Middlesex County Weapons Offenses Attorney

Middlesex County NJ Weapons Charges Lawyer

Gun and Weapon Possession Defense Attorneys in Edison, New Jersey

New Jersey is extremely tough on gun crimes. In fact, it is one of the most restrictive in the entire state. State and local law enforcement and prosecutors are very aggressive in their efforts to enforce penalties and reduce gun crimes. The New Jersey State Legislature has deemed weapons crimes a priority. As a result, laws including the Graves Act and the No Early Release Act (NERA), which includes mandatory minimum prison sentences and parole ineligibility if the crime involved violence, have been put into effect. Often, our clients are charged with weapons offenses that seem like minor mistakes but actually carry moderate to severe penalties. For example, a client who lives outside of New Jersey and purchases a gun before moving to NJ could be prosecuted. Additionally, clients who have been pulled over for a traffic offense while driving through the state could also face mandatory jail time if they are found with a gun that has not been registered in New Jersey.

Middlesex County weapons offense attorney William Proetta has extensive experience when it comes to handling firearms and weapons charges. Our law firm provides aggressive criminal defense services that are aimed at obtaining the best possible outcomes. We pursue all available opportunities for an acquittal, dismissal or reduction of your weapons charges. If you or someone you love is facing weapons charges in New Brunswick, Edison, Piscataway, Perth Amboy, or elsewhere in Middlesex County, call (732) 659-9600 today to discuss your case and receive a cost-free consultation.

Gun Charges Attorney in New Brunswick NJ

Attorneys at William Proetta and Keith Oliver, assist clients charged with weapons crimes involving:

• Unlawful possession of a weapon
• Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
• BB guns and airsoft and paintball guns
• Unlawful disposition of a firearm
• Imitation firearms
• Certain persons not to have weapons
• Possession of a Weapon During a Drug Offense
• Assault or threats
• Domestic violence

The consequences of a conviction for a weapons offense can be severe and include incarceration, probation and a criminal record. Once your record denotes a conviction, future consequences will arise that can include trouble with employment background checks, securing housing or loans, professional licensing, and diminished educational opportunities.

Sentencing for NJ Weapons Charges

The exact penalties that you could face in your NJ weapon crime case will depend on a number of factors, including the type of weapon, the nature of the offense, and whether the weapon was used during the commission of additional criminal acts. Regardless of the specific circumstances, however, one thing that is consistent across virtually all weapons charges in New Jersey is that they are almost always classified as indictable felony offenses. The precise length of that sentence will depend on the exact degree of the charges:

• Second Degree Crime: 5-10 years in prison
• Third Degree Crime: 3-5 years in prison
• Fourth Degree Crime: up to 18 months in prison

As one might expect, the type of gun or other weapon and the type of offense both play major roles in determining the degree of the charges. For example, a charge for unlawful possession of a handgun or assault firearm is typically classified on the higher end of the spectrum as a second degree offense, whereas a charge for possession of an imitation firearm for an unlawful purpose is classified on the lower end of the spectrum as a fourth degree offense. Not only does a higher degree carry a lengthier maximum prison sentence, but it could also carry a minimum mandatory term of incarceration. That’s because the most serious gun crimes in New Jersey are subject to the Graves Act, which requires imprisonment for at least three (3) years.

Contact a Woodbridge NJ Unlawful Weapons Possession Lawyer Today

At William Proetta Criminal Law, we offer free initial consultations and our phones are answered 24 hours a day. We are available weekdays during business hours and we also meet with clients on evenings and weekends upon request. Our office is centrally located in Edison, NJ. Call (732) 659-9600 today or schedule an appointment to speak with an experienced weapons offense lawyer about your case. You can also contact us online.