Camden County Carrying a Handgun Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Carrying a handgun without a permit in Camden County is a serious crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b), a crimey of the second degree punishable by 5-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these charges. If you need a carrying a handgun lawyer near me Camden County, contact us as early as possible for a consultation.
New Jersey Law on Unlawful Handgun Possession
New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. The core statute governing unlawful carrying of a handgun is N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b). This law makes it a crime of the second degree for any person to knowingly have in their possession any handgun, including in a vehicle, without first having obtained a permit to carry the same. The law applies regardless of whether the gun is loaded or concealed. The statute is part of New Jersey’s full firearms regulatory scheme designed to severely restrict the possession and carrying of handguns outside of very limited, licensed circumstances.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the law is critical. You can review the official statute at the New Jersey Legislature website (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5). For information on court procedures and locations in Camden County, visit the Camden Vicinage Superior Court website.
Camden County Court Process for Gun Charges
In Camden County, gun charges are prosecuted aggressively in the Superior Court, Law Division. The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office has a dedicated unit for these cases. A key local procedural fact is that prosecutors often seek pretrial detention under New Jersey’s bail reform for second-degree gun charges, meaning you could be held in jail until trial. The process typically involves an initial detention hearing, extensive discovery, and intense plea negotiations or trial preparation.
- Arrest & Initial Hearing: You will be charged, and a detention hearing will be scheduled within 48 hours to determine if you will be released pending trial.
- Indictment: The case will be presented to a Grand Jury. If indicted, it proceeds in Superior Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will obtain all evidence (police reports, lab tests) and may file motions to suppress evidence if your rights were violated.
- Plea Negotiations: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. A skilled attorney can argue for a reduction in charges or a favorable plea offer.
- Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in the Camden County Courthouse.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, where arguments for mitigating the mandatory minimum can be made.
Potential Penalties for Carrying a Handgun in NJ
In Camden County, carrying a handgun without a permit is a second-degree crime carrying a mandatory minimum prison term and significant fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b)) | Crime of the 2nd Degree | 5-10 years in State Prison (with a mandatory minimum parole ineligibility period of 3½ years under the Graves Act) | Up to $150,000 | Loss of firearm purchaser ID card; permanent criminal record | Graves Act applies; parole ineligibility; potential federal charges if applicable. |
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 your defense. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of a second-degree gun charge and provide a focused, aggressive defense. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to fighting for every client.
Our Approach to Your Case
We begin by conducting a thorough investigation, challenging the legality of the stop, search, and seizure. Was there probable cause? Was the handgun found during a lawful search? We scrutinize police reports and procedures for constitutional violations. Our goal is to get charges dismissed or reduced. For an affordable carrying a handgun lawyer Camden County residents can trust to provide a vigorous defense, our firm offers clear fee structures and payment plans.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Camden County Gun Charge Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Camden County. We are accessible via I-76, Route 70, and the NJ Turnpike. If you are searching for a “carrying a handgun lawyer near me Camden County,” we are here to help. We serve Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, Haddonfield, Collingswood, Pennsauken, Winslow, Haddon Township, Berlin, and Lindenwold.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Carrying a Handgun Charge FAQs
Is carrying a handgun without a permit a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. Carrying a handgun without a permit is classified as a second-degree crime in New Jersey, which is equivalent to a felony. It carries a mandatory state prison sentence of 5 to 10 years under the Graves Act.
What is the Graves Act?
It depends on the specific firearm offense. The Graves Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6(c)) mandates a period of parole ineligibility for certain firearms crimes, including unlawful possession of a handgun. For a second-degree offense, it typically requires serving at least 3½ years in prison before becoming eligible for parole.
Can I get a permit to carry a handgun in New Jersey?
It depends on meeting strict criteria. Following recent changes in law, it is possible to apply for a permit, but you must demonstrate a “justifiable need” or meet other specific statutory exemptions. The process is demanding, and most self-defense claims do not qualify. An attorney can advise on your eligibility.
What are the defenses to a gun charge?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the police stop or search (Fourth Amendment violations), arguing lack of knowledge or possession, proving the firearm was inoperable, or asserting a valid exemption or permit. Each case is unique and requires a detailed analysis of the facts.
Should I speak to the police if I’m arrested?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely invoke both rights. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact a carrying a handgun lawyer Camden County residents rely on before making any statements.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Camden County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. 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 the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. 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 Handgun Defense Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Carrying a Handgun Defense Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Carrying a Handgun Defense Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.