The Law Offices of

Jonathan F. Marshall

(856) 662-8300

Cherry Hill, NJ

(856) 288-3350

Camden, NJ

JFM The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall
Legal News

Camden County NJ Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose Lawyer

Weapons Charges Attorney with Offices in Collingswood, New Jersey

Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose

Being found guilty of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose can subject a person to some serious penalties. This is partially due to the fact that gun laws in New Jersey are extremely strict. A conviction for a weapons offense can lead to a lengthy prison sentence as well as loss of the right to own a firearm in the future. As a result, if you have been charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose , you need a talented and experienced criminal defense attorney to help you get the most desirable outcome in your case.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Leonard Biddison have had tremendous success handling weapons offenses for years in Camden County including Lindenwold, Brooklawn, Clementon, and Gloucester. Further, one of the members of our criminal defense team is a former county prosecutor in New Jersey who used to prosecute various charges for the State including weapons offenses. This means we can predict what kinds of arguments the prosecution will make and use this knowledge to defend your case. If you have been charges with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, having an attorney who knows what it takes to potentially beat the charges against you is imperative. Call the Law Offices of Leonard Biddison at 877-450-8301 anytime for a free initial consultation.

Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in New Jersey 

Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose is governed in New Jersey by N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4. The statute lists specifics types of firearms along with the degree of the charge. They are as follows:

a) Firearms – Second Degree

  • Any person who has in his possession any firearm with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
  •  Any person who possesses, receives or transfers a community gun is guilty of a crime of the second degree and shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment by the court. The term of imprisonment shall include the imposition of a minimum term. The minimum term shall be fixed at one-half of the sentence imposed by the court or three years, whichever is greater and during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole. As used in this paragraph, “community gun” means a firearm that is transferred among, between or within any association of two or more persons who, while possessing that firearm, engage in criminal activity or use it unlawfully against the person or property of another.

b) Explosives – Second Degree

  • Any person who has in his possession or carries any explosive substance with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another is guilty of a crime of the second degree.

c) Destructive Devices – Third Degree

  • Any person who has in his possession any destructive device with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another is guilty of a crime of the second degree.

d) Other weapons – Third Degree

  • Any person who has in his possession any weapon, except a firearm, with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another is guilty of a crime of the third degree.

e) Imitation Firearms – Fourth Degree

  • Any person who has in his possession an imitation firearm under circumstances that would lead an observer to reasonably believe that it is possessed for an unlawful purpose is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.

Note: Although weapons laws in New Jersey are strict, there are defenses available. For example, an honestly held belief that you are in lawful possession of a weapon may serve as a defense. This happens when 1) the defendant’s honest purpose in possessing and continuing to possess a weapon is to use it for sport, precaution, or in a manner intended to cause no harm to another, 2) possession is for self-protection or the protection of others, and 3) intoxication sometimes can serve to negate the purposeful action element.

Penalties for Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in NJ 

Second Degree – 5 to 10 years in NJ State Prison

Third Degree – 3 to 5 years in NJ State Prison

Fourth Degree – Up to 18 months in NJ State Prison

Note: Subsection (a) of this statute is included under  under New Jersey’s “Graves Act.” This means if convicted of one of these crimes, you MUST be sentenced to a term of imprisonment with a minimum term of parole ineligibility fixed at, or between, one-third to one-half of a sentence imposed, or 3 years, whichever is greater.

Conact a Lindenwold NJ Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose Lawyer Today 

The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Leonard Biddison are always available to speak with you about your case and begin to formulate an aggressive strategy to defend you against an possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose charge. Our criminal defense team understands the details of the law in New Jersey and we will use this knowledge to help you best defend against these charges. Call us today at 877-450-8301 for a free initial consultation about your case.

Experience You Can Trust

For the past 20 years, Mr. Marshall has provided his clients with excellent legal counsel in a broad variety of criminal matters. From straightforward issues to serious litigation, he offers you the experience and confidential advice you need to maneuver through the laws of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

When you’ve been accused of a crime, you are entitled to a thorough and competent criminal defense. Jonathan F. Marshall ensures your legal rights are upheld. Allow our team to assist you during this difficult time.

Schedule an appointment by filling out the form on the right.

The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall

Areas We Serve

Burlington County, Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Pemberton Twp. Camden County, Camden City, Cherry Hill Twp., Gloucester City, Gloucester Twp., Pennsauken, Winslow Twp. Gloucester County, Deptford Twp., Monroe Twp., Paulsboro Boro, Washington Twp., West Deptford Twp., Woodbury City, Bordentown Twp., Cinnaminson, Evesham Twp., Mansfield Twp., Maple Shade Twp., Medford Twp., Moorestown Twp., Palmyra Boro, Bellmawr, Clementon, Collingswood, Haddon Twp., Lindenwold, Pine Hill Boro, Stratford Boro, Voorhees Twp., Waterford Twp., Elk Joint Municipal Court, Franklin Joint Mun Ct, Greenwich Twp, Mantua Twp.

Visa-Mastercard-Amex-Discover

Camden Location

121 Market Street Suite 201

Camden, NJ

  (856) 288-3350    Directions

Cherry Hill Location

23 Haddonfield Rd, 3rd Floor, Building B2

Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

  (866) 721-9510    Directions

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.