Application & Relief From Disability Focused on Firearm Law and Criminal Defense

New York Firearm License Application Lawyer

Trusted Support for Firearm & Relief from Disabilities Applications

Applying for a gun permit in New York is not a simple formality. It is a rigorous legal process governed by strict eligibility criteria, extensive documentation, and close review by licensing authorities. This process can be made even more complex when your history includes a felony or serious misdemeanor conviction in your criminal history. It will require you to obtain from your court of conviction or the New York State Department of Corrections to obtain Relief from Disabilities specifically permitting you to possess and own a firearm.

MILTON GRUNWALD P.C. guides clients through the complexities of New York’s firearm licensing system and provides experienced legal support to improve your chances of approval. We understand the challenges, the scrutiny, and the potential obstacles you may face, be it with your license or a relief application. With decades of experience in criminal and constitutional law, we help applicants navigate this demanding process with confidence so you can continue to exercise your Second Amendment rights.

Book a free initial consultation with a New York firearm license application attorney by contacting us online or at (516) 512-8972. We offer virtual consultation for your convenience. 

Common Roadblocks in the Application Process

If you wish to purchase and possess a pistol or semi-automatic rifle in the state of New York, you will need to obtain a permit from the local licensing agency to do so. Obtaining one of these licenses typically involves an application and submitting to a criminal background check. This application can be denied for one of a few common reasons:

  • Prior conviction of a felony or serious misdemeanor. Any conviction, even one that is decades old, is automatically disqualifying under both New York state and federal law.
  • Domestic violence allegations. Past allegations or protective orders may raise serious red flags even without a conviction.
  • Failure to disclose arrests, prior convictions, orders of protection, use of prescribed medications, and motor vehicle suspensions. Omissions or lack of full disclosure can be viewed as dishonesty and lead to application denial. However, there are defenses to this argument.

Each of these obstacles requires careful legal analysis and, in some cases, documentation or advocacy to present the strongest possible case to licensing officials. If you have any of these potentially disqualifying factors, your application will be denied.

Certificate of Relief from Disabilities

A Certificate of Relief is a document issued by the Court in which a conviction for a felony or serious misdemeanor occurred. In some instances, you may also make an application to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Services (DOCCS). 

You may be eligible to petition the court for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities if:

  • You have been convicted of any number of misdemeanors or no more than one felony (two felony convictions in the same court on the same day are considered to be one felony for the purposes of this determination)
  • You have been released from a correctional facility upon completion of your sentence
  • You receive a recommendation from a supervising parole officer during a period of Community Supervision

Applying for a Certificate of Relief requires submitting an application to the Court or DOCCS. MILTON GRUNWALD P.C. will assist you in preparing the Application Document, a personal statement of your background, explaining the disqualifying conviction, who you are now, and why you want to possess a firearm. Our firm can also assist you in the preparation of affidavits and recommendations from family and friends, gather other documents attesting to your current good moral character, and persuasively argue why there should be no objection to you possessing a firearm. 

This Certificate of Relief, if granted, will lift the bar to applying for a firearm license and, in some cases, possessing a rifle or shotgun. However, you will still have to pass the scrutiny of the licensing agency to which you may now apply. The preparation of the pistol license application is now critical, as it must carefully explain the nature of the felony or serious misdemeanor.

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Strategic Legal Guidance for Firearm and Criminal Cases

  • Relentless Defense
    Whether it is a serious criminal charge or a constitutional rights issue, Mr. Grunwald is known for aggressive advocacy and a tireless commitment to his clients' best outcome.
  • Second Amendment Focus

    Mr. Grunwald has spent decades helping clients navigate New York’s complex gun laws, including licensing, permit appeals, and administrative challenges.

  • Hands-On Representation

    Clients work directly with Milton Grunwald at every stage, from initial strategy to final verdict, ensuring personalized attention and consistent, informed advocacy.

  • Decades of Trial Experience

    With over 40 years in the courtroom, Mr. Grunwald brings deep legal knowledge and seasoned judgment to every case he takes on.

Eligibility for Firearm Permits

Under New York law, most applicants may be considered for a permit if they meet all of the following basic criteria:

  • The application is complete and truthful
  • The applicant is at least 21 years old, or they have been honorably discharged from the U.S. military
  • No prior felony or serious offense convictions per New York Penal Law
  • No prior license revocation
  • No involuntary commitment to a mental institution
  • No history of court-appointed guardianship for mental incapacity
  • Not a fugitive or under active arrest warrant
  • Not addicted to or unlawfully using controlled substances
  • Not dishonorably discharged from the military
  • Not a denounced former U.S. citizen
  • Is lawfully present in the United States
  • Is a person of good moral character and not a danger to self or others
  • Has truthfully disclosed any history of mental health treatment or prior arrests
  • Has no legal disqualifications or red flags that would justify denial

Firearm Eligibility & Mental Health

New York also strongly considers any applicant’s mental health when issuing a firearm license. This includes carefully reviewing any mental health history, including involuntary commitments to psychiatric facilities, previous treatments for psychiatric conditions, or any mental disabilities that could cause someone to become violent. Any of these conditions could trigger an additional review or even cause an application to be denied.

Mental disabilities do not necessarily preclude someone from obtaining a firearm license, but it could require you to petition the state for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities. This application process also requires you to submit your full criminal history along with certified copies of your medical records pertaining to your psychiatric history over the previous 20 years. You will likely also need to submit a criminal history check and certified copies of your medical records from all previous providers over the last five years.

New York’s Strict Licensing Rules for Residents & Non-Residents

New York does not recognize firearm permits, including concealed carry permits, from any other state. If you are a resident of another state, you may not carry a firearm across state lines into New York, even with a valid out-of-state license. New York law applies uniformly to all who seek to possess or carry a handgun within state borders.

It’s essential to understand that local licensing authorities, particularly in counties like Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, and New York City, may impose additional application procedures, documentation requirements, or waiting periods. 

These jurisdictions have their own practices for processing, investigating, and evaluating pistol permit applications, which can significantly impact the process’s time and decision-making. We can assist you in navigating these local variations to give you the best chance at success.

Legal Support Throughout the Process

The New York firearm application process is detailed, unforgiving, and often intimidating. A single mistake or oversight can lead to denial. MILTON GRUNWALD P.C. helps you prepare a complete application, anticipate possible concerns, and respond strategically if any issues arise.

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