Hunterdon County Gun Lawyers

Skilled Team of Weapons Attorneys in Flemington, New Jersey

Gun Lawyers in Hunterdon County, New Jersey — Hunterdon County NJ Firearms Information

If you live in Hunterdon County New Jersey and you’ve been charged with a firearms offense or you are interested in legally obtaining a handgun, rifle or shotgun, the experienced weapons attorneys at the Tormey Law Firm are here to help. Firearms laws in New Jersey are strict and carry stiff penalties – it is a good idea to discuss your gun related issues with an experienced attorney who is familiar with New Jersey’s firearms laws. In addition, if you were involved in a domestic violence dispute and a gun was involved, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office may not only seize all of your firearms and your firearms identification purchaser card, but it may also charge you with criminal offenses that may result in jail time. The bottom line is that the weapons attorneys at the Tormey Law Firm are ready to assist you with any gun law issues in Hunterdon County, including in Readington, Flemington, Raritan, Clinton, Lambertville, Lebanon, Bethlehem, and East Amwell.

Our team of highly specialized gun lawyers possesses over 60 years of experience handling guns and weapons cases in New Jersey. Not only do we provide highly successful defense for illegal gun possession, certain persons offenses, assault weapons charges, possession of high-capacity magazines, and other weapons crimes, but we also assist clients with gun forfeiture hearings, appeals of denied gun permit applications, extreme risk protective orders, and expungements to obtain firearm permits. In fact one of our distinguished lawyers previously served on behalf of police departments and the State of New Jersey in gun permit appeal matters. Now, he brings this unique insight to the clients we represent when fighting for their Second Amendment Rights. If you need weapons defense or legal counsel in a gun matter, contact our offices now for immediate assistance at (201)-614-2474. The initial consultation is always provided free of charge.

Here is a review from one of the many satisfied clients of the Tormey Law Firm:

“Respectful. Attentive. Professional.”

5.0 stars

Posted by Adam

“I had never been in trouble with the law up until a few months ago. Although, not the most severe of crimes I was still worried of the potential ramifications (eg. possibly losing my job, unable to acquire a new position, embarrassment, etc.). Tormey Law Firm treated me with respect from the moment I spoke with him on the phone and was direct and concise on the possible outcomes and how we would proceed with the case. I was in a bind and they really helped me a lot! Particularly, Christopher Perry, he dealt specifically with my case and answered all of my one-million questions with patience and a smile. I could not be happier with the outcome. Thank you once again!”

Degrees of Weapons Charges Filed in Hunterdon County, New Jersey

Like all indictable offenses, weapons crimes are graded on a scale from 1 to 4 degrees, with 4 being the least serious. First-degree weapons convictions can land you in prison for 10 to 20 years, paying a fine of up to $200,000. Second degree charges entail five to ten years of imprisonment, paying up to $150,000 in fines. A weapons crime of the third degree is punishable by incarceration for three to five years, as well as the potential for paying up to $15,000 in fines. And fourth degree weapons charges come with a maximum of 18 months in state prison, plus paying up to $10,000 in fines.

However, weapons charges can be made less serious, when the charges and penalties are reduced or even dropped entirely. This is one of the reasons why hiring the right, experienced attorney is so important. A top Hunterdon County gun attorney at The Tormey Law Firm can argue on your behalf for a complete dismissal or a downgraded charge. We can also assist with preparing the best package for the prosecutor’s office to secure your enrollment in the Pre-Trial Intervention Program, which will ultimately lead to the charges being dismissed if you complete the terms.

The lawyers at our firm can help defend you against any of all weapons charges that you may face prosecution for by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s office, including:

Arrested with my gun, traveling through Hunterdon County NJ

We have represented a number of clients over the last few years who were arrested for possession of a gun in Hunterdon County NJ when they were driving through NJ with their gun in their car. These are often Pennsylvania residents who have their legally purchased Pennsylvania weapon in the vehicle but they are not transporting the weapon legally. To transport a weapon legally through the State of NJ, you must do the following:

Gun must be in the trunk
In a locked gun case
Unloaded, separate from the ammunition

Often, out of state residents are not familiar with NJ gun laws and these strict laws and policies on handguns and transporting them. As a result, they are arrested and charged with 2nd degree unlawful possession of a weapon. This is a serious felony charge in NJ punishable by 5-10 years in prison with a presumption of prison time, even for first time offenders. The typical plea offer is 5 years in prison, 42 months without parole under the Graves Act.

Can I apply for the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program for a Hunterdon County Firearm Offense?

On 2nd degree gun charges, you can only apply for the PTI program with the permission of the prosecutor’s office. However, for out of state residents who have no prior record and were traveling through NJ with their legally purchased weapon from their home state, the prosecutor’s office often allows the defendant to apply for PTI.

