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Tea Party Patriots Co-Founder Arrested on Gun Charges at NYC Airport

Posted by Steven G. Brill | Feb 07, 2012 | 0 Comments

Mark Meckler, the co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots, was arrested on federal charges after taking a gun into LaGuardia Airport in New York City. The incident occurred when Meckler attempted to check in for a Detroit flight with a locked gun box containing a Glock pistol and 19 cartridges of ammunition. While Meckler did declare the gun at the airline counter and is licensed to carry the weapon in California he does not have the same rights to carry in New York.

Al Della Fave, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said: “He didn't have a correct understanding of the law" and “Though he has a permit to carry in California that did not cover him in the state of New York.” Meckler spent the night in jail as a result of the arrest and could face prison time if convicted on the charge of second degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Mark Meckler's criminal defense attorney argued that he was “in temporary transit through the State of New York in possession of an unloaded, lawful firearm,” and that Mr. Meckler had been fully compliant with all laws, according to the New York Times. New York has particularly strict gun and firearm possession laws. Due to this strict policy, it is not uncommon for people to be arrested for carrying guns into Laguardia and JFK Airports, even if they posses a carrying permit [in another state]. These strict policies are causing the District Attorneys to tighten their plea policy which can lead to longer prison sentences. Sullivan & Brill, LLP has extensive experience in handling possession of gun and firearm cases which have often led to non-jail plea agreements and acquittals.

If you or someone you know had been charged with a crime like this, you should immediately seek advice from a criminal defense lawyer that is experienced in handling guns and weapons cases. Based in New York City, Sullivan & Brill, LLP represents clients throughout the United States, as well as in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County and other upstate New York counties.

About the Author

Steven G. Brill

Steven Brill is a founding Partner of Sullivan Brill, LLP, which was established in 2001.  Mr. Brill concentrates his practice to Federal and State Criminal Defense, and Post-Conviction Litigation.  Steven earned a BA in history at the George Washington University and graduated with cum laude ho...

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