Camden County Carrying a Pistol Without a License Lawyer — What Are Your Options?
Carrying a pistol without a permit in New Jersey is a second-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b), punishable by 5-10 years in prison. In Camden County, these charges are prosecuted aggressively in the Superior Court. If you are charged, you need a carrying a pistol without a license lawyer Camden County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Law on Unlicensed Firearm Possession
New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. The statute governing unlicensed carry is N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b). It states that any person who knowingly has in their possession a handgun, including a pistol, without first having obtained a permit to carry it is guilty of a crime of the second degree. There are very limited exceptions, such as for certain law enforcement officers or while on your own premises or fixed place of business. The law does not distinguish between a loaded or unloaded firearm; mere possession without the proper permit is the offense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b) (official New Jersey Legislature site). For court procedures and forms in Camden County, visit the Camden Vicinage website.
Camden County Court Process for Gun Charges
In Camden County, charges for carrying a pistol without a license are heard in the Superior Court, Law Division – Criminal Part. These are indictable offenses (the equivalent of felonies in other states), meaning your case will start with a complaint and go through a grand jury. Prosecutors in Camden Vicinage often seek severe penalties for gun crimes, especially in areas with heightened law enforcement focus. The court process is formal and demanding, requiring a defense strategy that begins at the earliest possible stage.
- Initial Arrest & Complaint: You will be charged via a complaint and held for a first appearance before a judge.
- Detention Hearing: Under New Jersey’s bail reform, the court will hold a hearing to determine if you will be released pretrial or detained.
- Grand Jury Presentation: The prosecutor will present evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment.
- Pre-Indictment Plea Negotiations: Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor before indictment, which is often a critical window.
- Post-Indictment Proceedings: If indicted, the case proceeds to discovery, motions, and potentially trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows state guidelines, with mandatory minimum periods of parole ineligibility for certain offenses.
Potential Penalties for Unlicensed Carry in NJ
In Camden County, carrying a pistol without a license is a second-degree crime carrying a state prison sentence of 5 to 10 years, with a mandatory minimum period of parole ineligibility of 42 months under the Graves Act if the gun was possessed for an unlawful purpose.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b)) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years State Prison | Up to $150,000 | Loss of Firearm Purchaser ID; future permit denial | Graves Act parole disqualifier (42 months min); permanent criminal record; loss of voting rights while incarcerated. |
| Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4(a)) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years State Prison | Up to $150,000 | Same as above | Mandatory Graves Act sentencing; often charged alongside 2C:39-5(b). |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Camden County Gun Charge
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of second-degree gun charges in New Jersey and provide a defense focused on challenging the legality of the search, the intent element of the charge, and negotiating for reduced charges or alternative programs where possible.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific case results in Camden County for this charge are not publicly listed, our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in serious weapon possession cases across New Jersey. These outcomes have included motions to suppress evidence skilled to dismissed charges, negotiations to reduce felony-level indictments to disorderly persons offenses, and successful arguments at detention hearings. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact a Carrying a Pistol Without a License Lawyer Near Me Camden County
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Camden County, including Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, and Haddonfield. We are familiar with the courts and prosecutors in the Camden Vicinage. If you need an affordable carrying a pistol without a license lawyer Camden County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations. Meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Carrying a Pistol Without a License in Camden County
Is carrying a pistol without a permit a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. In New Jersey, it is classified as a second-degree crime, which is equivalent to a felony. It carries a potential sentence of 5 to 10 years in state prison.
What is the Graves Act?
It depends on the circumstances. The Graves Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6(c)) mandates a period of parole ineligibility for certain firearm offenses. If you are convicted of carrying a handgun without a permit and it is deemed you possessed it for an unlawful purpose, a mandatory minimum of 42 months in prison without parole applies.
Can I get a gun charge reduced in Camden County?
It depends on the facts of your case, your criminal history, and the strength of the evidence. An experienced attorney can negotiate with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office for a reduction to a lesser charge, such as a disorderly persons offense, or seek admission into a Pretrial Intervention (PTI) program, which could lead to dismissal.
What should I do if I’m arrested for this charge?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the circumstances with law enforcement. Contact a criminal defense attorney who handles gun charges in New Jersey as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
How can a lawyer help with a carrying a pistol without a license charge?
A lawyer can challenge the legality of the stop and search that led to the discovery of the gun, argue for your pretrial release, negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss charges, file motions to suppress evidence, and represent you at trial. Early intervention is critical.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Burlington County and Gloucester County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Camden County Drug Possession Lawyer or Camden County Assault Lawyer pages.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your carrying a pistol without a license charge in Camden County.
If your case reaches beyond Camden County, our page on carrying a pistol without a license charges across New Jersey sets out what to look for at each stage.
Your case in Camden County, New Jersey
DWI and traffic charges are heard first in the municipal court for the town where the stop occurred; appeals go to the Law Division of the county Superior Court. In Camden County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103, telephone (856) 379-2200, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 (driving while intoxicated) within N.J.S.A. Title 39, the motor vehicle and traffic code. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Camden County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Camden County NJ lawyers directory · Carrying a Pistol without a License Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Carrying a Pistol without a License Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Carrying a Pistol without a License Lawyer Monmouth County.