Understanding Weapons Charges and Penalties in New Jersey
In the state of New Jersey, weapons offenses can carry serious consequences. From jail time to hefty fines, these penalties can have a significant and lasting impact on your life. To be prepared and to understand the gravity of such a situation, it’s important to familiarize yourself with weapons charges and the legal actions that could follow.
From the criminal defense team at the Law Office of Edward J. Hesketh, LLC, here’s what you need to know about New Jersey’s weapons offenses and their consequences.
What Constitutes a Weapons Offense?
Under New Jersey law, a weapons offense is defined as any act or attempted act involving the possession of an illegal weapon or the use of an illegal weapon in a criminal way. This includes anything from carrying a concealed firearm without permission from authorities to discharging a gun recklessly with the intent to harm someone else. Even if you use an otherwise legal weapon for illegal purposes, it still counts as a weapons offense under NJ laws.
Penalties for Weapons Offenses in New Jersey
The penalties for weapons offenses vary depending on the type of offense and other circumstances surrounding the incident. Generally speaking, however, most weapons offenses will result in some combination of jail time, fines, probation, community service, and other court-mandated sanctions such as drug testing or counseling sessions. In some cases, offenders may also be prohibited from owning firearms in the future or barred from certain neighborhoods or areas within their communities.
It is important to note that punishment for weapons offenses can be enhanced if other crimes were committed at the same time as the weapons charge was being levied against them, such as assault with a deadly weapon or robbery with a firearm, or if the crime was committed near schools or public areas where children are present. Depending on your situation and history with law enforcement, additional charges may also be filed against you by prosecutors during your case’s proceedings.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer You Can Trust
If you’re looking for a New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, look no further than Edward J. Hesketh. Mr. Hesketh has handled over one thousand criminal cases with his private practice as a solo practitioner and is here to properly address and litigate the charges you are facing.
To obtain a free case consultation, contact us today at (908) 243-0800 or complete a quick form. We look forward to speaking with you!