Trenton, New Jersey, experienced a double shooting in early July near Prospect Street and Stuyvesant Avenue. Both victims were teenagers, including Dion Ellis, who worked as a lifeguard with the city. Ellis was pronounced dead at the scene of the crime. The other teen was taken to the hospital with wound injuries to his leg.
The Trenton Police Department is currently investigating the crime in an attempt to find out what led to the death of one of Trenton’s teens and a serious injury of another teen. They are also asking that anyone with information come forward by contacting the Homicide Task Force as soon as possible.
What To Do If You’re Charged With a Weapons Charge in New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the toughest states in the country when it comes to potential consequences for weapons charges. The details of the charges will dictate the consequences and may include:
- Prison time
- Legal fines
- A permanent criminal record
- Probation or parole time
The potential legal consequences vary, usually depending on the degree of charges. Degrees are determined by the type of weapon and the details of the charges. A weapons charge that involves murder will likely lead to first-degree charges. While weapons charges of the first degree may lead to up to 10 years of prison time, murder can lead to up to 30 years of prison time to a life sentence in prison.
New Jersey has harsh consequences in place to prevent weapons crimes like the one discussed here.
Potential Defenses for a Weapons Crime
Whether or not you qualify for any of the available defenses will depend on the details of your charges. Here are a few of the most common weapons defenses:
- Illegal search and seizure: Police must typically have a search warrant or reasonable cause to uncover certain items. If they do not, the case may be dismissed.
- Possession was not illegal: New Jersey law does allow, in some cases, homeowners to have a weapon in their home. However, the laws are in-depth, and this requires careful consideration to see if it applies.
It is the prosecutor’s duty to prove beyond any reasonable doubt. If there is any reasonable doubt present, we may argue that the charges should be dropped.
Potential for Intervention Programs
New Jersey does have certain programs, like a Pre-Trial Intervention Program, which may be available to some defendants of weapons charges. However, only some defendants will qualify for this program, so it is important to work closely with a criminal defense lawyer to learn your defense options.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with potential weapons charges in New Jersey, it is important that you reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Weapons charges in New Jersey are strict. You could be met with jail time or a permanent criminal record. Even once released from jail, you may find it hard to find employment or housing. You need a lawyer to consider your options.
Contact an Experienced Trenton Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Weapons Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with weapons charges in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at The Davis Law Firm, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with weapons charges in Trenton, Princeton, East Windsor, West Windsor, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 498-7722 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 2653 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
