Gun Lawyer Washington Township NJ

Is An Unloaded Gun Is Considered to Be a Deadly Weapon in Washington Township NJ

When it comes to gun laws, having an unloaded gun may seem harmless. However, one must understand that regardless of the intent behind possessing a firearm, keeping an unloaded weapon may still be considered a deadly weapon in Washington Township, NJ. Having knowledge about your firearm and the state’s firearms laws is important for safeguarding yourself and those around you from dangerous situations.

In this blog post we will look at whether being in possession of an unloaded handgun is equivalent to carrying a deadly weapon in Washington Township NJ. We will also explore the legislation defining what makes up possession of a dangerous weapon and provide detailed insights on how to make sure you remain compliant with existing statutes when handling any type of firearm in NJ.

What is Deadly Weapon and How Does it Apply in Washington Township NJ?

In the state of New Jersey, a deadly weapon is defined as a firearm that has been loaded, or any other instrument, device, article or substance readily capable of causing death. This definition was established by the court ruling in State v. Sprinkle, which held that an unloaded gun could still be considered a deadly weapon if it could be loaded, rendering it capable of causing death.

In Washington Township NJ, an unloaded gun is considered to be a deadly weapon for criminal conviction. According to New Jersey state law, anyone who possesses or attempts to use an unloaded gun as a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime can be charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. If convicted, they may face up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of $15,000.

Other Weapons That May Be Considered Deadly in Washington Township NJ

Apart from firearms, knives can also be considered deadly weapons in Washington Township NJ. According to the state’s criminal code, any device with a blade longer than 4 inches can be considered a deadly weapon. Clubs, bats, and other objects that are not necessarily designed as weapons may also be classified as deadly weapons if they are used to attempt to cause serious bodily injury or death.

The Possession of Deadly Weapons in Washington Township NJ

In Washington Township, NJ, being in possession of a deadly weapon can carry serious legal implications. This is especially true when it comes to unloaded guns, even if the weapon is not loaded, any individual found in possession of a firearm intending to use it against another person is still considered guilty of an offense.

Depending on the type and circumstances of the weapon, as well as any prior convictions or criminal history held by the individual in question, these offenses can range from misdemeanors to felonies. In addition to potential fines and jail time, individuals convicted of carrying an unloaded gun may also face lifetime bans from owning firearms and loss of certain rights like voting privileges.

Possessing a dangerous weapon like an unloaded gun can have long-term effects on a person’s ability to gain employment or apply for housing or education opportunities.

Conclusion

In Washington Township NJ, an unloaded gun is considered to be a deadly weapon, and possessing or attempting to use one can result in criminal prosecution. It’s important to understand the laws governing the possession of firearms, as well as other objects that may be classified as deadly weapons, such as knives and clubs. Knowing your rights and responsibilities under the law will help ensure you stay safe and out of trouble.

If you or anyone you know has been charged with a crime involving an unloaded firearm, do not hesitate to Contact an experienced gun lawyer in Washington Township NJ, Evan Nappen. Call (732) 389-8888.