Weapons Offense Attorney in Morris County, NJ

Morris County Handgun Possession Lawyers Defend Clients Against Gun Crime Charges

The law firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC handles violent crime and weapons offense cases throughout Morris County. Our firm regularly represents clients charged with a weapons offense from Boonton Town, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Chester Borough, Chester Township, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Long Hill, Madison, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Mine Hill, Montville, Morris Plains, Morris, Morristown, Mount Arlington, Mount Olive, Mountain Lakes, Netcong, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock, Randolph, Riverdale, Rockaway, Rockaway, Roxbury, Victory Gardens, Washington and Wharton.

In 2007, Morris County municipalities reported the following major crimes:

1. Town
2. Total Major Crimes
3. Crime Rate
4. Violent Rate
5. Murder
6. Rape
7. Robbery
8. Assault
9. Domestic violence

Boonton Town

• Total Major Crimes: 51
• Crime Rate: 5.9
• Violent Rate: 0.5
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 1
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 3
• Domestic violence: 71

Boonton Township

• Total Major Crimes: 32
• Crime Rate: 7.3
• Violent Rate: 1.8
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 5
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 3
• Domestic violence: 30

Butler

• Total Major Crimes: 136
• Crime Rate: 16.8
• Violent Rate: 0.7
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 6
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 0
• Domestic violence: 72

Chatham Borough

• Total Major Crimes: 60
• Crime Rate: 7.2
• Violent Rate: 0.1
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 1
• Domestic violence: 11

Chatham Township

• Total Major Crimes: 38
• Crime Rate: 3.7
• Violent Rate: 0.1
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 1
• Domestic violence: 27

Chester Borough

• Total Major Crimes: 28
• Crime Rate: 17.0
• Violent Rate: 0.0
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 0
• Domestic violence: 0

Chester Township

• Total Major Crimes: 44
• Crime Rate: 5.6
• Violent Rate: 0.3
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 2
• Domestic violence: 28

Denville

• Total Major Crimes: 175
• Crime Rate: 10.5
• Violent Rate: 0.1
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 2
• Domestic violence: 64

Dover

• Total Major Crimes: 379
• Crime Rate: 20.6
• Violent Rate: 3.6
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 4
• Robbery: 39
• Assault: 23
• Domestic violence: 120

East Hanover

• Total Major Crimes: 249
• Crime Rate: 21.4
• Violent Rate: 0.3
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 2
• Assault: 2
• Domestic violence: 72

Florham Park

• Total Major Crimes: 103
• Crime Rate: 8.2
• Violent Rate: 0.5
• Murder: 1
• Rape: 1
• Robbery: 2
• Assault: 2
• Domestic violence: 50

Hanover

• Total Major Crimes: 190
• Crime Rate: 13.8
• Violent Rate: 0.8
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 2
• Assault: 9
• Domestic violence: 54

Harding

• Total Major Crimes: 23
• Crime Rate: 6.8
• Violent Rate: 0.9
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 3
• Domestic violence: 11

Jefferson

• Total Major Crimes: 250
• Crime Rate: 11.4
• Violent Rate: 0.8
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 1
• Robbery: 3
• Assault: 13
• Domestic violence: 99

Kinnelon

• Total Major Crimes: 67
• Crime Rate: 6.9
• Violent Rate: 0.3
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 1
• Assault: 2
• Domestic violence: 20

Lincoln Park

• Total Major Crimes: 97
• Crime Rate: 8.9
• Violent Rate: 0.5
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 2
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 3
• Domestic violence: 38

Long Hill

• Total Major Crimes: 58
• Crime Rate: 6.6
• Violent Rate: 0.3
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 3
• Domestic violence: 21

Madison

• Total Major Crimes: 152
• Crime Rate: 9.5
• Violent Rate: 0.6
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 2
• Robbery: 1
• Assault: 6
• Domestic violence: 31

Mendham Borough

• Total Major Crimes: 27
• Crime Rate: 5.2
• Violent Rate: 0.2
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 1
• Domestic violence: 5

