Jersey City Gun Lawyer

You have the right to bear arms per the United States Constitution, but these rights are not limitless. There are restrictions on where and how you can carry or use a firearm. Violating the law can bring serious consequences, especially when you are accused of committing a violent or drug offense while armed. 

These accusations are serious, but a Jersey City gun lawyer can help you fight back. You could avoid fines and prison time with an appropriate strategy and the right legal counsel by your side. Let a dedicated criminal defense attorney advise you of your options. 

Illegal Possession of a Firearm

State laws strictly control how a person may possess a gun. Violating these statutes can lead to years of imprisonment and other serious consequences. Often, violations occur alongside some other type of offense like robbery or drug charges

The severity of a conviction depends on the circumstances. Anyone who has a firearm in a restricted place can face serious penalties, but using a weapon during the commission of a crime usually has steeper consequences. 

Possessing a firearm with the intent to use it to commit a crime is a serious allegation, even if the weapon was never actually used. The most serious penalties are reserved for cases where someone used a firearm to threaten or harm another person during the commission of a robbery or other violent crime. A gun lawyer in Jersey City could fight for a lesser charge.

Mandatory Sentencing in Gun Cases

Two mandatory sentencing laws are related to the use of a firearm in a crime. First, the Graves Act requires minimum prison terms for convictions of certain gun crimes without the possibility of parole. If found guilty, the statute bars parole for three years or one-third to one-half of the total sentence, whichever is greater. 

The second law is the No Early Release Act, more commonly known as NERA. It requires anyone found guilty of a certain violent offense to serve at least 85 percent of their sentence before they can be released on parole.

These laws only impact someone who is ultimately convicted of a crime. Due to the high stakes, taking every step possible to fight these convictions is crucial. Let a Jersey City gun attorney help secure the best possible outcome. 

Applying for a Gun Permit

The state is known for its strict gun laws, but securing a permit for a weapon is possible. An applicant must be at least 18 to qualify for a permit for a shotgun, and for handguns, the minimum age is 21. 

In addition to submitting the application, fingerprinting is necessary so that these records can be submitted to state and federal agencies. There is also a background check requirement. 

Call a Gun Attorney in Jersey City Today

If you are facing a weapons charge, a Jersey City gun lawyer could help. These cases are serious, but a favorable outcome could become a reality. 

Do not put yourself at risk by acting as your own attorney. Call today for a private consultation.