Arrested for Going Through Airport Security with a Weapon at LaGuardia Airport

Busy airports like New York City’s LaGuardia handle millions of travelers each year. In the aftermath of 9/11, airports have ramped up their security measures in order to enhance safety. Passengers are prohibited from carrying weapons onto airplanes and packing certain potentially dangerous items in their carry-on luggage.

New York City has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation. As a result, even responsible firearm owners with proper permits from other states can find themselves accused of serious criminal offenses merely due to being unfamiliar with New York’s weapons laws.

Even if the TSA does not outright bar people from traveling with unloaded weapons, the state’s gun laws do. For example, the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) normally allows gun owners to transport their firearms, provided they are unloaded and segregated from ammunition. However, FOPA is not recognized in New York. For these reasons, it is important that individuals who intend to travel with a weapon gain familiarity with New York City’s weapons laws.

While it is legal to bring a gun to LaGuardia Airport if you have the appropriate New York City firearms permit, travelers are required to take a number of safety steps. All guns, firearm parts and ammunition must be checked-in as they are banned from carry-on luggage. In addition, passengers must declare their firearms to the airline and properly pack them in a TSA-approved container. Each airline has its own set of rules concerning travel with unloaded weapons.

If a TSA agent finds a weapon in your bags or on your person when you go through a LaGuardia Airport security checkpoint, even with an appropriate permit, you could be arrested and face serious criminal charges. Most weapons-related offenses are classified as felonies. Depending on the nature of the crime, a conviction can result in a prison sentence, fines and loss of firearm privileges.

If you have been arrested for going through LaGuardia Airport security with a weapon, contact the experienced defense attorneys at Brill Legal Group as soon as possible. We know how to obtain the best possible results and avoid the harsh penalties that result from such serious charges.