New Jersey Weapons Charges Lawyer
Make no mistake about it: gun charges and other weapons offenses in New Jersey are extremely serious. If you are convicted of unlawful possession of a gun, for example, you could be facing up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison. Even lesser penalties will wreak havoc on your life, impacting your finances, job and family.
NJ weapons offense charges require dedicated and experienced legal representation from a criminal defense lawyer who knows and understands New Jersey laws regarding weapons offenses. I have been fighting for the rights of people charged with weapons crimes in South Jersey for more than 30 years. I am one of the few lawyers in New Jersey who has been certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a criminal trial attorney.
Serious Weapons-Related Charges In New Jersey Require Serious Legal Defense Strategies
In order to prosecute a weapons offense under New Jersey criminal laws, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly possessed a weapon under circumstances not appropriate for lawful use. Common firearms include handguns, rifles, pistols, shotguns and machine guns.
Further, guns are not the only instruments that constitute a weapons offense. Courts have defined a weapon as any type of instrument that can cause serious physical injury or death, including knives or switchblades, daggers, nunchucks, Chinese stars, blackjacks, pellet guns, stun guns, airsoft guns, metal knuckles and baseball bats. In fact, in the right circumstances, almost anything could be considered a weapon.
It is also important to note that in New Jersey, an individual may not possess a firearm on the grounds or in the buildings of any educational institution, including schools, colleges and universities, regardless of whether the individual possesses a valid permit to carry the firearm or weapon.
At The Law Office of Jill R. Cohen, I will work to reduce all charges against you to help you avoid jail sentences whenever possible. If you are a first-time offender, when possible, I will try to negotiate your acceptance into Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI). Upon completion of PTI, you will have your charges dismissed and your record cleared.
Facing A Weapons Offense Charge In New Jersey? Jill Cohen Will Fight For Your Freedom.
If you are facing any of the following weapons offenses, you need to contact The Law Office of Jill R. Cohen immediately. It is critically important to have the right lawyer fighting for you because, in New Jersey, a weapons offense conviction triggers the Graves Act and mandatory jail time.
The New Jersey Graves Act has made the unlawful possession of a firearm a second-degree criminal offense. New Jersey law imposes mandatory jail time of a minimum of 3 ½ years without the possibility of early parole for most gun offenses. Individuals with prior criminal convictions face even longer prison sentences. In addition to the loss of freedom, a criminal conviction will result in a criminal record that will remain with an individual for the rest of their lives.
I will fight for you when you are facing any weapons offense charges, including:
- Unlawful possession of certain weapons (such as sawed-off shotguns, silencers, body armor-penetrating bullets, explosives)
- Carrying an unlicensed gun or a gun without a permit
- Using a weapon to inflict physical injury on another person
- Threatening another person with the use of a gun or other weapon
- Juvenile weapon charges
- Failing to surrender a weapon
- Unlawful use of fake or imitation firearms
- Parole or probation violations involving guns or other weapons
Rely On My Experience For Aggressive Defense Against Weapons Charges In New Jersey
A criminal conviction for a New Jersey weapon offense will affect every area of an individual’s life, including their personal freedom, employment opportunities and personal relationships. Individuals charged with a weapons offense in Camden, Gloucester Township, Pennsauken, or Hammonton, New Jersey, often face significant jail time and excessive monetary fines. Going into a legal battle without the assistance of an experienced criminal lawyer is one of the most serious mistakes an individual can make.
For a free initial consultation about your gun or other weapons charges, contact The Law Office of Jill R. Cohen right away. I will answer your questions, explain your options, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and your freedom.
