New Jersey Law on Gun Crimes:
New Jersey law requires that a permit be purchased for a handgun and requires a separate permit for purchasing shotguns, rifles and handguns. Both of these permits will require a background check and visit to the local police station prior to the issuance of the permit. There is a limit regarding the amount of weapons and handguns that an individual may purchase in a month. Law enforcement offices have broad discretion when deciding whether to issue the permit to an individual. New Jersey prevents the sale or purchase of firearms by a person who has had a protective order issued against him/her or has been convicted of a domestic violence offense. A handgun cannot be transferred to another person unless there has been a seven day waiting period. You are not permitted to possess or own an assault weapon or large capacity ammunition magazines in the State of New Jersey. In the event that a weapon is lost or stolen, you are required to report it to the local or state police department. The open carry of a handgun is allowed in the State of New Jersey with a permit. However, such permits are typically only offered to security officers and workers who are required to carry handguns on duty.
Types of firearm offenses in New Jersey:
It is illegal to possess a prohibited weapon in New Jersey and is a Third Degree Offense to possess any of the following:
- Sawed Off Shotgun
- Stun gun
- Silencer
- Switchblade
- Defaced firearm (serial numbers scratched off)
- Stiletto
- Billy
- Blackjack
- Gravity knife
- Metal knuckle
- Sand club
- Cestus
- Slingshot
- Ballistic knife
- Hollow point bullets
What is the court process if I have been charged with a firearm offense?
Were you arrested for possession of a handgun, firearm or other weapon related offense in New Jersey? The law is more lenient for possession of a weapon that has not been registered. However, certain weapons charges are Third Degree and Second Degree offenses, such as having been previously convicted of a crime or when the firearm is loaded.Our New Jersey Criminal attorneys will work with the prosecutors to see about having any charges dismissed, dropped or downgraded and will prepare a vigorous defense if required for a jury. Call Castronovo & McKinney now at 973-920-7888 to get immediate help or by filling out our confidential case evaluation form.
Who is able to carry a concealed weapon in New Jersey?
It is not common for citizens to receive these permits unless they are in a job that requires the carrying of a firearm (security, armored cars, etc.) The carrying of a concealed weapon is permitted in New Jersey so long as a right to carry permit has been issued.
What should I do if I have been charged with a firearm offense?
You should contact a New Jersey Criminal Lawyer to go over your options and strategy to defend against the charges brought against you.
Call to speak with one of our NJ firearm lawyers at Castronovo & McKinney for a free consultation or a second opinion regarding your firearm charges. We can be reached at 973-920-7888 or by filling out our confidential case evaluation form.