According to authorities, a convicted felon was arrested again in Paterson on November 3, 2020. Police allege that 36 year-old Julio Rivera was adjusting a handgun in his waistband while walking across the street. Police approached the double-parked vehicle that he entered on Jasper & Street and Union Avenue. Police patted him down and recovered a loaded gun that had a 12-round magazine inside. He also had 30 glassine baggies of heroin. He was charged with three weapons and three drug offenses. He also has a prior conviction for a gun possession charge which happened in the same area three years earlier. Judge Karaszegi in Passaic County ordered Rivera to be detained in the Passaic County Jail pending resolution of the charges. Click here to read more at www.patersontimes.com.
The state of New Jersey handles unlawful possession of a weapon charges very seriously. The penalties if convicted can be severe. Subsections (a), (b), and (c) of the statute are subject to sentencing under the Graves Act, meaning that an individual convicted of such an offense must be sentenced to a term of imprisonment with a minimum term of parole ineligibility fixed at, or between, one-third to one-half of a sentence imposed, or 3 years, whichever is greater.
A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of between 5 and 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.
If you or someone you know is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately because your freedom is at stake. Former Morris County Prosecutor, Alissa D. Hascup is skilled and experienced at defending countless individuals charged with possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose. She is committed to ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Contact her office for a free consultation about your case. She is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
