Elizabeth, New Jersey Attorneys for Weapons Offenses
Penalties for violation of weapons laws in New Jersey are tough. If convicted, you face potential prison sentences. In many instances, you will receive additional criminal charges, depending on where the offense occurred and whether you committed another crime when in possession of the weapon. If convicted, you will not carry a felony on your background and the possibility of being barred from ever owning a firearm. People facing a weapons charge in New Jersey need the best possible defense because the stakes are very high.
At the Elizabeth office of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC, our New Jersey criminal defense lawyers vigorously defend clients charged with weapons offenses. We will investigate the allegations against you and prepare a defense that seeks the best possible outcome. To learn how we can help defend you against weapons charges, telephone Bramnick Law or contact online for a free consultation about your case.
Examples of New Jersey Laws Related to Weapons Offenses
You can find most laws describing weapons offenses in N.J.S.A. 2C:39. They include:
Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4) Even if you have the right permits and are in possession of a weapon legally but use the weapon to commit a criminal offense, you are in violation of this section of the law. Using a weapon to commit crimes such as robbery, assault, rape, burglary, drug trafficking, or any other serious offenses will subject you to additional penalties if convicted.
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5) This section of the law describes the licensing requirements for handguns, shotguns, refiles, machine guns and other weapons. Without having the correct licenses, a person could be in violation of the law.
Unlawful Disposition of a Firearm (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9) This section of the law covers manufacturing, shipping, transporting, selling or disposing of any weapon, not just firearms. To do these things without the required permits and licenses could mean violation of the law. The law is broad and applies to equipment such as silencers, magazines, bullets, knives and blades, and other items defined by law as weapons.
Certain Persons Offenses (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7) This section of the law defines who can lawfully own a weapon. For example, certain types of criminal convictions keep you from legally possessing a firearm or other weapon. In addition, if you were ever committed to an institution because of a psychiatric disorder; convicted of the use, possession or sale of certain controlled substances; convicted of domestic violence; or are the subject of a domestic violence restraining order, you are not allowed to have a weapon as defined by the law.
These are summaries of weapons laws that prosecutors often use to charge alleged offenders; please refer to the statutes for details. In addition, New Jersey law adds additional penalties if a weapon was used when in a crime near a school, a school bus, a park or housing project. These examples show the complexity of New Jersey weapons laws and illustrate the need to have a skilled and determined defense lawyer if you are charged with violating NJ weapons laws in Elizabeth or elsewhere in the state.
Contact Our Elizabeth Weapons Charges Attorneys for a Free Consultation
New Jersey weapons charges are serious criminal matters. If you are facing firearms charges, call the experienced and skilled defense lawyers at Bramnick Law in Elizabeth. Call us or contact us online to schedule a free consultation about the weapons charges against you. Our firm will investigate the charges and evidence against you and build a strong case.
About Elizabeth, New Jersey
Elizabeth is the county seat of Union County, and, as such is home to the various courts where cases involving firearms and other cases are heard. It is a diverse community, with a majority Hispanic population. With a population of around 125,000 in 2010, Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in New Jersey with an economy that includes shipping warehousing, chemicals and food processing. Part of Newark Liberty Airport is within the city boundaries. The U. S. Census Bureau estimates that the population of Elizabeth grew to around 130,000 in 2017.
If you are facing any type of weapons charge, you can rely on Bramnick Law to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. Call today.
