North Brunswick County NJ Weapons Charges Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Weapons charges in North Brunswick County, NJ, are serious indictable offenses under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, carrying years in state prison and permanent consequences. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a focused defense for charges like unlawful possession of a weapon.
New Jersey Weapons Charges Law
New Jersey has some of the nation’s strictest weapons laws. Most charges are not simple misdemeanors but indictable crimes (felonies) prosecuted in the Middlesex County Superior Court. The core statute, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, makes it a crime to possess a firearm without a permit or to possess certain weapons (like handguns, rifles, shotguns, or assault firearms) for an unlawful purpose. Other charges include possession of prohibited weapons (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3) and certain persons not to possess weapons (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7). The state must prove you knowingly possessed the weapon and that you lacked the legal authority to do so.
Last verified: April 2026 | Middlesex County Superior Court | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the exact language of the law, review the New Jersey statutes on unlawful possession of weapons (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5). For local court procedures, visit the Middlesex County Criminal Division website.
Local Defense Strategy for North Brunswick County
Cases from North Brunswick Township are heard in the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick. An early strategic move by a skilled weapons charges attorney in North Brunswick County NJ is to file a motion to suppress evidence if the weapon was found during an illegal search or seizure. The Fourth Amendment and Article I, Paragraph 7 of the New Jersey Constitution provide strong protections. Success on a suppression motion can lead to the entire case being dismissed.
- Initial Arrest & Complaint: You will be charged via a complaint-warrant or complaint-summons. The case is transferred from North Brunswick Municipal Court to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
- First Appearance & Detention Hearing: Your first appearance in Superior Court is within 48 hours of arrest. The court will decide if you are released or detained pretrial.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all police reports, lab analyses, and witness statements to identify weaknesses in the state’s case.
- Pretrial Motions: Key motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges are filed and argued before a judge.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the evidence and motion outcomes, your lawyer will negotiate for a favorable plea or prepare for a jury trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, your attorney advocates for the minimum sentence. If errors occurred, an appeal may be filed.
Potential Penalties for Weapons Offenses
In North Brunswick County, NJ, weapons charges carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum prison terms under the Graves Act for certain firearms offenses.
| Offense | Degree / Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful Possession of a Handgun (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b)) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years (Graves Act: 42 months min. parole ineligibility) | Up to $150,000 | Loss of firearm privileges, permanent felony record |
| Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4(a)) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Same as above; enhanced if used in a violent crime |
| Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7) | Second-Degree Crime (First Offense) | 5-10 years (with mandatory parole disqualifier) | Up to $150,000 | Extended prison term based on prior record |
| Unlawful Possession of a Rifle/Shotgun (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(c)) | Third-Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Felony record, firearm forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex criminal defense. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that a weapons charge can derail your life, and we build defenses focused on challenging search warrants, questioning police procedure, and negotiating for reductions to avoid Graves Act mandatory minimums.
Our Approach to Weapons Charges Cases
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of achieving favorable results in serious criminal cases. Our weapons charges law firm in North Brunswick County NJ begins by meticulously reviewing the circumstances of the stop, search, and arrest. Was there probable cause? Was the search legal? We then analyze the forensic evidence and witness statements. Our goal is to create use for negotiation or to win at trial. Every case is defended aggressively from the initial detention hearing through final resolution.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our North Brunswick County Weapons Charges Lawyer
Our New Jersey location is centrally located to serve North Brunswick County and the surrounding Middlesex County area. We defend clients in North Brunswick Township, Milltown, East Brunswick, and throughout the county.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Available 24/7: Call (888) 437-7747 for immediate phone consultations. Meetings are held by appointment only at our Tinton Falls location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Graves Act in New Jersey?
Yes. The Graves Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6(c)) mandates state prison and a period of parole ineligibility for certain firearms offenses, like unlawful possession of a handgun. A skilled weapons charges lawyer in North Brunswick County NJ can seek a Graves Act waiver or argue for a downgrade to avoid this harsh penalty.
Can I get a weapons charge expunged in NJ?
It depends. Most indictable weapons convictions have a 10-year waiting period for expungement and require a showing of rehabilitation. Some serious offenses may not be eligible. An attorney can review your specific record and the nature of the conviction to advise on expungement potential.
What’s the difference between a second-degree and third-degree weapons charge?
The main differences are prison range and fines. A second-degree crime carries 5-10 years and up to a $150,000 fine. A third-degree crime carries 3-5 years and up to a $15,000 fine. The degree is determined by the type of weapon and the alleged purpose of possession.
What should I do if I’m arrested for a weapons charge?
First, remain silent and ask for a lawyer. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a weapons charges attorney in North Brunswick County NJ immediately. The decisions made in the first 48 hours, especially at the detention hearing, are critical to the outcome of your case.
Can I beat a weapons charge if the gun wasn’t on me?
Yes, it is possible. The state must prove you had “constructive possession,” meaning knowledge and control. If the weapon was in a common area of a car or home shared with others, your lawyer can argue you did not have exclusive control over it, creating reasonable doubt.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.