Gun owners often purchase and acquire weapons with the specific intent of home protection. Ironically, however, these security tools might be associated with a rise in burglaries. Joseph Tacopina notes that, with the recent changes in New York State’s gun legislation making it harder to obtain firearms, robbers could be targeting homes registered with gun permits.
In New York, gun permits are a matter of public record. As such, one newspaper published a map indicating the location of homes registered with gun permits. But after one White Plains homeowner was featured on the gun permit map, his house was burglarized and, unfortunately, the burglar’s motive was clear — the gun safe.
According to a statement by the White Plains Police Benevolent Association (PBA), the gun permit map is a serious threat to public safety. By widely publicizing this information, gun owners are placed at a heightened risk. Accordingly, the PBA called for a boycott of the newspaper by consumers and advertisers until the map was removed.
In New York, burglary is defined as knowingly and unlawfully entering or remaining in a building with the intent to commit a crime. First-degree burglary is a class B felony and as such can result in 25 years imprisonment for a first-time offender and lifetime imprisonment for a criminal with a history.
While burglary is a common crime, it’s not something to take lightly. It threatens the safety of New York residents and can lead to lengthy prison sentences. If you’re facing criminal charges, Joseph Tacopina and the team at the Law Offices of Tacopina & Seigel are here to help. Our experienced burglary lawyers in New York will fight to defend your freedom.