Ocean County Weapons Charges: Possession of Weapons for Unlawful Purposes
New Jersey is known throughout the country for its tough laws against guns and weapons. It not only has some of the strictest regulations pertaining to weapons and firearms the very severe penalties for when those regulations are not followed. Ocean County takes these weapons laws very seriously and if you have been charged with Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes the Ocean County Superior Court will most likely try to punish you to the fullest extent of the law, which could include up to 10 years in prison. However, there are numerous defenses that can be brought up to either exonerate you of any liability or lessen the charges against you. The Law Offices of John F. Marshall is an Ocean County Criminal Defense Firm located in Toms River that is experienced in representing individuals charged with weapons offenses. Our attorneys have successfully defended numerous clients charged with weapons offenses and other crimes involving weapons. The law firm is made up of former NJ prosecutors and seasoned criminal defense lawyers with almost 60 years of combined experience and who are held in high regard in Ocean County. For example, lawyer Thomas V. Campo from our office is the former prosecutor of over 20 municipalities including Brick Town, Manahawkin, Barnegat, Forked River, Plumsted, Waretown, Lacey, Point Pleasant Beach, Toms River, Little Egg Harbor, Waretown, Stafford, Tuckerton, and Ocean. Contact one of our offices to set up a free conference with a senior defense lawyer who can advise you of the charges you are facing and your legal options.
Weapons Charges in Ocean County
In New Jersey, it is always a crime to possess that weapon with an unlawful purpose, even if you otherwise own the weapon lawfully. This means that even if you have a license or permit for the weapon or gun it is crime of Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes if you possessed the weapon with the objective to use it unlawfully against a person or another’s property. The severity or degree of crime depends on the type of weapon and the circumstances surrounding the situation. Weapons, such as a knives, blades, and clubs that are possessed by an individual with the purpose of being used unlawfully are a third degree offense. A third degree conviction exposes you to up 5 years of incarceration. The crime is heightened to a second degree Possession of a Weapon with Unlawful Purposes if the individual possessed a firearm with for unlawful purposes. If the firearm was a gun that had been transferred between two or more people and used to commit crimes, also known as a “community gun”, then the punishment is further escalated to a mandatory term of imprisonment of the greater of ½ the sentence imposed or 3 years. The possession of explosives and other destructive devices with unlawful intentions are also second degree crimes. Second degree crimes are very severe and a conviction will expose you to up to 10 year in prison and a presumption of incarceration. Even an imitation weapon, such as a toy gun, that is possessed in an unlawful manner is a serious fourth degree crime. If you are convicted of a fourth degree crime you will face thousands in fines and up to 18 months in jail. a third degree crime is 18 months – 5 years of jail, and a second degree brings 5 -10 years of incarceration.
If you have been arrested or charged with Possession of a Weapon with Unlawful Purposes or another related weapons offense in Ocean County it is essential that you hire a lawyer who understands the charge and knows the area. The Law Offices of John F. Marshall is an Ocean County Law Firm comprised of Former Prosecutors and veteran criminal defense attorneys with almost 60 years of experience. Our aggressive defense lawyers know the kind of determination it takes to fight and beat criminal weapons charges in Ocean County. Our lawyers also understand that mistakes happen and sometimes all it takes is the right person to listen to your side of things. We will give you a voice in the criminal court system and make sure your rights are protected at every stage. Our attorneys appear in the Ocean County Superior Court for weapons charges arising out of Jackson Twp., Seaside Heights, Manchester, Lakewood, New Egypt, Lakehurst, Pine Beach, Seaside Park, Point Pleasant and Bayville. Don’t hesitate to contact us to talk to a senior lawyer from our office who can inform you about your charges at no cost to you.
