Results-Driven Criminal Defense Attorney Fights Serious Gun And Weapons Charges In Voorhees, Camden County And Throughout South Jersey

Make no mistake about it: Weapons charges in New Jersey are serious. In fact, New Jersey has some of the toughest gun crimes laws in the country. It’s not unusual to be facing the possibility of real jail time because you were unaware of New Jersey’s very restrictive gun carrying and permit laws.

When you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges for a weapons-related infraction, it’s imperative that you contact an aggressive criminal defense lawyer immediately to fight your charges. You can rely on my experience and knowledge in criminal defense. I am attorney Stephen R. Piper, and I am ready to take your case. I will fight your charges and, if appropriate, get you approved for pretrial intervention so you can avoid jail time.

Ready To Challenge Charges When Your Freedom Is At Stake

If you are facing gun charges in New Jersey, it’s important that you realize that your freedom may be on the line. The sentences for violent crimes and gun-related charges include prison time. As a former Camden County assistant prosecutor, I understand how the state builds its cases and what can be done to get weapons charges reduced while minimizing the potential consequences.

The seriousness of these charges means you need an experienced attorney who can help you minimize the consequences, whether you have been arrested for a single gun charge, or a weapons charge in addition to a drug crime or other crime. Be aware, as well, that New Jersey gun laws apply to everyone and anyone, not just New Jersey residents. Ignorance of New Jersey’s strict gun laws won’t be an excuse in court.

The severity of penalties associated with weapons possession is based on the level of the crime. A third-degree weapons offense, for example, involves possession of a sawed-off shotgun or bomb/explosive device. If convicted of a third-degree weapons offense, you will face up to five years in prison.

I defend clients facing all weapons-related charges, including:

• Unlawful possession of a weapon: It is against the law to carry certain weapons, such as handguns, without a valid carry permit. Anyone caught illegally possessing a firearm or other gun could face severe penalties that include mandatory prison time.
• Prohibited weapons: Some weapons are considered extremely dangerous, and New Jersey does not allow anyone to possess them. There are no permits available for these weapons, and if you are found with any of the following weapons in your possession in New Jersey, you will be facing serious consequences. Possession of any of these prohibited weapons is considered a fourth-degree crime (punishable by up to 18 months in prison):
  • Hollow point bullets
  • Stun gun
  • Switchblade knife
  • Silencer
  • Defaced firearm (antique firearms are exceptions to this rule)
  • Gravity knife
  • Ballistic knife
  • Dagger
  • Billy club
  • Stiletto
  • Blackjack
  • Sand club
  • Metal knuckles
  • Slingshot
  • Cestus
  • Leather band with metal studs or razor blades
• Possession of weapons for unlawful purposes: It stands to reason that you may not possess a weapon with the intention of committing a crime. Possession of firearms or explosives with the purpose of using them unlawfully is a second-degree crime in New Jersey. If convicted, you will face between five and 10 years in prison. Third- and fourth-degree weapons possession charges will also put you at serious risk of going to jail if convicted.
• Failure to possess permits: It is against the law to possess any weapon (including weapons that are allowed in New Jersey by law) without the proper permit or license. Even if you crossed into New Jersey from Pennsylvania with a handgun legally licensed in Pennsylvania, you can be brought up on third- or fourth-degree weapons charges. Possession of any of the following weapons without proper permits can result in charges and the possibility of a prison sentence of three to five years:
  • Assault weapon
  • Machine guns
  • Rifles
  • Handguns
  • Shotgun
• Individuals who are not permitted to carry: There are some people who are not allowed to possess any weapons in New Jersey. This list includes anyone who has ever been committed to a mental hospital or who has been convicted of any crime other than a disorderly persons offense.
• Weapons used while committing another crime: Anyone who is found with a gun while committing another crime, trying to commit a crime or even just conspiring to commit a crime may face second-degree weapons charges. If you are found with any weapon other than a gun, prosecutors must prove that you had intent to use that weapon in the commission of the crime.

New Jersey Knife Carry Laws

New Jersey knife laws are strict and depend heavily on the type of knife involved and the reason a person is carrying it. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3(e), certain knives may be considered unlawful weapons when possessed without an explainable lawful purpose. These can include:

• Switchblades
• Gravity knives
• Daggers
• Dirks
• Stilettos
• Ballistic knives

Carrying one of these knives for intimidation, self-defense or another unlawful reason may lead to criminal weapons charges.

New Jersey does not impose a universal blade-length restriction for adults. Instead, courts and prosecutors often focus on whether the knife was carried under circumstances that are “manifestly appropriate” for lawful use under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(d).

Even a common folding knife may become the subject of criminal charges if law enforcement believes it was possessed unlawfully or intended for unlawful use. Some knives are generally lawful when carried for legitimate purposes. These may include:

• Standard pocket knives
• Hunting knives used during lawful outdoor activities
• Fishing knives
• Utility knives used for work-related purposes
• Assisted-opening knives carried for lawful everyday use

A lawful purpose may include employment, hunting, fishing, camping, or other legitimate recreational or occupational activities. Context matters under New Jersey law. A knife that is lawful in one situation may become problematic in another depending on where it is carried, how it is displayed and the surrounding circumstances.