Mendham Township

• Total Major Crimes: 33
• Crime Rate: 5.9
• Violent Rate: 1.1
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 1
• Assault: 5
• Domestic violence: 5

Mine Hill

• Total Major Crimes: 36
• Crime Rate: 9.8
• Violent Rate: 0.0
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 0
• Domestic violence: 17

Montville

• Total Major Crimes: 236
• Crime Rate: 11.0
• Violent Rate: 0.6
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 4
• Assault: 8
• Domestic violence: 72

Morris Plains

• Total Major Crimes: 71
• Crime Rate: 12.7
• Violent Rate: 0.7
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 4
• Assault: 0
• Domestic violence: 25

Morris

• Total Major Crimes: 159
• Crime Rate: 7.4
• Violent Rate: 1.4
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 4
• Robbery: 3
• Assault: 23
• Domestic violence: 78

Morristown

• Total Major Crimes: 623
• Crime Rate: 32.9
• Violent Rate: 6.4
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 1
• Robbery: 56
• Assault: 65
• Domestic violence: 231

Mount Arlington

• Total Major Crimes: 59
• Crime Rate: 10.3
• Violent Rate: 0.5
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 3
• Domestic violence: 63

Mount Olive

• Total Major Crimes: 272
• Crime Rate: 10.4
• Violent Rate: 0.2
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 1
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 5
• Domestic violence: 184

Mountain Lakes

• Total Major Crimes: 78
• Crime Rate: 18.0
• Violent Rate: 0.7
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 3
• Domestic violence: 2

Netcong

• Total Major Crimes: 84
• Crime Rate: 25.5
• Violent Rate: 1.5
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 1
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 4
• Domestic violence: 64

Parsippany-Troy Hills

• Total Major Crimes: 919
• Crime Rate: 17.7
• Violent Rate: 0.8
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 5
• Robbery: 13
• Assault: 23
• Domestic violence: 201

Pequannock

• Total Major Crimes: 186
• Crime Rate: 11.4
• Violent Rate: 0.4
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 7
• Domestic violence: 82

Randolph

• Total Major Crimes: 216
• Crime Rate: 8.4
• Violent Rate: 0.2
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 1
• Assault: 3
• Domestic violence: 184

Riverdale

• Total Major Crimes: 92
• Crime Rate: 34.4
• Violent Rate: 1.1
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 3
• Domestic violence: 14

Rockaway

• Total Major Crimes: 60
• Crime Rate: 9.4
• Violent Rate: 0.6
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 2
• Assault: 2
• Domestic violence: 33

Rockaway

• Total Major Crimes: 573
• Crime Rate: 22.2
• Violent Rate: 0.8
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 1
• Robbery: 7
• Assault: 13
• Domestic violence: 129

Roxbury

• Total Major Crimes: 360
• Crime Rate: 15.1
• Violent Rate: 0.8
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 5
• Assault: 13
• Domestic violence: 83

Victory Gardens

• Total Major Crimes: 24
• Crime Rate: 15.8
• Violent Rate: 2.6
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 0
• Robbery: 0
• Assault: 4
• Domestic violence: 31

Washington

• Total Major Crimes: 132
• Crime Rate: 7.1
• Violent Rate: 0.5
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 1
• Robbery: 1
• Assault: 8
• Domestic violence: 76

Wharton

• Total Major Crimes: 102
• Crime Rate: 16.4
• Violent Rate: 1.1
• Murder: 0
• Rape: 1
• Robbery: 2
• Assault: 4
• Domestic violence: 75

These violent crimes often involve the use of a weapon. In New Jersey, charges involving weapons are very serious. Shotguns, handguns, and knives are perceived as deadly weapons because they are regularly used during the commission of a violent crime. However, a weapon can be any object depending on the purpose for which it is used. If the purpose of using the object is to commit a crime, it may be considered a weapon. For example, a bat is not considered a weapon if used properly during a baseball game. However, a bat used to commit an assault is a weapon.

