Camden County NJ Weapons Charges Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney with Offices in Collingswood, New Jersey
The State of New Jersey is known for having gun laws that are among the toughest weapons possession laws in the nation. NJ police officers won’t hesitate to place weapons offenders under arrest, while NJ prosecutors often seek maximum penalties in gun cases. Specifically, prosecutors are empowered under the Graves Act, which imposes mandatory state prison time and parole ineligibility for defendants charged with a firearms offense. The inflexible approach of NJ prosecutors and harsh penalties for gun crime convictions provide plenty of reasons for anyone charged with a weapons offense in New Jersey to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
The knowledgeable gun crimes lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can help you combat your gun charges in New Jersey. Our criminal defense team includes a former county prosecutor who understands the nuances of gun laws and can anticipate the other side’s arguments in your case. We’ve handled thousands of criminal cases in Superior and Municipal Courts in Camden County and throughout New Jersey, helping countless clients avoid serious prison time and keep their permanent records clear of any blemishes. Call us today so that we can review the facts of your case and determine the best strategy for you going forward.
What Constitutes a “Weapon” in New Jersey?
NJ law enforcement has a great deal of latitude when it comes to weapons offenses because practically anything can be considered a “weapon” under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5. As set forth by the statute, any weapon that can cause serious bodily injury is potentially prohibited. This includes handguns, rifles, and shotguns, as well as BB guns, air guns, paintball guns, and stun guns. Additionally, depending on the intent of the offender, a knife or a slingshot can also be classified as an unlawful weapon.
If you are convicted of unlawful possession of a handgun in New Jersey, you could be sentenced to as many as 10 years in NJ State Prison. The penalties are so stringent that being caught with an Airsoft gun, paintball gun, or BB gun could result in serious prison time.
Among the harshest laws passed by NJ legislators is the Graves Act, which allows enhanced penalties to be imposed on practically anyone who illegally carries a firearm in New Jersey. The Graves Act applies in gun cases even when the defendant has no prior criminal record. If a person is convicted of a weapons offense under the Graves Act, they must serve a minimum term of imprisonment and they will be ineligible for parole for at least one-third of the sentence.
Weapons Charges in New Jersey
The experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall represent clients facing a wide variety of firearms and weapons offenses, including:
- Unlawful possession of a weapon
- Illegal possession of a handgun
- Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
- Unlawful disposition of a firearm
- Certain persons offenses
- Graves Act offenses
- Forfeiture of weapons
Contact a Gloucester NJ Weapons Possession Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Do not risk your freedom and your future. Call The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall today at 877-450-8301 to schedule a free consultation about your case. One of our experienced criminal defense attorneys will be happy to speak with you and provide you straight answers to all of your questions. If your constitutional rights were violated in any way, we will get to the bottom of what happened and fight to get your charges dropped or dismissed.
