Being charged with a crime in New Jersey can lead to severe consequences that may threaten your peace of mind, your relationships, and your freedom. If you are facing criminal charges, the moment to act is now. Retain the services of a criminal defense attorney with the necessary experience, skill, and knowledge to uphold your rights as a defendant.
To learn more about your case in a free, confidential consultation, call The Law Offices of John J. Zarych today at (609) 616-4956.
What is a Felony Discharge of a Firearm?
The felony discharge of a firearm can carry serious consequences for a defendant. According to New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice 2C:39-1, a firearm refers to any handgun, rifle, shotgun, and other type of weapon from which a projectile stored in a cartridge can be fired. This definition also includes air guns, spring guns, compressed gas guns, and other similar weapons.
According to Code of Criminal Justice 2C:39-3, there are many prohibited weapons and devices within the state. Possession, sale, or use of these weapons can carry severe consequences for a defendant. Some of the banned weapons and devices prohibited by the statute include:
- Destructive devices
- Sawed-off shotguns
- Body armor penetrating bullets
- Silencers
A felony discharge of a firearm entails firing any weapon defined by 2C:39 and 39-1. To avoid problems with the law, you should make sure to comply with NJ’s laws and regulations pertaining to the possession of a firearm. If you or someone you know has been charged with this crime, you need immediate legal assistance. Our criminal defense lawyers can help.
What Happens if I Discharge a Weapon in Atlantic City?
Atlantic City specifically prohibits discharging any pistol, firearm, or weapon according to NJ regulation within its city limits. This means that no person other than those authorized by the state, such as law enforcement personnel, are allowed to discharge a weapon in Atlantic City.
Criminal Penalties for Crimes in Atlantic County
New Jersey imposes different criminal penalties depending on the specific circumstances surrounding your case. If convicted of a crime, you may face one of the following consequences:
Fourth-Degree Crimes
Fourth-degree crimes are minor offenses compared to other types of crimes. However, they still have the potential for penalties and jail time. If convicted of a fourth-degree crime, you can face up to 18 months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Common examples of fourth-degree crimes include shoplifting, lewdness, and criminal mischief.
Third-Degree Crimes
Third-degree crimes are less severe than a first- or second-degree crime. However, they can still turn your life upside down if found guilty. Third-degree crimes are punishable with up to 5 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. Terroristic threats, burglary, aggravated assault, and credit card fraud are all examples of third-degree crimes in NJ.
Second Degree Crimes
Second-degree crimes include some of the most serious charges a person can face. The legal consequences associated with this type of crime can carry severe penalties. If convicted of a second-degree crime, you may face up to 10 years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines. Examples of second-degree crimes include sexual assault, manslaughter, and money laundering.
First Degree Crimes
First-degree crimes are the most punishing charges you can face. If convicted, and depending on the extent and severity of the offense, you may face up to life in prison, and up to $200,000 in fines. Murder, armed robbery, and arson are typical examples of first-degree crimes.
Felony discharge of a firearm is considered a disorderly person offense in NJ, which is punishable by up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines. However, your charges can quickly escalate if, by detonating a firearm, you seriously injure or kill another person. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case – and separate from any potential penalties like the ones discussed above – your conviction could appear in your criminal history, which can make things like finding a job or house extremely challenging. If you are facing a weapons charge, you need to act quickly. A skilled New Jersey criminal defense lawyer can help guide you through the entire criminal process.
Our Lawyers Can Help if You Were Charged with Discharging a Firearm in Atlantic County
The legal, social, and emotional consequences associated with a criminal conviction can impact the lives of the defendants, their families, and their loved ones. If you or a loved one have been charged with felony discharge of a firearm in Atlantic City or anywhere in New Jersey, we may be able to help. To discuss the details of your case in a free, confidential consultation with one of our experienced lawyers, call The Law Offices of John J. Zarych today at (609) 616-4956.