Common criminal cases involving weapons may also include:

• Bringing knives or guns to school;
• Unlawfully possessing a gun due to a restraining order;
• Carrying a weapon without a permit or with an improper permit; or
• Falsifying permit information.

Morris County Gun Possession Charges

Some objects are inherently dangerous and possessing them may be a crime. In New Jersey, possession of a gun may be unlawful if a person does not abide by the strict purchasing and carrying guidelines. A person must hold a firearms identification card to purchase any type of firearm. Furthermore, if a person wishes to buy a handgun, he must obtain a separate permit to purchase. In addition, a person generally may not carry a handgun without a New Jersey carry-permit. Failure to follow New Jersey’s strict guidelines on purchasing and carrying a firearm could lead to charges of unlawful possession against you. The penalties for these offenses are severe.

Persons Who May Not Possess a Gun in Morris County NJ

Certain persons may not possess a gun under any circumstance. Convicted felons, persons on probation or parole, or persons with restraining orders against them may not possess or carry a firearm. Thus, even if a person follows the purchasing and carrying guidelines, he may still be violating the law and face harsh penalties.

Weapons Possession Penalties in NJ

In New Jersey, the penalties for unlawful weapon possession are serious. The charts below outline the penalties for these offenses.

Unlawful Possession of a Weapon

N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-5

1. Offense
2. Grade
3. Imprisonment

Possession of a:

• Machine Gun
• Handgun without a Permit
• Rifle without a Firearms I.D.
• Loaded Rifle or Shotgun

3rd Degree: Up to 5 Years

• Other Weapons

4th Degree: Up to 18 Months

• Possession of a Weapon at a School

4th Degree: Up to 18 Months

Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose

N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-4

1. Offense
2. Grade
3. Imprisonment

Gun, Firearm or Explosive Device

• 2nd Degree: Up to 10 Years

Other Weapons

• 3rd Degree: Up to 5 Years

Imitation Firearm

• 4th Degree: Up to 18 Months

Weapons Offenses in New Jersey

In New Jersey, there are many crimes involving weapons. The chart below details the offenses that require the use or possession of a weapon in order for the State to convict the defendant.

1. Statute
2. Offense

• N.J.S.A. § 2C:15-1: Armed Robbery
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-3(a): Destructive Devices
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-3(b): Sawed-off Shotguns
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-3(c): Silencers
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-3(d): Defaced Firearms
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-3(e): Knives and other weapons
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-3(f): Body Armor Penetrating Bullets
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-4: Possession of Weapons for Unlawful Purpose
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-4(e): Imitation Firearms
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-4.1: Possession of Weapons During the Commission of Certain Crimes
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-5: Unlawful Possession of Weapons
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-5(a): Possession of a Machine Gun
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-5(f): Assault Firearms
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-7: Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-9: Unlawful disposition of Firearm
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-9.1: Sale of Large Hunting Knives to Persons Under Eighteen
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-10: Violation of Regulatory Provisions Relating to Firearms
• N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-10(c),(d),(e),(f): Providing False Information on Gun Permits and Applications

Weapons Charges Are Heard in Morris County Superior Court

A charge based on a weapons offense is a serious criminal matter and, therefore, such charges are handled by the Criminal Division of the Morris County Superior Court. Morris County Superior Court is located in Morristown, New Jersey.

The Criminal Division consists of the following judges:

• Salem Vincent Ahto
• Thomas V. Manahan
• John B. Dangler

Free Consultations – Experienced Morris County Gun Crime Attorney

If you have been charged with a weapons offense in Morris County, we may be able to assist you. Our firm’s defense attorneys have many years of experience handling these matters. Casey Woodruff and Gary Grabas are both former County Prosecutors and have handled numerous criminal weapons offense charges. Jon Bramnick is a Certified Civil Trial Lawyer.

We will work to possibly have the evidence against you suppressed and your charges dismissed. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.

You can reach us 24 hours a day: (908) 322-7000.