New Jersey Weapons Violation Defense Lawyers
We all have the right to bear arms. The United States Constitution says so. However, with most rights come certain stipulations. Licenses and proper registration are required to lawfully possess weapons in New Jersey. Unfortunately, not all individuals follow proper protocol in obtaining and possessing weapons, and as a consequence those individuals may face weapons violation charges, particularly in a state with strict weapon laws like New Jersey.
According to New Jersey state law 2C:39-5(d), "any person who knowingly has in his possession any weapon [other than a handgun, rifle, shotgun or machine gun] under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for such lawful uses as it may have is guilty of a crime." That is, if an individual possesses a weapon but actively did not go through the proper channels in acquiring that weapon, that person is guilty of a crime.
In addition to failing to properly register a weapon and possessing it illegally, particularly a gun, other weapons violation charges may take the form of:
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Discharging the weapon in an unlawful manner, or using it while committing an unlawful act such as a robbery
- Illegally selling a weapon, particularly doing so without requiring the individual purchasing a weapon to provide the necessary paperwork to legally complete the transaction
Defense against New Jersey weapons violation charges is extremely important. While some punishment can be especially harsh, a skilled weapons violation defense attorney will build a strong case on your behalf, and may possibly get charges reduced and punishment minimized. For example, if allowed by the court, a Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) may be requested. If approved by the courts, any record of criminal wrongdoing associated with the PTI will be removed upon successful completion of the program. The program also eliminates high court fees and it benefits individuals by expediting the rehabilitation process.
If you have been charged with a weapons violation in New Jersey, please don’t hesitate to contact the Princeton firearm violation defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein. Our NJ weapons violation lawyers will examine the circumstances of your charges, and will build the strongest possible defense on your behalf given the circumstances of your case. If you stand accused, please don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation of your New Jersey defense case.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a weapon violation in New Jersey, contact the Princeton New Jersey firearm violation defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.