In New Jersey, weapons charges involve a multitude of variables, including the type of weapon, the circumstances surrounding its possession, the commission of another act while possessing the weapon (i.e. a drug crime, robbery, or assault offense), the location where the alleged offense occurred (i.e. on school property), and the the criminal history of the defendant (does he or she meet the criteria of a “certain person?”). Depending on the circumstances of your specific case, you may face charges such as unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful disposition of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a drug offense (known as a “Drugs and Guns violation”), or possession of a weapon by a prohibited person (known as a “Certain Persons” offense). Although these charges entail different penalties and evidentiary requirements, they share one fundamental similarity: they are considered extraordinarily serious crimes under New Jersey law. As such, a conviction for a New Jersey weapons offense may result in a lengthy prison sentence and in some cases, a mandatory minimum period of parole ineligibility. If you have been charged with a weapons crime, contact an experienced Monmouth County defense lawyer now. We can help.
Criminal defense attorney Tara Breslow has over ten year’s of experience defending clients charged with weapons offenses and other crimes in New Jersey. As a passionate legal advocate who commits 100% to each and every client, she has achieved thousands of positive results for clients throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties, earning a lengthy list of highly satisfied clients. For instance, a former client said this: “Attorney Tara Breslow is a God Sent Angel! She is one of the best. She saved my life by being the must knowledgeable, trustworthy attorney I have every dealt with.” When presented with your case, Ms. Breslow will conduct her own exhaustive investigation to determine the best defense strategy. She keeps you informed and engaged through every step of the legal process as she works tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome. For additional information and a cost-free consultation, contact Ms. Breslow’s Monmouth County offices today.
Weapons Offenses in New JerseyTara Breslow regularly defends clients charged with the weapons offenses in Monmouth and Ocean counties, including those listed below.
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon: N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5These charges apply when a person is accused of possessing a handgun, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, or other weapon without the necessary license, permit, or firearms purchaser identification card, or under circumstances “not manifestly appropriate for such lawful uses.” These charges can range from fourth degree to second degree crimes, with penalties ranging from 18 months to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison. The degree of the charges are contingent upon the type of weapon involved in the alleged offense.
Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose: N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4These charges apply when a person is accused of possessing a weapon with the purpose of using it unlawfully against another person or property. This may apply in cases involving other crimes such as robbery, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, criminal mischief, kidnapping, sexual assault, or domestic violence. These charges can range from fourth degree to second degree crimes, with penalties ranging from 18 months to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison. The degree of the charges will depend on the type of weapon involved in the alleged offense.
Unlawful Disposition of a Firearm: N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9These charges apply when a person is accused of manufacturing, transporting, shipping, selling, or disposing of any weapon without the necessary license or registration to do so, or for any purpose other than for use by authorized military or law enforcement personnel. In addition to traditional weapons such as handguns, rifles, shotguns, machine guns, and assault firearms, these offenses may also involve firearms silencers, armor-penetrating bullets, and ammunition magazines. These charges can range from fourth degree to second degree crimes, with penalties ranging from 18 months to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison. The degree of the charges are determined by the weapon involved in the alleged offense.
Certain Persons Offenses: N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7New Jersey prohibits those convicted of certain felonies, institutionalized for mental illness, or convicted of acts of domestic violence, from possessing firearms and other weapons. These individuals are known as “certain persons not to have weapons.” As such, possession of a weapon by a certain person is a fourth degree crime, punishable by a sentence to serve up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison. You may be classified as a “certain person” if you were previously convicted of: aggravated assault, arson, burglary, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, robbery, stalking, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, or endangering the welfare of a child.
Contact a Defense Attorney for Weapons Charges in Middletown NJTara Breslow is a Monmouth County, New Jersey criminal defense attorney who aggressively defends clients charged with weapons offenses, including unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and illegal possession of a handgun. She represents clients throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties, including in Red Bank, Middletown, Freehold, Howell, and Toms River. Contact her offices today to discuss your case.