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Trenton Graves Act Defense Lawyers
Skilled New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyers Fight For Those Charged With Firearm Offenses
Gun violence has been an issue in this country for some time. In response, and in an effort to protect its citizens from gun violence, the state of New Jersey has adopted stringent gun laws. These measures include adoption of the Graves Act — which imposes mandatory prison sentences when specific crimes are committed while in the possession of certain firearms. The Graves Act also imposes penalties for the unlawful possession of certain firearms. Graves Act offenses are serious and require a skilled legal defense. If you or a loved one has been charged with a Graves Act offense, contact a skilled weapons defense lawyer at the Davis Law Firm, LLC. At the Davis Law Firm, LLC, our Trenton Graves Act Defense Lawyers share more than 20 years of combined experience and a demonstrated track record of success.
Experienced Graves Act Defense Lawyers Protect The Rights Of New Jersey Clients Charged With Weapons Offenses
Facing a firearms offense under the Graves Act can be a frightening experience. New Jersey takes all weapons offenses seriously — if you are convicted under the Graves Act, it is considered a second degree offense. First-time offenders are facing a jail time of between five and ten years and parole is restricted.
But everyone charged with a criminal offense has rights and the experienced Trenton criminal defense lawyers at the Davis Law Firm, LLC are dedicated to protecting those rights to the fullest extent under the law. Our legal team has more than two decades of experience representing New Jersey clients who are facing weapons charges. New Jersey’s Graves Act imposes harsh penalties and our skilled team evaluates every shred of evidence to uncover mitigating factors in your case and develop a strong strategic defense of the charges brought against you.
Understanding New Jersey’s Graves Act
New Jersey’s Graves Act is legislation that applies to a wide range of weapons charges, including the following:
- Possessing a weapon without a legal permit
- Possessing a weapon for an unlawful purpose
- Possessing an illegal weapon
- Possessing a firearm while committing certain drug-related crimes
- Manufacture of illegal firearms or weapons
- Using a firearm or a weapon while committing certain violent criminal offenses, such as a robbery
- Possession of a firearm or weapon by an individual who is not legally authorized to possess a weapon
- Possessing a defaced firearm or sawed-off shotgun
All weapons charges are serious, particularly those that fall under the Graves Act. If you or a loved one has been charged with a firearm offense, do not leave the outcome of your case to chance. Consult with a skilled criminal defense attorney with specific experience handling firearm and Graves Act offenses. The Davis Law Firm, LLC offers a free initial consultation for all criminal defense cases; schedule your confidential evaluation today.
Penalties For Conviction Under New Jersey’s Graves Act
New Jersey imposes stiff penalties for individuals convicted under the Graves Act. This includes mandatory prison sentences for anyone charged with unlawful possession of a rifle, handgun, or shotgun. Furthermore, if an individual commits certain violent crimes while they are in possession of a firearm, they also face mandatory prison time if they are convicted.
Those who are found guilty under the Graves Act — which is a second degree offense — face a mandatory minimum prison sentence, a period of which must be served without the possibility of parole. The mandatory minimum prison sentence for a Graves Act conviction with parole ineligibility is as follows:
- Prison time of one-third to one-half of the imposed prison sentence or three years, whichever is greater
- Prison time of 18 months for fourth degree charges
If the individual charged has a prior gun-related offense, the judge will apply an enhanced mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years.
New Jersey’s gun laws are stringent and even a minor error on a gun permit application can have serious legal consequences. If you or a loved one has been charged with a weapons offense, contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Davis Law Firm, LLC for a free consultation as soon as possible.
Graves Act Defense Lawyers Aggressively Defend Weapons Charges
If you or a loved one is facing a Graves Act offense in New Jersey, it is critical to mount a strategic defense as the penalties for conviction are serious. At the Davis Law Firm, LLC, our skilled Trenton criminal defense team delivers personal attention to each client, developing an aggressive, tailored defense of the charges brought against you. The Davis Law Firm, LLC is a brother-and-sister trial team that has fought to protect the rights of the accused since 2005. Schedule a free initial consultation with one of our skilled Graves Act defense attorneys today.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Jersey Graves Act
Graves Act waivers allow the prosecution the option of offering a plea to the defendant. It is important to note that it is not easy to obtain a Graves Act waiver. Defendants and their attorneys cannot apply for a Graves Act waiver; these waivers are subject to the discretion of the prosecutor and only the prosecutor can apply. The process of obtaining a Graves Act waiver is complicated — a skilled weapons offense attorney must develop a strong case that demonstrates relevant mitigating factors in the case that far outweigh the mandatory harsh prison sentence. A plea deal may result in a reduced sentence or non-custodial probation, which is a welcome alternative to the standard penalties. However, it does not erase the crime — a felony offense still remains on your criminal record.
Under New Jersey’s Graves Act, parole is restricted. If you are convicted under the Graves Act, you are required to serve a minimum sentence of three years. The exception to this is if a Graves Act waiver is granted, which may reduce your sentence, but the granting of such waivers is not common.