Weapons Charges at a NYC Airport

Weapons Charges at a NYC Airport

If you were arrested for having a weapon at a New York City airport, you're not alone—and you're not a criminal. Many people are charged with illegal gun possession at JFK, LaGuardia, or other NYC airports simply because they didn’t know New York law is different from where they came from. At Tarshis & Hammerman LLP, we help people like you—travelers, professionals, veterans—who never intended to break the law. If you brought a firearm, knife, or other weapon through TSA or packed it in the wrong bag, you may now be facing serious penalties. We're here to defend you.

Call us now at: 332-264-8384 for help.

Arrested with a Gun at JFK or LaGuardia?

It happens often: someone flies into NYC or has a layover, and they forget a legal firearm is in their luggage. TSA scans it, flags it, and suddenly you're in police custody. While TSA handles civil fines, New York authorities bring criminal charges.

New York law is strict. Even if the gun is unloaded and legally owned in another state, having it in an NYC airport can lead to:

• Misdemeanor weapons charges for unloaded firearms or illegal knives
• Felony charges for loaded guns or certain banned weapons
• Fines from TSA up to $14,950
• Possible jail time, even for first-time offenders

We know that most of our clients never meant to violate the law. You need a lawyer who understands that—and knows how to get results.

What Happens After a Weapons Arrest at an NYC Airport?

If you were arrested, your weapon was likely confiscated, and you were either taken to a precinct or issued a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT). Don’t ignore this. Even a misdemeanor can stay on your record and impact your job, travel, and rights.

Our team will work quickly to:

• Fight to have your charges dismissed or reduced
• Challenge how the weapon was discovered or handled
• Negotiate with prosecutors to avoid jail time
• Help protect your criminal record and future

Learn more about weapons charges in New York by visiting our main Weapons Charges page .

Can I Be Charged Even if I Didn’t Know I Had the Weapon?

Yes—but it’s also a defense we use in court. In New York, prosecutors must prove you knowingly possessed the weapon. If you forgot it was there, didn’t pack the bag, or misunderstood airport rules, that matters.

We’ve successfully defended clients in similar situations by showing:

• They had no intent to use the weapon
• The weapon was legally owned elsewhere
• The item doesn’t legally count as a “weapon” under NY law
• They were cooperative and honest during the search

Why You Need a Local Queens Criminal Lawyer

NYC prosecutors take airport gun cases seriously. You need a local criminal defense lawyer who understands how Queens courts handle these charges—and who knows the judges, DAs, and procedures inside and out. At Tarshis and Hammerman, we’ve handled many cases just like yours. We don’t treat you like a criminal. We treat you like a person who made a mistake and deserves a second chance.

Call Us Before Your First Court Date

Don’t wait until things get worse. The sooner we step in, the more we can do to protect you. We offer free consultations and will explain your options clearly—no pressure, no judgment. Call Tarshis and Hammerman today if you’ve been charged with a weapons offense at an NYC airport. We’re ready to fight for you. Serving clients across Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Nassau County, and the entire NYC area.

As former prosecutors, our attorneys are skilled at attacking police testimony and evaluating the validity of search warrants. We are able to find weak spots in the prosecution’s case because we have stood in the prosecution’s shoes. We use our knowledge to fight vigorously for our clients.

Please call 332-264-8384 to arrange a free initial consultation to discuss your specific gun crime charge. You may also contact us at our Forest Hills office to schedule your appointment.