Facing a Weapons Charge in New Jersey? Get the Defense You Need to Protect Your Freedom.
New Jersey has some of the toughest gun laws in the country. If you’ve been charged with illegal weapons possession, unlawful transport, or using a weapon in the commission of a crime, you’re facing mandatory prison time, felony charges, and long-term consequences—even if it’s your first offense.
At Cherry Law Firm, we defend people across New Jersey against state and federal weapons charges. We work with first-time offenders, professionals, veterans, and gun owners who may not even have known they were breaking the law. Whether you’re accused of carrying without a permit, transporting a weapon improperly, or facing charges linked to another crime, we’re here to fight for you.
These cases are serious—but winnable. Let’s get to work.
Common Weapons Charges in New Jersey
Weapons offenses in New Jersey are aggressively prosecuted and carry some of the harshest penalties in the state’s criminal code. Cherry Law Firm defends clients charged with:
- Unlawful possession of a handgun, rifle, or shotgun
- Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
- Unlawful transport of a firearm (especially across state lines)
- Possession of a weapon by a prohibited person
- Possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime
- Possession of imitation firearms in schools or public spaces
- Possession of knives, brass knuckles, or other illegal weapons
Even if the weapon was never fired or used, just possessing it—especially without a permit—can lead to years behind bars under New Jersey’s Graves Act.
What Is the Graves Act?
The Graves Act is a New Jersey law that imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain weapons offenses. If you’re convicted, the judge is often required to impose prison time—even for first-time offenders—unless your attorney successfully negotiates a waiver or entry into a diversionary program.
That’s why you need a criminal defense lawyer with specific experience handling weapons cases and navigating the complexities of the Graves Act.
Penalties for Weapons Offenses in New Jersey
Most weapons offenses are charged as second- or third-degree indictable crimes, which are the equivalent of felonies. Possible penalties include:
- 5–10 years in state prison for second-degree charges
- 3–5 years in prison for third-degree charges
- Mandatory minimum terms of 3.5 years under the Graves Act
- Fines up to $150,000
- Loss of firearm rights
- Felony record that can’t be expunged for years (if at all)
Out-of-state gun owners are often caught off guard. New Jersey doesn’t recognize many permits from other states, and legal possession elsewhere can still result in criminal charges here.
Serving Clients Accused of Weapons Charges Across New Jersey
Whether you were arrested during a traffic stop, at an airport, or as part of another investigation, Cherry Law Firm defends weapons cases in counties across the state, including:
- Essex County – Newark, Bloomfield, Orange
- Hudson County – Jersey City, Bayonne, Hoboken
- Union County – Elizabeth, Linden, Rahway
- Middlesex County – Edison, Woodbridge, New Brunswick
- Monmouth & Ocean Counties – Freehold, Toms River
- Atlantic County – Atlantic City, Pleasantville, Hammonton
We know how each local prosecutor handles Graves Act cases—and how to push for alternatives that avoid mandatory sentencing.
Why Choose Cherry Law for Weapons Charge Defense?
We Know the Law—and the Loopholes
We fight for Graves Act waivers, PTI eligibility, and alternative resolutions that keep you out of prison. In many cases, we challenge how the weapon was discovered, whether the search was legal, and if the prosecution can prove possession beyond a reasonable doubt.
We Help First-Time Offenders Avoid Prison
Many weapons defendants are law-abiding citizens who didn’t realize they were violating the law. We work to present the full story, humanize your situation, and fight for leniency when appropriate.
We Move Fast to Protect Your Record
We don’t wait for your arraignment. As soon as you’re charged, we begin building your defense, filing motions, and negotiating with prosecutors to put you in the best possible position from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to have a gun in your car in New Jersey?
Yes, unless you are transporting the gun properly with a valid permit. Firearms must be unloaded, stored in a locked container, and separated from ammunition. Even lawful owners can face charges for failing to follow exact transport rules.
Can I go to jail for having a weapon in my house?
If the weapon is illegal or you don’t have a permit, yes. Possession without a lawful purpose—especially of a handgun—can result in felony charges and mandatory prison time under the Graves Act.
Can a weapons charge be expunged in New Jersey?
In some cases, yes—but not immediately. Expungement eligibility depends on the degree of the offense, sentence imposed, and time passed since conviction. We help clients explore this option once the case is resolved.
Facing a Weapons Charge? Call Cherry Law Firm Today.
Don’t face New Jersey’s gun laws alone. A conviction can cost you your freedom, your rights, and your future. Let us fight to protect all three.
Call now to speak with a New Jersey weapons charges defense attorney who knows how to beat the system before it buries you.