The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees a person(s) to bear arms, in order to protect their properties and families. However, it is up to the individual states to determine the laws regarding possession and purchase of guns. For example, New Jersey has some of the strictest laws on the books. Residents do not have the right to carry a concealed weapon, unless they are in law enforcement or have a job that requires a gun.
Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations
The firearms regulations concerning unlawful possession are strict in the state of New Jersey. As a result, the penalties are severe. The state is not lax or lenient, when it comes to either the possession or purchase of firearms. The first offense of gun laws and restrictions are quite harsh, even if no criminal activity is intended. For example:
- Possession of a sawed off shotgun is a crime in the third degree, punishable by 3-5 years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine
- Defaced guns are a fourth degree crime with a potential penalty of 18 months in prison, a possible $10,000 fine, or both
- Possession of a firearm on school property is punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both
Requirements:
|
| Permit | Registration | License | Age |
| Shot Guns | ID card required | No | yes | 18 |
| Rifles | ID card required | No | yes | 18 |
| Hand Guns | Yes | No | Yes | 18 |
New Jersey Gun Purchasing Laws
New Jersey probably has some of the strictest gun purchasing laws in the United States. To buy a shotgun or a rifle, the purchaser must have a Firearms Purchasers Identification Card that will last a lifetime. In order to buy a handgun, the buyer must have a separate permit for each gun bought. For residents, permits are issued within 30 days of the application submission.
Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases
- Purchasing Teflon bullets or armor piecing ammunition is a crime in the third degree
- Purchasing a defaced firearm is a crime in the fourth degree
Requirements:
|
| Permit | Registration | License | Age |
| Shot Guns | ID Required | No | Yes | 18 |
| Rifles | ID Required | No | Yes | 18 |
| Hand Guns | Yes | No | Yes | 18 |
Firing Handguns and Self Defense
New Jersey complies with the U.S. Constitution by allowing residents to have guns for protecting their families and properties. However, the self-defense excuse ends at the border of the property. Unless licensed to do so, no residents have permission to carry a gun on their persons. Only police officers and other qualifying workers have a right to have a weapon. Residents cannot have:
- Guns on school property
- Guns in vehicles
- Guns in public buildings
Legal Help
The gun laws in New Jersey are stringent. Other than possession on personal property, most people are not given a license to carry. Penalties for allowing a minor to have a weapon, or selling a gun to a felon have serious penalties. For those facing gun charges, either accidentally or purposefully, the services of a criminal attorney are necessary to defend against charges like:
- Possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime
- Minor in possession
- Armed robbery
