Unlawful Weapons Possession
What is an unlawful weapons possession charge?
This is usually the first question I hear from clients who are charged with this. Confusion over gun and weapon rights and privacy are common with this charge and the simple answer is this: Your right to own a gun comes with limits and obligations and if you don’t abide by them, you will face serious criminal charges. One such limit is ownership for a lawful purpose. New Jersey criminal law is complicated and this is certainly a charge that can be confusing to a lay person. Working with an experienced New Jersey unlawful weapons possession attorney can help reduce or eliminate the serious charge against you.
N.J.S.A 2C: 39-4 defines this indictable offense as follows: an individual who knowingly has in their possession a handgun or weapon without an obvious unlawful purpose for use of the handgun is guilty of a crime in the second degree.
Included in unlawful weapons are items like: guns, knives, brass knuckles and other items that can cause serious bodily harm or death. Now considered a crime in the second degree and subject to the Graves Act (meaning mandatory minimum prison time), a New Jersey unlawful weapons possession conviction carries life-changing punishments, including:
- Jail time
- Heavy fines
- Community service
- Probation
- Presence of a violent felony on your criminal record
In many cases, an individual faces additional criminal charges along with unlawful weapons possession that he or she will have to deal with. As I tell all my clients, just because you are charged with a crime does not mean that you will be convicted of it. There are various defenses available to you (including evidentiary and witness testimony concerns) and given the serious nature of the punishments attached to an unlawful weapons charge; this is not a charge you want to simply accept without a fight. Give the Law Offices of Thomas Carroll Blauvelt, LLC, a call today at 877-676-7729 to discuss the details of your case further.
Call To Schedule A Consultation
At the Law Offices of Thomas Carroll Blauvelt, LLC, you always work with me directly on any legal matter you are dealing with. If you or a loved one has recently been charged with unlawful weapons possession or another crime in New Jersey, pick up the phone and give me a call to discuss your case and options further. I am here to help. Your initial consultation is always on the house. I am available 24/7 to speak with you and will explain the process and answer your questions in plain English, no legal jargon when speaking with me. Time is of the essence in cases like this, so give me a call today. I look forward to speaking with you.