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New York legal term

Loaded firearm in New York Criminal Law

Current through 2026 New York legislative session

In New York criminal law, “Loaded firearm” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.

What does “Loaded firearm” mean in New York criminal law?

"Loaded firearm" means any firearm loaded with ammunition or any firearm which is possessed by one who, at the same time, possesses a quantity of ammunition which may be used to discharge such firearm. 15-a. (N.Y. Penal Law § 265.00)

Statutes defining or using this term

Charges using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.