A Paterson man who allegedly shot a 17-year-old young woman from Clifton recently entered a plea of not guilty to charges for attempted murder and weapons offenses in Passaic County Superior Court.
25-year-old Luis Polanco has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon in connection with the shooting of a Clifton girl, which occurred on May 30th of this year.
Polanco allegedly fired shots at a van located on Park Avenue in Paterson at approximately 2 o’ clock in the morning. The victim sustained a gun shot wound to the back but fortunately survived. Polanco, who is currently being held in lieu of bail amounting to $750,000 with no 10 percent option, pleaded not guilty in Passaic County Superior Court on Monday, June 22nd. He claims to have no prior knowledge or relationship with the victim.
As for the potential outcome of this case, even if Polanco is cleared of the attempted murder charges, he may still be found guilty of weapons possession if the State can prove that he was in possession of an unlicensed handgun. In New Jersey, illegal possession of a firearm is a serious crime, classified as a second degree felony under State law.
As such, those convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm can face mandatory prison time, with sentences ranging from 5 to 10 years. Additionally, these offenses are governed by the Graves Act, which requires the imposition of a minimum term of parole ineligibility fixed at, or between, one-third and one-half of a sentence imposed, or 3 years, whichever is greater.
For additional information related to this case, view the following article: Man accused of shooting Clifton girl, 17, pleads not guilty
