NJ New Jersey Handgun Penalties Lawyers

NJ New Jersey Handgun Penalties Lawyers

Getting charged with a gun crime in New Jersey can lead to some pretty harsh penalties. The laws here are strict when it comes to firearms, and prosecutors tend to throw the book at defendants. But having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference. Let’s break down what you need to know about NJ gun charges and penalties.

Graves Act

The big one is the Graves Act. This law sets mandatory minimum prison sentences for gun crimes. Even a first offense can mean years behind bars. For example, simple illegal possession of a handgun is 5-10 years in prison [3]. Other charges like possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose or unlawful possession of an assault firearm can be even longer [6].

The Graves Act is no joke. But there are ways around it if you have the right lawyer. They can argue for a waiver or reduction of the mandatory minimums. Especially for first-time offenders or cases with extenuating circumstances. So don’t just accept what the prosecution offers. Fight it.

Other Penalties

Aside from jail time, a NJ gun conviction can also mean:

• Fines up to $150,000
• Permanent criminal record
• Loss of voting rights
• Inability to own a gun again
• Difficulty finding a job
• Loss of certain professional licenses

And if you’re convicted of a felony, you can say goodbye to a lot of rights and opportunities. Felons often can’t serve on juries, work for the government, or receive welfare benefits. It affects everything from housing to student loans.

Defenses

But don’t lose hope. There are plenty of ways to fight gun possession charges in New Jersey:

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

• You didn’t know it was there – For example, the gun was left in your car by someone else
• You had no intent to use it unlawfully – You found the gun and were on your way to turn it in to police
• It doesn’t qualify as a firearm – Some devices like BB guns and antique guns don’t count under the law
• Illegal search – If police violated your rights and did an improper search, the evidence may get thrown out
• Self-defense – You only had the weapon to protect yourself against an imminent threat

A skilled lawyer will look at every angle of your case to figure out the best defense. Don’t let the prosecution steamroll you into a guilty plea without exploring your options first.

Recent Changes

New Jersey just passed a new law cracking down on illegal gun trafficking. Anyone who sells firearms without a license now faces steeper penalties if those guns get used in crimes [2]. We’re talking up to 10 years just for the first offense. And if someone gets killed with the gun, it’s a mandatory minimum of 15 years.

The goal is to stop the flow of illegal guns into NJ from states with looser laws. But critics argue it could just penalize lawful owners who sell or lend a gun without going through formal channels.

How this plays out remains to be seen. But it’s something to keep an eye on if you plan on buying, selling, or borrowing firearms in NJ.

Finding a Lawyer

If you or a loved one gets charged with an NJ gun crime, finding the right lawyer is crucial. You want someone experienced specifically in firearm offenses. They’ll understand all the relevant laws and penalties inside and out. Plus they’ll know how to negotiate with prosecutors for better plea deals.

Also look for a lawyer who is compassionate yet aggressive. They should genuinely care about your situation while fiercely defending your rights. Don’t settle for less.

And make sure you feel comfortable communicating openly and honestly with them. You need to give your lawyer all the facts to build the strongest case.

Take the time to research NJ gun lawyers thoroughly. Read reviews and talk to people they’ve helped before. It’s worth the effort to find the best.

With an expert NJ criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can avoid the harshest penalties and maybe even get the charges reduced or dismissed. Don’t go it alone against the powerful prosecutors. Get the strong legal defense you deserve.

References

[1] https://criminallawyerinnj.com/gun-charges-nj-penatlies-punishments/
[2] https://newjerseymonitor.com/2023/08/23/gun-traffickers-face-steeper-penalties-under-new-n-j-law/
[3] https://criminallawyerinnj.com/first-offense-gun-charges-in-nj/
[4] https://www.newjerseygunlawyers.com/unlawful-possession-weapon-nj-2c39-5/
[5] https://www.teamlaw.com/criminal-defense/gun-charges/
[6] https://www.breslowlaw.com/weapons-charges/unlawful-posession-of-a-weapon-nj