New Jersey law also restricts where knives may be possessed. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(e), possessing weapons on school property, college campuses or other educational facilities without authorization may result in criminal charges. This includes situations involving knives when the possession is not connected to a lawful or authorized purpose.

Knife possession cases often arise during:

• Traffic stops
• Disorderly conduct investigations
• School incidents
• Other police encounters

Prosecutors may argue that a knife was intended for unlawful use even if it was never displayed or used. Because these laws are broad and highly fact-specific, the circumstances surrounding the possession of the knife can play a major role in the outcome of the case.

As a criminal defense attorney, I can examine whether the knife was carried for a lawful purpose, whether law enforcement conducted a lawful search and whether prosecutors can prove unlawful possession beyond a reasonable doubt.

Common Questions About Weapons Law In New Jersey

New Jersey has some of the strictest firearm laws in the country, and it can be confusing to understand what is required to legally own, carry, or transport a weapon. I’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions I hear from clients about firearm ownership and possession in this state.

How can someone legally purchase or transfer a handgun, including BB, pellet, or black powder handguns?

To legally buy or transfer a handgun in New Jersey, including BB, pellet, or black powder models, you must first get an Electronic Permit to Purchase a Handgun (E-Permit) through the Firearms Application and Registration System (FARS). Each handgun requires its own permit.

Before completing the sale or transfer, a licensed firearms dealer must verify that you have:

• A valid New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Card
• One form of photo identification showing your name, address and date of birth
• A valid Permit to Purchase a Handgun

Most transactions must go through a licensed firearms dealer who will perform a National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS). Limited exemptions apply for immediate family members, law enforcement officers, and licensed collectors, but even those transfers require a valid permit. Federal law also prohibits residents of different states from transferring firearms directly to one another.

How should firearms be transported in New Jersey?

When I advise clients about transporting firearms, I remind them that New Jersey law requires guns to be unloaded and stored in a fastened case, gun box, or locked trunk. Ammunition must be stored separately and out of reach. In vehicles without a trunk, both the firearm and ammunition must be kept in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. Travel should be direct with no unnecessary stops other than brief, reasonable deviations like refueling.

Can firearms be transported through New Jersey while traveling between other states?

Yes. Under federal law, you may transport a firearm across state lines if you are legally allowed to possess it at your starting point and destination. The firearm must be unloaded and not easily accessible during travel, and ammunition must be stored separately. If your vehicle does not have a trunk, both items should be locked in a secure container other than the glove box.

Can I keep a firearm at my home or business in New Jersey?

Yes. State law allows you to keep or carry a legally owned firearm at your home, place of business, or property you own or rent. The business must be a fixed location, not a mobile or temporary setup. You can also lawfully transport a firearm between your home and business, a repair facility, or another residence as long as you follow New Jersey’s transport requirements.

What happens if I inherit a firearm?

If you inherit a firearm, you may receive it without a permit as long as the weapon is legal to own in New Jersey and you are not otherwise prohibited from possession. If you do not qualify to own a firearm, you may keep it for up to 180 days for the purpose of selling or transferring it, as long as it remains in police custody during that time.

I recently moved to New Jersey. Can I keep my firearms?

Yes. Firearms that were legally acquired in another state can be brought into New Jersey if they comply with state law. Within 60 days of becoming a resident, you must apply for a New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and register any handguns you bring into the state using the FARS online system. If you’ve never applied for a New Jersey firearms credential before, you must complete an initial ID application at the same time.

Can I buy or receive a firearm directly from someone in another state?

No. Federal law prohibits private firearm transfers across state lines. Any transfer between residents of different states must be handled through a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) in the buyer’s home state. In New Jersey, knowingly bringing firearms into the state for illegal sale or transfer is a second-degree crime that can lead to severe penalties, including vehicle forfeiture.

Owning or handling a firearm in New Jersey comes with serious legal responsibilities. The laws are detailed and violations can lead to harsh criminal charges. If you have questions about a firearm purchase, transfer or possession issue, it’s best to talk with me directly. I can review your situation, explain the laws that apply and help you stay in full compliance with New Jersey’s firearm regulations.

Facing Weapons Charges In Camden County? I Will Fight For You.

I will make sure that you understand your options and that all your questions are answered. I will work closely with investigators to determine the validity of your charges, reviewing evidence in an effort to find holes in the prosecution’s case. I will fight tirelessly to keep you out of jail and, when possible, I will negotiate your acceptance into the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program so that you can avoid prison time entirely.

Contact The Law Offices of Stephen R. Piper, LLC, today to request your initial consultation with an aggressive Moorestown weapons defense attorney. When necessary, I will come to you. I will zealously fight your weapons charges – count on it.