What misdemeanor offenses will prevent a NY resident from purchasing a firearm?
Answer There are two parts to this answer. 1) Any misdemeanor where domestic violence was an element will make one a prohibited person under federal law. 2) Under New York Penal Law Section 265.01 (4), a person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree when he possesses a rifle or shotgun and has been convicted of a felony or serious offense. A “serious offense” includes misdemeanors. Under Penal Law Section 265.00 (17), “Serious offense” means: (a) any of the following offenses defined in the former penal law as in force and effect immediately prior to September first, nineteen hundred sixty-seven: illegally using, carrying or possessing a pistol or other dangerous weapon; making or possessing burglar`s instruments; buying or receiving stolen property; unlawful entry of a building; aiding escape from prison; that kind of disorderly conduct defined in subdivisions six and eight of section seven hundred twenty-two of such former penal law; violations of sections
