These steps are meant to ensure that only responsible, law-abiding adults are approved for permits. Once issued, your license must be renewed every three years in most circumstances.
Where You Can and Cannot Carry a Concealed Firearm
New York heavily restricts where you can bring your concealed handgun (even if you have a valid permit).
Under the Concealed Carry Improvement Act, several “sensitive locations” are strictly off-limits, including:
- Schools and childcare facilities
- Government buildings and courthouses
- Public transportation facilities
- Parks and playgrounds
- Bars and restaurants serving alcohol
- Polling places and public demonstrations
- Houses of worship
Violating these location restrictions can result in felony charges and potential prison time.
What Are the Penalties for Illegal Possession?
Carrying a concealed handgun without a valid license in New York is considered a Class C felony under Penal Law § 265.03.
Convictions can lead to:
- Up to 15 years in state prison
- A permanent criminal record
- Loss of firearm ownership rights
If a firearm is loaded or carried in a restricted area, the penalties can be even more severe. These laws are aggressively enforced in major cities like New York City and Buffalo as well.
Considering that prosecutors often take a hard stance on weapons charges, it’s critical to seek immediate help from an experienced criminal defense attorney if you’re arrested for unlawful possession.
Contact a Middletown Criminal Defense Attorney From Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation
For more information, contact an experienced Criminal Defense lawyer at Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys, to schedule a free consultation today. We conveniently serve in 3 locations in New York, including Middletown, Newburgh, and Kingston.
We proudly serve Orange County, Ulster County, and their surrounding areas:
Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys – Middletown
626 E Main St
Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 566 5345
Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys – Newburgh
356 Meadow Ave
Newburgh, NY 12550
(845) 566-5345
Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys – Kingston
233 Fair St Suite #1
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 566-5345