Goldberg Segalla

Brian T. Stapleton, an experienced trial attorney at Goldberg Segalla who also engages in extensive Second Amendment litigation at trial and on appeal, was retained by Tea Party Patriots co-founder and president Mark Meckler to defend him against felony charges arising out of Mr. Meckler's possession of a firearm at LaGuardia Airport on December 15, 2011. Mr. Stapleton was recommended to Mr. Meckler by David Keene, President of the National Rifle Association. Mr. Stapleton works with the NRA as regional outside counsel on numerous Second Amendment issues the NRA faces throughout the Northeast.

Mr. Meckler declared the handgun to TSA agents at the airport and was immediately taken into custody. He was subsequently charged with the C Violent Felony of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Use. If convicted, Mr. Meckler faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.

 Mr. Stapleton, who has successfully handled many of these cases all throughout New York state, was able to resolve Mr. Meckler's felony charge with a non-criminal disposition. Mr. Meckler's felony charges were dismissed, and he pleaded guilty to the non-criminal violation of Disorderly Conduct. 

The case received significant media attention. Links to a few of the stories are found below. 

• “Violation of the 2nd Amendment? Tea Party Patriots Co-Founder Mark Meckler on His Gun Case,” featuring an interview with Mr. Stapleton, Fox News Radio: The Tom Sullivan Show, January 12, 2012
• “Glock of the ‘Walk,’” New York Post, January 13, 2012
• “Tea Party Big Mark Meckler Pleads Guilty, Gets Fined $250 in Gun at LaGuardia Case,” New York Daily News, January 12, 2012
• “Tea Party Big Mark Meckler Pinched on Gun Rap,” New York Daily News, December 15, 2011

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