Camden County NJ Weapons Charges Lawyer
Attorneys Who Handle Gun Charges in New Jersey
Weapons, and guns in particular, are among the most contentious political issues in the United States. Due to America’s federalist system, state legislators are provided with the discretion to create and enact guns laws that reflect the sentiments of the majority of their state’s residents. In New Jersey, lawmakers have implemented some of the most harsh guns and weapons laws in the nation. Law enforcement bodies dedicate extensive resources to enforcing New Jersey’s weapons laws, and courts vigorously prosecute alleged weapons offenders. Those convicted of weapons offenses are exposed to significant jail time, and in certain cases, mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment with periods of parole ineligibility, which are required under New Jersey’s Graves Act. When you are charged with a weapons or firearms offense in New Jersey, enlisting the right attorney can truly spell the difference between a positive and negative outcome.
William Fay is a criminal defense attorney who has spent his litigating the New Jersey legal system. He left the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, after serving as an Deputy Attorney General, to become a zealous defender for clients arrested for firearms and related criminal offenses in New Jersey. Over the course of his accomplished career, he has achieved successful outcomes for clients charged with all forms of weapons crimes, ranging from unlawful possession of a firearm to “certain persons” offenses. With multiple offices, Mr. Fay regularly appears in courts in Camden County, Burlington County and Gloucester County. When he takes your case, you find a seasoned professional who will go the extra mile to obtain your most favorable result. To discuss your case with Mr. Fay today, contact his offices at 609-832-3202 for a cost-free consultation.
What are New Jersey’s Weapon Possession Laws?
Weapons offenses can occur in isolation, or in conjunction with other crimes. For example, charges for unlawful possession of a weapon may arise when a person is found in possession of a firearm without a valid permit. On the other hand, charges for possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose may be issued in conjunction with other charges for robbery or aggravated assault, if the weapon is used during the commission of another crime. Mr. Fay aggressively defends clients charged with a wide range of weapons offenses, including common charges like:
- Unlawful possession of a weapon
- Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
- Possession of prohibited weapons and devices
- Unlawful disposition of a firearm
- “Certain persons not to have weapons” offenses
- Unlawful Possession of BB guns, Paintball Guns, & Airsoft Guns
- Possession of a weapon during a narcotics offense (“Drugs and Guns” violations)
What is Considered a Weapon in New Jersey?
By definition, a weapon can include anything readily capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to another. Some of the most common weapons that lead to criminal charges are firearms, knives, assault weapons, bludgeons, brass knuckles, stun guns, and slingshots. Firearms are a broad category that encompasses handguns, shotguns, machine guns, rifles, pistols, assault firearms, BB guns and air guns. People also face weapons charges for possessing high-capacity ammunition. In essence, a weapon can refer to any item able to cause physical harm or a collection of items that can be readily assembled into a weapon.
What Degree is a Weapons Offense in New Jersey?
Weapons offenses come in multiple degrees, including fourth degree, third degree, and second degree crimes. The degree of the charges depend on the nature of the offense and the type of weapon involved in the particular case. Unlawful weapons possession involving a gun without a proper permit is among the most common. This second degree crime is punishable by 5 to 10 years of imprisonment. On the other hand, possession of an imitation firearm for an unlawful purpose is a fourth degree felony offense carrying up to 18 months in prison. Since the degree of guns and weapons charges spans the spectrum of severity, it is very important to know the specific charge you are facing and the degree of such a charge.
What is the Graves Act and Why is it Important?
The Graves Act is a firearms sentencing law requiring the imposition of a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment without the opportunity for parole. This statute applies to weapons offenses including unlawful possession of a handgun, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun, or defaced firearm. It also applies to firearm possession while committing a drug distribution offense, possession of certain weapons by those previously convicted of specific crimes, and unlawful disposition of an assault firearm.
In order to avoid a mandatory prison term and period of parole ineligibility, a person charged with a Graves Act crime must get their charges dismissed, be admitted into the Pre-Trial Intervention Program, or receive a Graves Act Waiver. While possible, these outcomes are hardly easy to achieve and should be handled by an experienced gun attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer on the subject can help to determine your eligibility, present compelling reasons on your behalf, and gain the prosecutor’s approval for your avoidance of mandatory Graves Act sentencing.
Contact a Winslow NJ Weapons Possession Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been charged with a gun or weapons offense in Camden County or elsewhere in New Jersey, it is critical to begin developing your defense strategy as soon as possible. There may be multiple approaches to take when defending your case and ultimately seeking to get the charges dismissed. Being charged with weapons possession or another type of gun crime in Mount Holly, Lindenwold, Cherry Hill, Camden City, Pennsauken, Gloucester, or another town can leave you scared and feeling alone. Don’t delay in getting the help you need today. Contact our firm at 609-832-3202 for additional information and a cost-free consultation with a knowledgeable weapons defense lawyer today.
