The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives a person the right to bear arms. Individual states, however, have the right to regulate weapon ownership requirements and possession regulations within their own borders. By becoming aware of New Jersey state laws pertaining to weapon possession and gun ownership, you are far less likely to face charges for the illegal possession of a weapon or firearm.
The first thing to know is that the state of New Jersey does not honor any gun licenses or permits issued in other states. If you move to New Jersey or you are visiting the state and you have a weapon in your possession, you need to get a permit to own the weapon, as well as a separate permit for concealed carry of the weapon. State laws make it illegal to consciously own or possess any type of handgun without first applying for and obtaining a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card from local law enforcement. It is also illegal to intentionally own or possess a rifle or shotgun without first applying for and obtaining a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card.
Even if you wish to own a firearm for the sole purpose of having it in your possession while you are at your home, on privately-owned land, or are on the premises of your own business, you are still required to have a firearms ID card. Your weapon can also be transported between those locations, providing that the weapon has been unloaded and is fully contained in a closed and sealed gun box or case. It must also be kept in the trunk of your vehicle, not in the passenger area. Should you wish to engage in any legal form of target practice at a gun club or other designated location, or you are planning on using it for hunting purposes, your weapon must be transported in the same fashion as noted. Law enforcement officers and military personnel are authorized to have weapons in their position as long as they are on duty or require the weapon to perform an officially-sanctioned task.
There are certain weapons that are completely illegal in East Brunswick and throughout the state of New Jersey. These include sawed-off shotguns, silencers, defaced firearms, exposives, switchblades, gravity knives, brass knuckles and other similar weapons. If you are found to have any of these types of weapons in your possession you could be facing criminal charges and penalties including up to 5 years in prison. Other weapon possession charges could lead to even longer sentences. An East Brunswick criminal attorney from our firm can review the charges against you to determine the best actions to take for your defense. If you are facing charges related to weapon possession, contact the Law Offices of Ryan E. Gilbert, LLC at once.