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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 the experience and knowledge of criminal defense that I have. 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
    • Sand club
    • 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.

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.