Kings New York Jury Instruction — Possession Of Firearm Having Altered Or Obliterated Serial Number: In Kings County, New York, the possession of a firearm that has an altered or obliterated serial number is deemed a serious offense under the law. This specific jury instruction directs the jury to consider the following elements when determining the guilt or innocence of a defendant accused of possessing a firearm with a modified or obliterated serial number: 1. Knowledge: The prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant knowingly possessed a firearm. 2. Firearm Possession: It must be established beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant had actual or constructive possession of the firearm in question. 3. Serial Number Alteration: The firearm possessed by the defendant must have a serial number that has been altered, tampered with, or removed entirely. 4. Intent: The prosecutor must prove that the defendant willfully intended to alter or obliterate the serial number of the firearm. 5. Criminal Understanding: The jury needs to be convinced that the defendant was aware of the illegality associated with possessing a firearm with a modified or obliterated serial number. If the prosecution successfully proves all the elements mentioned above, the defendant may be found guilty of the offense and subjected to the appropriate legal penalties. However, it is essential to note that Kings New York jury instructions allow for different types or variations of this charge, namely: 1. Possession of a Firearm with an Altered Serial Number: This charge relates to the possession and control over a firearm that has had its serial number partially or completely changed or modified. 2. Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number: This variation involves possessing a firearm where the serial number has been entirely erased, making it difficult or impossible to trace the firearm's history. 3. Possession of a Firearm with a Tampered Serial Number: Here, the charge pertains to knowingly possessing a firearm with a tampered or altered serial number, indicating an attempt to deceive or hide the firearm's origin or ownership. The purpose of these specific jury instructions is to provide clear guidance to the jury in understanding the complexities of the law surrounding the possession of firearms with altered or obliterated serial numbers in Kings County, New York. By outlining the essential elements and possible variations of the offense, these jury instructions instill accuracy and fairness in the trial process, allowing for a just verdict to be reached.