Trusted Gun Crime Attorney in Plainfield, NJ
Being charged with a gun crime in Plainfield can upend your life, leaving you facing an uncertain future and the possible loss of your freedom. Whether you are facing accusations that you unlawfully possessed a gun, used one while committing an alleged crime, or violated another state firearm law, your first step should be to hire a Plainfield gun crime lawyer to manage your case and seek an outcome that safeguards your future.
Dedicated Criminal Defense Serving Union County
At the Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss, we bring 20 years of experience to complex criminal matters. Our founding attorney focuses exclusively on criminal law and serves communities throughout Union County. He is a New Jersey Certified Municipal Court Trial Attorney with a reputation for directness and competence. We understand that potential clients come to us seeking favorable outcomes to complex cases.
When you secure representation from our firm, you gain support from a results-driven attorney who will take the time to scrutinize the evidence and tailor the right defense strategy to your situation, without passing your case off to assistants or paralegals. We are proud of our many positive reviews, numerous past awards, and deep roots in the community. Trust our dedicated legal team to provide you with the focused support your case deserves.
Past awards and recognitions are not guarantees of future outcomes. Criteria vary by organization.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Plainfield
There are many reasons why someone may be arrested and charged with a gun crime in Plainfield, New Jersey. The overall crime rate in the city is 18.90 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, and gun crimes contribute to those figures. Shootings in New Jersey fell to a record low in 2025, with 559 people reportedly shot that year compared with 778 the year prior. Still, law enforcement remains vigilant for gun crimes.
Common gun-related offenses in Plainfield include:
- Unlawful possession of a handgun without the required permit
- Possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose
- Unlawful possession of a prohibited weapon or device
- Illegal possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines
- Unlawful transportation or transfer of a firearm
Certain individuals are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms under New Jersey law, including people with disqualifying criminal convictions, certain domestic violence restraining orders, or other disqualifying circumstances. If they are found in possession of a firearm, they may be arrested and charged with a serious criminal offense. After an arrest, suspects are typically taken to Union County Jail, located at 15 Elizabethtown Place in Elizabeth.
Defense Strategies for Contesting Criminal Charges
Finding the right defense strategy begins by thoroughly examining the evidence and understanding the accusations someone is facing. One defense may involve challenging whether the defendant actually possessed the firearm or even knew it was near them. If prosecutors cannot prove criminal intent or prove every element of the offense, that could weaken their case. Unreliable eyewitnesses or informants could also support the defense’s position.
Pointing a gun at someone or even discharging a firearm toward an individual could potentially be justified if the accused party was acting in self-defense. By questioning the evidence and casting doubt on the state’s case, the right defense could potentially lead to a favorable outcome through plea bargaining, reduced charges, or even a case dismissal.
Why You Should Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer
The decision to hire a gun crime lawyer can protect you from becoming one of the 23,000 people serving time behind bars in New Jersey. Being arrested for a gun crime near Greenbrook Road, near College Achieve Central Charter School, or elsewhere in Plainfield can lead to serious legal challenges. When you work with a knowledgeable Plainfield gun crime attorney, you can potentially avoid the serious and life-altering consequences of a conviction.
Defense attorneys understand gun crime laws and how to carefully manage your gun crime case. Whether the case resolves through plea bargaining, dropped charges, or trial, their unwavering support can play a key role in protecting your rights and safeguarding your freedom.
FAQs
What Is Considered a Gun Crime in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, any offense under the state’s penal code that involves a firearm is considered a gun crime. Possessing a firearm while committing an offense can lead to gun-related aggravated factors that could increase the severity of the punishments someone faces. Gun crimes are taken very seriously, and a conviction for this type of offense could lead to confinement in jail, the loss of gun rights, significant fines, and other serious consequences.
What Are the Penalties for Illegal Gun Possession in New Jersey?
The penalties for illegal gun possession in New Jersey depend on the type of offense someone is accused of committing and the presence of any aggravating factors. A conviction for a misdemeanor can lead to shorter-term confinement in jail, while a felony offense could potentially lead to long-term imprisonment. Other penalties could include fines and the loss of gun rights. Being placed on probation can come with significant restrictions as well.
What Happens if You Are Caught With a Gun in New Jersey?
What happens if you are caught with a gun in New Jersey depends on whether you are lawfully allowed to possess a gun and where you brought the firearm. Even someone who does not have restrictions on their gun rights could be arrested and charged with a crime if they bring a firearm into a government building or another place where firearms are prohibited.
Can Gun Crime Charges Be Dismissed in New Jersey?
Yes, gun crime charges can be dismissed in New Jersey when the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove their case, key evidence is suppressed, or the facts do not support the charges. For example, findings that law enforcement failed to obtain a valid search warrant could lead to evidence being excluded from a case. These favorable outcomes typically result from the defense taking a focused and strategic approach to chipping away at the state’s case.
If You Are Facing Gun Crime Charges, Contact The Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss Today
A gun crime conviction can carry severe penalties that may affect your freedom, future, and firearm rights. At the Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss, we bring 20 years of experience to complex criminal cases. When you work with our firm, your case is handled directly by our founding attorney, not assistants or paralegals.
Our dedicated criminal defense attorney can carefully examine the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Trust our team to provide the focused, results-driven representation you deserve. Contact the Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss today to schedule a consultation.
