What are the Penalties for Possessing a Handgun in New Jersey?
New Jersey has some of the stiffest penalties for handgun possession in the United States. Unlawful possession of a handgun is a second degree crime that results in five (5) to ten (10) in prison. The consequences can be even more significant if you have been charged with companion offenses, especially those involving an unlawful purpose or drugs.
Another important factor in a handgun case is the Graves Act. This law triggers a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of forty-two (42) months in the event of conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm. If you were arrested for possessing a handgun illegally, you clearly face severe consequences absent your securing a downgrade or dismissal of your charge.
A New Jersey criminal lawyer who is experienced in defending handgun charges is unquestionably your best option for avoiding incarceration. The lawyers at our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, have unique and rare qualification to serve you in this capacity, including:
- Over 200 years of collective experience handling handgun, shotgun, high capacity rifle and other firearm charges throughout New Jersey
- 11 lawyers whose practices dedicated exclusively to criminal defense
- Former county prosecutors who have served as the Director the Gun Task Force, Major Crimes Bureau, Special Operations and even an Entire Trial Division
- Certified Criminal Trial Attorneys
- Offices conveniently located throughout the state in Jersey City, Newark, Mount Holly, New Brunswick, Trenton, Freehold, Camden, Mays Landing, Woodbury and Somerville
We believe our experience is exceptional and that this helps us obtain Pretrial Intervention, Graves Act Waivers and Dismissals for our clients. Make no mistake about it, however, relief such as this is far from the norm. Selecting an attorney who is highly skilled in defending handgun charges is imperative to avoiding penalties. Our team can offer accomplished representation for any gun offense you may be facing, including:
Possession of a Firearm for Unlawful Purpose – Comprehensive discussion of the law relating to unlawful purpose charges involving a handgun or other firearm
The Graves Act – Review of the parole ineligibility and mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment under the Graves Act
New Jersey Gun Lawyers – What you need to know about selecting an attorney to defend a NJ gun charge
Possession of an Illegal Rifle or Shotgun – Laws governing long guns in New Jersey
Unlawful Possession of a Handgun – Full commentary on the ins and outs of unlawful handgun charges
Handgun Possession – Discussion of the various criminal offenses you can facing if you possess a handgun
Imitation Firearms – Review of the special laws that apply to imitation firearms in NJ
Certain Person Not To Possess A Firearm – Legal analysis of the consequences and defenses to a certain persons charge involving a firearm
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a CDS Offense – Comprehensive narrative of the enhanced consequences of possessing a handgun while distributing or selling drugs
Possession of an Illegal or Prohibited Weapon – Discussion of penalties and other consequences that apply when someone possesses a high capacity magazine, hollow tip ammunition or sawed off shotgun.
Possession of a BB, Pellet or Airsoft Gun – Legal analysis of the surprisingly serious consequences under New Jersey for possessing a BB or Pellet gun
Extreme Risk Protective Orders – Comprehensive commentary on what you need to know if you have been served with a temporary extreme risk protective order to seize your firearms and permits to possess a handgun
