Will I Go to Jail For Illegally Possessing a Weapon
Owning certain weapons in the state of New Jersey can cause you to be charged with criminal possession of an illegal weapon, irrespective of whether any unlawful activity was committed with the weapon. However, you are allowed to possess certain types of weapons such as firearms if you have the proper permits and licenses to possess such weapons within the state of New Jersey.
List of Contraband Weapons Within the State of New Jersey
Here is a list of weapons that are illegal within NJ. These weapons are not allowed to be licensed and should not be owned by individuals. Let’s take a full look at a few:
- Sawed-off shotguns
- Firearm silencers
- Defaced firearms (other than antiques)
- Gravity knives
- Switchblade knives
- Slingshots
- Ballistic knives
Being Caught With an Unlicensed Firearm
Being charged with the possession of an unregistered firearm is a serious offense. Being found in possession of an unlicensed firearm can attract you a jail sentence as high as 10 years in prison or fines as large as $150,000.
Individuals who have weapon permits in other states are not allowed to possess a firearm in the state of NJ without a NJ weapons permit. Any individual caught breaking this law may face a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a minimum of 3 ½ years without parole. If your gun is used to perpetuate unlawful activities this may worsen your situation and attract higher punishments.
Using a Licensed Firearm to Commit Crimes
Using a licensed firearm unlawfully also attracts steep fines. Possession for unlawful purposes is a second-degree indictable offense under Section 2C:39-4. Unlawful use of a registered firearm can be described as using the firearm for “a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another.”
In this case, you will be charged for the crime you committed, however, your sentence may be increased due to the use of a firearm.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney About Your Possession Of an Illegal Firearm and/or Weapon Charges in New Jersey
Were you charged with possession of an unregistered firearm or committing unlawful acts with a registered firearm? Such a charge is no trivial issue and can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. That is why you must speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney about your case. Gelman Law, LLC represents clients in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, and Gloucester County. Call us at 856-861-4236 or fill out our confidential online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office located at 850 Rt 70 WestCherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
