Governor Phil Murphy has introduced new gun laws to New Jersey, which were deemed constitutional by Federal Courts. Specifically, in June 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation which gave gun owners until December 2018 to sell, modify, destroy, or turn over to police any gun magazines that can hold more than ten (10) rounds.
According to groups such as the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, a total of about 1 million people in the state of New Jersey are gun-owners. The State argued that the stricter law will mitigate death tolls in mass shootings. Further, The U.S. District Court handed down the ruling that the law does not “prevent ownership of any type of gun and does not restrict the quantity of ammunition a gun owner may possess.” Rather, it “merely restricts the quantity of bullets a magazine may hold.” Click here to read more at www.nj.com.
The bill also designates a semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds as a prohibited assault firearm. The bill, however, allows retired police officers to possess and carry a handgun and to continue to possess and carry a magazine capable of holding up to 15 rounds.
***The bill’s provisions became effective in June 2018, but allowed for a 180-day grace period to transfer, render inoperable, or voluntarily surrender a semi-automatic rifle or magazine that will be unlawful under the bill. Click here to read more about the law at www.njleg.state.nj.us.
If you have not yet properly disposed of your large capacity magazines, you may find yourself or a loved one in the situation of being charged with unlawful possession of a weapon which, in New Jersey, is a crime of the second degree. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of between 5 and 10 years in New Jersey State Prison. Alissa D. Hascup, former Morris County Prosecutor is skilled at fighting gun cases in court and she is committed to protecting your rights. With your freedom at stake, it’s important to speak with an attorney immediately. Contact her office for a free consultation about your case, she is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