We put together a mitigating package in support of a Graves Act Waiver and PTI application known as a compelling reasons package. This package usually includes the following information:

Legal purchasing documents for the weapon (receipt from the store, affidavit from the person gun was legally purchased from)
Purchasing or carry permits from their home state
Proof of employment, employment records
Travel documents (why they were traveling to or through NJ)
Character references

This package is sent to the prosecutor to try to convince them to apply for a Graves Act waiver to avoid the mandatory prison time and parole ineligibility that usually accompanies a gun charge in NJ. It is also used to try to convince the prosecutor to allow the defendant into the PTI program. If the defendant is placed into PTI, they will be put on probation for usually 1-3 years and given some conditions to meet (community service, remain arrest free, forfeit the weapon, etc.). If they comply with their probationary conditions and successfully complete the PTI probation, the charges are dismissed at the end of it.

Notably, you can only use PTI or a diversionary program like it in NJ once in your life. In addition, when the charges are dismissed after PTI, the defendant has no criminal record. However, there is still a record of the arrest. Under NJ law, the defendant can apply for an expungement of the arrest record six (6) months after the case is dismissed from PTI.

Hunterdon County Superior Court, Criminal Division

The Criminal Division of the Hunterdon County Superior Court will handle any cases related to gun crimes alleged against you by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s office. The Hunterdon County Superior Court is located at 65 Park Avenue, Flemington, NJ 08822 and can be contacted at 908-750-8100. Visit the following for more information on the Hunterdon County Superior Court, which is part of the Hunterdon/Somerset/Warren Vicinage.

The presiding judge of the Criminal Division for Hunterdon, Somerset, and Warren Counties is the Honorable Peter J. Tober, P.J.Cr. The Criminal Division Manager is Meghann Lipovetskiy. The Hunterdon County Criminal Division Office can be contacted at 908-824-9750 ext. 13110. Access more information on the Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Vicinage Criminal Division.

Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office

The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office is located at 65 Park Avenue, Flemington, New Jersey 08822-0756, and can be contacted at 908-788-1129. For more information on the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s office, click the link. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s office will also manage the seizure and either the return or forfeiture of rifles, shotguns, and handguns confiscated as the result of a domestic violence incident or a gun crime.

Process for Seizing and Forfeiture of Weapons Based on Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in Hunterdon County NJ

If you had a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed against you in Hunterdon County, your guns must be seized by the police. They will then be transferred to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s office. If the restraining order becomes final, you will be prohibited from owning or possessing firearms permanently. However, if the restraining order is dismissed (voluntarily or after a trial), you may be able to have your guns returned to you. But this doesn’t automatically occur. The decision is up to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s office and they have 45 days to file a forfeiture action on your weapons or return them to you. If they file a forfeiture action, a forfeiture hearing will be scheduled at the Hunterdon County Superior Court within 45 days of the filing of the action. Our experience firearms attorneys are available to assist you with this forfeiture action and represent you at the forfeiture hearing in court. Contact us now to discuss your case in a free consultation.

Obtaining an FID Card or Concealed Carry Permit in Hunterdon County, New Jersey

People who reside in Hunterdon County have the option to apply for a gun permit at their local police department or to complete the application and submit it to the Chief of the New Jersey State Police. To find the contact information for the police department in your municipality in Hunterdon County, click here.

To learn more about the gun permit application process, visit our Gun Permit Process in NJ page.

Steps to Take if Your Gun Permit Application was Rejected in Hunterdon County

Those whose applications for firearms purchaser identification cards, handgun purchaser permits, and carry permits have been denied can file an appeal in Hunterdon County within 30 days. This appeal must be filed with the Hunterdon County Prosecutor, the NJ Superintendent of the State police, and the Chief of Police in the town where you reside. The gun permit appeal hearing will then be scheduled in the Hunterdon County Superior Court, usually within 30 days of your appeal being filed. If you need assistance filing a gun permit appeal and want representation at the gun permit appeal hearing in court, the seasoned attorneys at The Tormey Law Firm can diligently serve your needs. Our experienced firearms lawyers have literally handled hundreds of gun permit appeals over the years throughout NJ with tremendous success. Contact us anytime to speak with an attorney and get started on the process of your gun permit appeal. Remember, there is no time to waste, as you do not want to miss the opportunity to appeal because the time to file expired.

Ranges and Sports Shops in Hunterdon County

If you’re looking to go shooting or purchase a rifle, shotgun, or handgun in Hunterdon County, check out the following ranges and sport shops:

Tactical Training Center, LLC 10 Minneakoning Rd., Flemington, NJ 08822, 908-782-9000
Clinton WMA Route 173 W, Clinton, NJ 08809, 973-383-0918
Farmers Sportsmans Club 300 Ellis Road, Milford NJ, 08848, 908-996-4862

Consult a Gun Attorney in Hunterdon County, NJ about Your Particular Weapons Matter

If you are having trouble legally acquiring a gun permit, help is available from attorneys specialized in gun law procedures. We assist with firearm permit appeals, ERPO hearings, weapons forfeiture matters, and provide defense representation for weapons offenses throughout Hunterdon County, including in Alexandria, Holland, Flemington, Kingwood, West Amwell, and Delaware Township. Call (201)-614-2474 for a free consultation with one of our attorneys anytime, day or night. A member of our team is ready to discuss your particular gun-related issue and to explore the best approach to protecting your interests.