According to authorities, a city man in Paterson was arrested after throwing a handgun into a pool. Police approached a group of people who were allegedly playing loud music and drinking in public at School 26 at around 11:15pm. When police approached the group, 26 year-old Daniel Morgan allegedly broke away from the group and attempted to hide behind a parked car. Morgan Allegedly tried to hide a gun in his waistband. Once police approached him, he began to run on 11th Avenue towards East 31st Street. During the chase, he allegedly tossed the gun over a fence into the backyard of 500 11th Avenue.
When police caught up with him, he was placed under arrest. The officers then went back to where the suspect threw the weapon and recovered the .40 caliber handgun in the bottom of a pool in a backyard. The weapon was sent to New Jersey State Ballistics Laboratory to determine if it was used to commit other crimes. Click here to read more at www.patersontimes.com.
The state of new jersey handles unlawful possession of a weapon cases very seriously and the penalties 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 a loved one is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately especially given the potential jail time if convicted. Former Morris County Prosecutor, Alissa D. Hascup is skilled and experienced at defending countless individuals charged with weapons offenses throughout the state of New Jersey. She is committed to ensuring your rights are protected and 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.
