The Graves Act

Ocean County Firearm Offense Defense Lawyer

The Graves Act imposes a mandatory minimum period of parole ineligibility when an individual is convicted of certain firearm offenses in New Jersey. The intent of this law is penalize those who possess a handgun or other firearm in violation of the weapon laws of the state. If you were charged with a Graves Act such as illegal possession of a handgun in Ocean County, including Toms River, Lacey, Jackson, Brick or Lakewood, a skilled attorney is an absolute must for you to avert imprisonment. The lawyers that make up the defense team at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have what it takes to protect you against an unfavorable result. For an immediate free consultation with a lawyer, contact our Toms River Office anytime 24/7 at (732) 286-6500.

The New Jersey Graves Act: What You Need to Know

The Graves Act, which was originally adopted in 1981, is named after Frank X. Graves Jr., the late state senator and mayor of Paterson. The Act is contained at N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6(c) and imposes mandatory-minimum prison sentences for anyone found guilty of using a gun in the commission of a murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, crime. It also applies to certain firearm offenses, specifically, the following:

• Possession of a Shotgun
• Possession of a Defaced Weapon
• Possession of a Weapon (Firearm) for an Unlawful Purpose
• Possession of a Firearm During Course of Committing a CDS Offense
• Unlawful Possession of a Machine Gun, Handgun, Rifle or Shotgun
• Certain Persons Not To Have A Weapon
• Manufacturing or Distributing a Firearm(s)
• Unlawful Possession of an Assault Firearm

When someone pleads or is found guilty of one of these offenses, for example, unlawful possession of any firearm, they face a mandatory period of parole ineligibility. The result is a requirement that you serve a state prison term, typically a minimum of 3 years, if you are found in possession of a handgun without a permit.

Toms River Criminal Attorney for Graves Act Charge

If you have been arrested or charged with a concealed weapon violation or other gun crime in Ocean County, you need to contact a knowledgeable weapons defense lawyer. The attorneys at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have successfully defended numerous individuals charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and other gun related charges falling within the Graves Act. We represent clients throughout the region in these cases including those arising in Berkeley, Lakehurst, Seaside Park, Point Pleasant and Stafford. Call us today to speak with an attorney on our staff in a free initial consultation.