Weapons Offense in Erie County
3,071 cases · Erie County Courts · DCJS Data
Weapons offenses in Erie County are dismissed at a dramatically higher rate than the state average—37.3 percent compared to 17.3 percent statewide, a 20-point gap that suggests prosecutors or courts in this county handle these cases more cautiously than elsewhere. With 60 percent of cases ending in conviction and only 0.5 percent in acquittals across 3,071 cases, the county still secures the majority of prosecutions, but the dismissal rate significantly exceeds statewide norms. The trend strengthens this pattern: dismissals have climbed from 40.9 percent in 2019 to 44.9 percent in 2024, indicating prosecutors are increasingly dropping or declining these charges.
Defendants arrested for weapons offenses in Erie County face substantial pretrial barriers. Nearly 62 percent had bail set, with a median of $25,000, while only 15.5 percent were released on their own recognizance and 19.6 percent were held without bail. Among those convicted, sentences are heavily weighted toward incarceration: 35.1 percent received prison sentences and 13.8 percent received jail time, though 27.5 percent received probation instead. Notably, one in five weapons charges (20.6 percent) are reduced before trial, predominantly to disorderly conduct, which may explain part of
Dismissal rate includes judicial dismissals and cases dismissed in the interest of justice. Conviction rate includes guilty pleas and findings of guilt at trial. Avg duration measures arraignment to final disposition. Data sourced from New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data. Last updated: March 2026
Case Outcomes
Source: 3,071 public court records, Erie County Courts — NewYorkCourtFile.com
Outcomes by Charge Class
How outcomes differ by felony and misdemeanor classification for Weapons Offense in Erie County.
| Charge Class | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| C Felony | 2,387 | 38.7% | 58.1% |
| A Misdemeanor | 242 | 41.1% | 58.9% |
| D Felony | 235 | 26.9% | 71.7% |
| E Felony | 191 | 27.8% | 71.7% |
| B Felony | 15 | 30.8% | 61.5% |
Charge class reflects the severity classification at arrest (e.g., A Felony is the most serious, B Misdemeanor the least). Outcomes vary by class due to differing prosecutorial priorities, plea bargaining patterns, and case complexity. Source: New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data.
Year-Over-Year Trends
How Weapons Offense outcomes in Erie County have changed over time.
| Year | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 452 | 40.9% | 57.8% |
| 2020 | 428 | 37.6% | 59.0% |
| 2021 | 579 | 33.0% | 63.1% |
| 2022 | 607 | 32.9% | 64.9% |
| 2023 | 542 | 37.5% | 59.5% |
| 2024 | 461 | 44.9% | 52.9% |
Year reflects arrest year from DCJS Pretrial Release Data. Case volumes may vary as more recent cases may still be pending disposition.
Pretrial Release
How defendants charged with Weapons Offense in Erie County are handled at arraignment.
Pretrial release data reflects arraignment outcomes under New York's bail reform laws. ROR = Released on Own Recognizance. Bail Set = cash bail or bond required. Remanded = held without bail.
Charge Reductions
in Erie County are reduced
Sentencing When Convicted
Breakdown of sentencing outcomes for Weapons Offense convictions in Erie County.
20.6% of Weapons Offense cases in Erie County are reduced to lesser charges. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.
Ask a Erie County attorney — freeOutcomes by Demographics
Case outcome rates by race for Weapons Offense in Erie County. These statistics reflect systemic patterns and structural factors in the criminal justice system, not individual behavior.
| Race | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 2,247 | 39.4% | 57.6% |
| White | 439 | 30.0% | 69.5% |
| Hispanic | 334 | 33.6% | 63.9% |
| Asian | 23 | 47.8% | 43.5% |
Disparities in case outcomes reflect well-documented systemic factors including policing patterns, socioeconomic inequality, and structural bias in the criminal justice system. These statistics should not be used to draw conclusions about any individual or group. Data sourced from DCJS Pretrial Release Data.
Common Questions
Statistics from public court records for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Past outcomes do not predict future results. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your case.
Data source: New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data. 3,071 cases analyzed for Weapons Offense in Erie County. Last updated March 2026. — NewYorkCourtFile.com
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