Weapons Possession

John Paragano, Criminal Defense Lawyer for Weapons Possession Charges

In the State of New Jersey, a weapons possession charge is serious, particularly if the weapon is a firearm and even more so if the weapon is used during the commission of a crime.  New Jersey has some of the toughest gun laws in the country and those that violate these laws are prosecuted vigorously.  There are multiple charges related to weapons possession including, but not limited to:

• Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
• Unlawful possession of a weapon
• Possession of a weapon while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance

A charge for Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose is often times combined with other criminal charges such as aggravated assault, robbery or other violent crimes. The nature of this charge is that the weapon is used for the specific purpose of causing injury to another person or committing a crime. This is a felony-level crime and, depending on the degree of the crime and the weapon involved, the penalties for this type of charge may include up to 10 years in prison, even for a first offense.

The Unlawful Possession of a Weapon typically means that you are knowingly in possession of a fiream without a proper permit, but also apply to being in possession of a prohibited weapon.  There are many weapons that are entirely illegal to possess in the State of New Jersey.  These include, but are not limited to:

• Explosive devices
• Silencers
• Sawed-off shotgun or a weapon that has been altered
• Switchblades, brass knuckles, or any other weapon that does not have an explainable lawful purpose.

Depending on the weapon involved in an unlawful possession charge, you may face up to 5 years in prison and the potential to be ineligible for parole.

If you are found to be in possession of a weapon while also in possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute that substance, you could be facing up to 10 years in a prison and a fine of $150,000.

Weapons possession charges are serious. There are different levels of weapons possession charges, some more serious than others. No matter what level or degree of crime you have been charged with, it should not be taken lightly. Could your case end up in Municipal Court? Possibly. Is it possible there is a felony attached and jail time ahead? That all depends. Your best defense to get the best possible outcome is obtaining a powerful and experienced criminal attorney that will fight to protect your rights in this very serious matter.

What Should You Do if You are Arrested for a Weapons Possession Charge?

Do not attempt to face these charges alone. If you are arrested for a possession of a weapon, do not talk to the police, even if you feel that you can justify or explain what you have or have not done.  The authorities will listen to everything you have to say and hold it all against you. Exercise your constitutional right to remain silent and get an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately.

Attorneys are at a major disadvantage in defending you if you have given any sort of incriminating statements or information to law enforcement that can be construed as a confession or admission of guilt. Be firm in your request to speak to an attorney.  In the meantime, stay calm and remain silent.

The Law Offices of John Paragano will work diligently to defend your Constitutionally protected rights such as the right to remain silent, the right that your arrest be based solely upon probable cause, the right to protection against unreasonable search and seizure, and many other rights that you may not even realize are in place to protect you. To enforce your rights, I will make myself available to meet with you upon your arrest. We can explore your options together and, in certain cases, reduce the severity of the charges against you. To further protect you against self-incrimination, I will communicate directly with law enforcement on your behalf, guiding you on the best course of action to take to protect your rights.

For over thirty years, my law firm has successfully defended numerous weapons possession charges.  Throughout my career, I have achieved multiple acquittals, dismissals and downgrading of charges for a variety of weapons charges at the local, county and state level. If you need an experienced and powerful criminal defense attorney to help you through these troubled waters, call my office today.

Choose The Law Offices of John Paragano for Your Criminal Defense Attorney

  • 25 Years Criminal Defense Experience
  • Former Municipal Court Judge, Union Township, NJ 1999-2005
  • Extensive Trial Experience
  • Free Initial Consultation
  • 24/7/365 Call Center and availability
  • Evening Hours for Personal Meetings

For the best criminal defense in all of Union County, Monmouth County and all of New Jersey, contact John Paragano at The Law Offices of John Paragano, for a free consultation. Telephone 908.687.5999 or click to send an email. All consultations and written correspondences will be kept strictly confidential.

john paragano lawyer

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
1945 Morris Avenue, 1st Floor
Union, NJ 07083
908.687.5999
jparagano@paraganolaw.com

Free Initial Consultation

Anytime, day or night

ADDRESS

1945 Morris Avenue, 1st Floor, Union, NJ 07083

PHONE

908.687.5999

EMAIL

jparagano@paraganolaw.com

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