According to authorities in Paterson, a city man has been arrested after allegedly throwing a handgun out the window of his car and hitting a police officer. According to public safety director, Jerry Speziale, on Saturday, police approached a suspicious vehicle parked with headlights on in the area of West Broadway and Christopher Columbus Drive. Police were searching for a vehicle in the area that contained four men with guns.
When police approached the vehicle, the driver’s side door swung open and they noticed marijuana and money. Police then ordered the passenger to show hands, and he allegedly threw a semi-automatic handgun loaded with hollow-point ammunition out the window hitting an officer’s elbow. Police recovered the weapon and also recovered cash and bags of marijuana that were scattered throughout the ground. The suspect, 20 year-old Samuel Zarzuela was charged with weapons offenses. Click here to read more at www.patersontimes.com.
The state of New Jersey has very strict gun laws and penalties for unlawful possession of a weapon can be severe. Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 penalties:
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 a loved one is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately because your freedom is at stake. Former Morris County Prosecutor, Alissa D. Hascup is skilled and experienced at defending countless individuals charged with unlawful possession of a weapon. She is committed to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Contact her office for a free consultation. She is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
