Atlantic City Possession of a Handgun for Unlawful Purpose Lawyer
Possession of a weapon (gun) for unlawful purposes under N.J.S.A. 2C: 39-4 is defined:
Any person who has in his possession a firearm with a purpose to use it unlawfully against a person or property of another is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
Any person who has in his possession any weapon, other than a firearm, with a purpose to use it unlawfully against a person or property of another is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
A common fact pattern is when the police stop a motor vehicle, with several occupants, for a traffic offense. The police ultimately conduct a search of the vehicle and find a gun or other weapon inside. The weapon was concealed in the glove box, console, under the seat, etc. The police charge everyone in the car with a weapons offense. You were unaware that the weapon was in the car. You did not, therefore, have any intention of possessing or controlling the weapon. Lack of knowledge about the weapon is a complete defense to a weapons charge.
If you are charged with possession of a handgun, or other weapon, for an unlawful purpose, you need to contact a local and experienced criminal defense lawyer. Attorney John W. Tumelty is an Atlantic City gun and weapons offense attorney with over 25 years of criminal law experience in South Jersey. Mr. Tumelty is a former state prosecutor and former Atlantic County prosecutor.
See our complete criminal defense website at www.johntumeltylaw.com
