Lustberg Law Offices, LLC

New Jersey's Firearm Possession Laws

The possession of illegal firearm can lead to some serious criminal charges. In New Jersey, those convicted of gun offenses can face a number of harsh penalties, including prison time and fines. Having a strong attorney in your corner is crucial in these situations. A skilled New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney from our firm can review the details of your case and craft a comprehensive defense that mitigates, or even eliminates, the consequences of your charge.

Gun laws are a complex area of the law and vary from state to state. Generally speaking, a person must be a resident of a state to legally possess a weapon within that state. However, some states have more stringent requirements than others when it comes to who can own a weapon and under what circumstances. New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and there are a lot of restrictions on where and when you can possess an illegal firearm.

Anyone who has possession of illegal firearm, such as a rifle, shotgun, or handgun, without first obtaining the proper legal authorization is guilty of a crime. A conviction for this crime is a third degree crime and can result in a state prison term of 3 to 5 years, a period of probation, restitution, community service, or other penalties.

New Jersey also prohibits the sale, purchase, or transfer of a firearm to someone who is a prohibited person under state law. This includes people convicted of certain crimes or disorderly persons offenses involving domestic violence. A person who is addicted to drugs or suffers from a mental condition that makes them dangerous is also not allowed possession of illegal firearm, except in certain cases.

Additionally, it is against the law to carry a loaded weapon in a vehicle across state lines or to shoot a gun from any public property, including roads and highways. It is also illegal to carry an illegal firearm into or out of any school unless you are a law enforcement officer or a member of the faculty.

Possession of illegal firearm is taken very seriously in New Jersey, and law enforcement agencies actively work to enforce these strict regulations. As a responsible citizen, it is crucial to be aware of and abide by these laws to avoid severe consequences.

Finally, the law prevents you from purchasing an illegal firearm if someone has filed an extreme risk protection order against you. These orders allow family members, household members, and law enforcement to petition the court for a warrant that allows them to take away your weapons if they believe you are at risk of harming yourself or others.

If you have been charged with a weapons-related offense, such as possession of illegal firearm, it is important to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced New Jersey Weapons Possession lawyer from our firm can help you navigate the process and fight to protect your rights. Call today to get started. 

Illegal Firearm Penalties in New Jersey 

The laws in New Jersey are very strict on gun ownership and carrying. If you are found with a weapon without the proper license, you can face serious penalties, including charges related to possession of illegal firearm. Even everyday tools like bats, hammers, and box cutters can be considered weapons under some circumstances. If you have been charged with a firearm offense, you need an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer to fight your case.

The type of weapon you are accused of possessing will determine how severe the crime is, especially in cases of possession of illegal firearm. For example, a person found with a machine gun or other weapon used to commit a violent criminal act will be charged with a second degree offense, which can carry significant penalties. The same is true for a handgun with an illegal serial number or a silencer, as these are considered to be weapons that require a special permit for possession and can lead to up to 10 years of prison time.

However, the degree of the charge depends on other factors as well. For instance, a person found with an imitation gun may be charged with a third degree crime and receive up to 18 months in prison. Even possessing a BB gun can lead to facing a third degree crime and up to 18 months in prison.

Many of these 2C:39-5 weapons offenses arise out of people who are traveling to and from another State and do not store their guns properly in their vehicle, leading to charges related to the possession of illegal firearm. In other words, they do not lock their gun in the trunk or in a locked gun case separate from the ammunition while they are in the State of New Jersey. Additionally, the law in New Jersey does not recognize permits from other States for people to travel through the State with their guns, further emphasizing the importance of understanding the regulations surrounding possession of illegal firearm.

Possession with Unlawful Purpose is one of the most serious charges that you could be facing, particularly if it involves illegal firearms. It is a second-degree crime that can lead to up to 10 years in prison. This charge is rarely applied on its own and is typically a part of other crimes such as robbery or burglary, where the possession of illegal firearm can escalate the severity of the offense. A conviction of this charge is subject to the Graves Act, which requires that you serve 85% of your sentence before you can be eligible for parole.

As you can see, these are serious charges, especially those related to possession of illegal firearm, and a person should be treated with the utmost respect when they are accused of such a crime. The prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant violated the law, including possessing illegal firearms. A skilled lawyer can analyze police reports, body-worn camera footage, dashcam video, witness statements, and other evidence to discover the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and use those weaknesses to their advantage, particularly when it comes to cases involving possession of illegal firearm. This will allow the defense attorney to build an effective strategy for your case and help you avoid the serious consequences of a weapons charge in New Jersey, especially those related to illegal firearms. Our lawyers are committed to helping you beat your charges and will fight hard for your rights. 

Understanding New Jersey Gun Laws

The laws governing guns and the use of weapons can be complex, and it’s important for anyone who owns firearms to have a firm grasp on how the state’s laws apply to them, especially regarding the possession of illegal firearm. With New Jersey’s legal landscape changing frequently, it is crucial for gun owners to stay updated on any new laws affecting them and their rights, including those related to possession of illegal firearm.

New Jersey is a “shall-issue” permit state, meaning it requires citizens to obtain permits in order to carry a concealed weapon, and this includes cases involving possession of illegal firearm. Applicants must submit an application to their municipality’s police department and, in some cases, the superintendent of state police in areas where there is no local police department. Additionally, applicants must pass a background check conducted by their municipality and meet training requirements before they can legally carry a firearm.

The New Jersey legislature continues to revise the state’s gun laws, and these changes can impact how you handle your gun, especially if it involves possession of illegal firearm. For example, new legislation allows you to carry your firearm in more locations, but it also makes certain types of assault weapons illegal. It also increases the penalties for illegal possession of illegal firearms and makes certain crimes related to gun manufacturing second-degree indictable offenses.

In New Jersey, the right to bear arms is a fundamental one, but gun ownership is heavily regulated by the government, especially when it comes to possession of illegal firearm. To purchase a handgun in the state, you must have a valid license and pass a background check. In some situations, this background check is run by the state police, while in others it is conducted by a federally licensed firearms dealer.

Concealed carry is allowed in New Jersey, but only with a New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit (PCH), and this applies to both residents and non-residents, considering the rules on possession of illegal firearm. The process involves undergoing a training course, ensuring responsible gun ownership.

It is illegal to possess a loaded firearm in public in New Jersey, including state and national parks and wildlife management areas, and private property, to prevent incidents involving possession of illegal firearm. In addition, if you are carrying a firearm while intoxicated, you may be charged with a fourth-degree crime, adding to the severity of the offense.

The Castle Doctrine is also in effect in New Jersey, and this means you can use deadly force against an intruder in your home or dwelling provided that you believe it’s necessary for self-defense, but it does not extend to the possession of illegal firearm. However, it’s always best from a legal standpoint to try to disarm or convince the intruder to leave before resorting to forceful action.

Those who transport firearms into the state from another location must obtain a purchaser identification card, which will require you to register any handguns you own, ensuring that proper records are maintained, especially regarding possession of illegal firearms, in the state’s database of gun owners up-to-date. Being knowledgeable about these laws and regulations is essential for responsible gun ownership and to avoid potential penalties related to possession of illegal firearms in New Jersey. 

Lustberg Law Offices, LLC

Lustberg Law Offices, LLC

One University Plaza Dr Suite 210, Hackensack, NJ 07601, United States

(201) 880-5311