If you’ve been charged with a weapons offense in Raritan Township, Readington, Lebanon, Tewksbury, Clinton Township or another local municipality in Hunterdon County, it is imperative that you seek the services of a top-notch defense lawyer as soon as possible. The majority of these offenses are heard at the Hunterdon County Superior Court in Flemington because they are typically considered to be serious and indictable criminal offenses. Having a skilled attorney on your side could be the difference between spending years behind bars versus walking away free.
The New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3 is clear on which weapons are illegal and proof of knowing possession can lead to criminal charges – some quite severe. Individuals found possessing the following items face charges ranging from third-degree to disorderly persons offenses:
Weapon | Offense (Grade) |
Destructive Devices. Explosive type objects/instruments | Third (3rd) degree crime. |
Sawed-Off Shotguns/Rifles shorter than 18 or 16 respectively | Third (3rd) degree crime. |
Silencer | Fourth (4th) degree crime. |
Defaced Firearm/Handcuffs/Irritant Spray/Burglars Tool | Fourth (4th) degree crime. |
Dum-dum bullets or body armor penetrating bullets, or Teflon coated ammunition | Fourth (4th) degree crime. |
Large Capacity Magazine | Fourth (4th) degree crime. |
Stun Guns/Knuckles/Billy Club/Brass Knuckles/Switchblades etc. | Fourth (4th) Degree Crime. |
Note:A misdemeanor charge for having handcuffs under circumstances unsuitable for extensive use is a disorderly persons offense. An imitation firearm that threatens or used to menace another person or property is also an offense with categorization as a fourth-degree charge.
Possession of a Handgun without a Carry Permit
Unlawful purchase, transportation, possession, and use of firearms attract severe penalties in New Jersey. Possession of a handgun without proper certification ranks as second-degree offense punishable by 5-10 years imprisonment
with mandatory parole ineligibility upon sentencing. However, possession of BB/airsoft rifles/pellet guns propelled by air/spring is considered third-degree weapons offenses.
“Certain Persons” Not To Possess A Weapon Pursuant to 2C:39-7
Individuals convicted of certain provisions are ineligible to possess weapons within Hunterdon County – Violation amounts to second-degree offenses.
The Graves Act And Your Hunterdon County Weapons Offense
Whenever firearms feature in the commission of a criminal act, strict mandatory periods of parole ineligibility apply. One such law is the Graves Act, an aggressive legislative measure that imposes strict sentencing guidelines for individuals found guilty of illegal possession or indiscriminate use of firearms. Hiring a knowledgeable weapons offense defense lawyer is crucial for anyone seeking an exception to this law.
Handgun Possession Defense Lawyers In Flemington NJ
If you’ve been arrested for a weapons offense in Hunterdon County, specifically falls within the jurisdiction of Flemington’s Hunterdon County Superior Court. You need competent legal advocates who know the local courts and can handle tough cases confidently. Spodek Law Group has experienced weapon charge attorneys ready to tackle your case regardless of how daunting it might seem. Get in touch with one today- call us now!
Conclusion
Since penalties for offenses involving the unlawful use, possession, purchasing or transportation of firearms often gravitate towards felony charges, it is advisable to have an expert legal team handle your case as soon as possible. Don’t leave anything to chance when it comes to safeguarding your rights and freedom reach out to the right people today!
NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS