Somerville Weapons & Firearms Offense Attorney
Weapons and firearms allegations in New Jersey are taken seriously and can carry harsh mandatory penalties. A traffic stop, a misunderstanding about permits, or a weapon discovered during another investigation can quickly turn into felony-level charges. As a Somerville weapons offense attorney, Christopher G. Olsen defends people facing gun and weapons charges in Somerville and courts throughout Somerset, Morris, and Middlesex Counties.
From your first call, you work directly with Christopher. He explains what the charges mean, how New Jersey treats weapons offenses, and where there may be room to challenge the state’s case or limit the consequences.
Charged With a Weapons or Firearms Offense in New Jersey?
Weapons charges can arise in many different ways: a legally owned gun that is not transported the way New Jersey requires, a weapon found during a traffic stop, or an accusation that a firearm was used or threatened during a separate incident. You may be worried about jail time, losing your ability to own or carry firearms in the future, and how a conviction will affect your job and record.
New Jersey’s weapons and firearms laws are complex and often unforgiving, but that does not mean every case is hopeless. Christopher carefully reviews how the police came into contact with the weapon, whether the state can prove you possessed it under the law, and whether the charges and enhancements have been applied correctly. He also looks for options that may reduce exposure to mandatory penalties where possible.
Common New Jersey Weapons and Firearms Matters We Handle
Unlawful Possession of a Handgun or Firearm
A temporary restraining order can be issued quickly and set for a final hearing on short notice. Christopher prepares you for that hearing, gathers documents and witnesses when appropriate, and challenges the allegations through cross-examination and legal argument.
Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
In some cases, the state claims that a weapon — including a firearm — was possessed or used for an “unlawful purpose,” such as during an alleged assault, robbery, or domestic incident. Christopher looks closely at the underlying accusations, challenges the state’s interpretation of events, and works to separate mere possession from any claimed unlawful intent whenever the facts allow.
Weapons Discovered During Traffic Stops or Vehicle Searches
Weapons charges often begin with a simple traffic stop that leads to a vehicle search. Christopher evaluates whether the officer had a lawful basis to stop the vehicle, extend the encounter, or search the car. If your constitutional rights were violated, he may pursue motions to suppress the firearm or other evidence.
Out-of-State Gun Owners Charged Under New Jersey Law
Visitors and people traveling through New Jersey may be charged even when they believed they were complying with the law based on rules in another state. Christopher helps you understand how New Jersey’s approach differs, examines whether any defenses or special considerations may apply, and works to limit the long-term impact of a single mistake.
Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons / Prohibited-Person Cases
Some people are prohibited from possessing weapons because of prior convictions, restraining orders, or other legal restrictions. Alleged violations can lead to serious new charges. Christopher reviews your history, the basis for any “certain persons” status, and whether the state can prove that you knowingly violated the restriction.
Weapons Allegations Connected to Domestic Violence or Other Charges
A firearm or other weapon may be alleged in connection with domestic violence claims, drug cases, or other criminal accusations. These cases can involve overlapping court proceedings and potential enhancements. Christopher coordinates your defense across all related matters to protect your overall interests.
What To Expect From Your New Jersey Weapons and Firearms Defense
Weapons and firearms cases require both careful legal analysis and practical judgment about risk. Christopher’s approach is thorough, straightforward, and focused on the outcome that matters most to you.
You can expect:
- A detailed review of the stop, search, and seizure
Christopher examines why officers approached you, how the weapon was discovered, what basis they claimed for any search, and whether your constitutional rights were respected. Problems with the stop or search can become the foundation for motions to exclude key evidence. - Careful evaluation of possession and ownership issues
A weapon found in a car, home, or shared space does not automatically prove that one person possessed it under the law. Christopher analyzes who had access and control, what the surrounding circumstances were, and whether the state can truly link the weapon to you. - Clear explanations of potential penalties and exposure
Weapons and firearms charges often carry significant sentencing exposure and, in some situations, mandatory periods of incarceration. Christopher breaks down what the law says in plain language and helps you understand realistic risks before you make any decisions. - Honest discussion of your options
From challenging the charges through motions or trial to negotiating a resolution that reduces penalties, Christopher outlines the possible paths and the pros and cons of each in your situation. You stay informed and involved in every major decision. - Attention to collateral consequences
Weapons convictions can affect future gun ownership, employment, licensing, and immigration status. Where appropriate, Christopher structures defense strategies with these broader consequences in mind.
Key Factors That Influence New Jersey Weapons Cases
| Factor | Why It Matters | How a Defense Lawyer Uses It |
|---|---|---|
| Type of weapon involved | Handguns, rifles, shotguns, and other weapons may be treated differently under the law. | Your lawyer evaluates how the specific weapon is classified and whether the correct statutes and charges have been applied. |
| Location and circumstances | Where and how the weapon was found — in a vehicle, home, public place, or during another alleged crime — changes how the case is viewed. | By carefully reconstructing the circumstances, your lawyer can challenge the state’s version of events and highlight facts that support your defense. |
| Permit, licensing, or prior ownership status | Whether you had valid permits elsewhere, or believed you were transporting lawfully, can affect both the legal and practical aspects of the case. | Your lawyer uses these details to contest intent, negotiate with prosecutors, and argue for outcomes that reflect the reality of what you knew and intended. |
| Prior record and related charges | Prior convictions, pending cases, or accompanying allegations (such as assault or drug charges) can change potential penalties. | A defense strategy may involve addressing multiple cases at once, challenging enhancements, or seeking resolutions that minimize long-term consequences. |
No two weapons cases are the same, but certain factors appear again and again. Understanding them can help you see why early legal advice matters. If your weapons case is connected to other criminal allegations — such as drug charges, domestic violence claims, or theft accusations — it is important to have a strategy that takes all of your pending matters into account, not just one case in isolation.
Common Questions About New Jersey Weapons and Firearms Charges
How serious are weapons charges in New Jersey?
Weapons and firearms charges in New Jersey are treated as serious offenses and can expose you to significant fines, probation, and in some situations mandatory jail or prison time. The exact seriousness depends on the type of weapon, where it was found, your prior record, and whether other allegations are involved. Christopher reviews these factors with you so you understand your realistic risk, not just the worst-case scenario.
I legally own my firearm in another state. Why was I charged in New Jersey?
Gun laws vary widely from state to state. Being licensed or permitted to own or carry a firearm elsewhere does not automatically mean you are in compliance with New Jersey’s rules. However, your good-faith belief that you were following the law and the way you transported the firearm can still be important in building a defense and negotiating an outcome. Christopher helps you explain that context to the court and the prosecutor.
The weapon was found in a shared car or home. Can I still be convicted?
It is possible to be charged even when a weapon is found in a shared space, but the state still has to prove that you possessed it under New Jersey law — typically meaning you had knowledge of and control over the weapon. Christopher analyzes the facts to challenge the state’s evidence of possession and to highlight reasonable doubt when the situation is unclear or shared.
What is the difference between unlawful possession and possession for an unlawful purpose?
Unlawful possession generally focuses on whether you were allowed to have the weapon at all or in the way it was possessed. Possession for an unlawful purpose alleges that the weapon was used, or intended to be used, to commit another crime. The second type of charge often carries different and sometimes more serious consequences. Christopher examines whether the facts truly support both charges or whether the state is overreaching.
Will a weapons conviction affect my ability to own guns in the future?
A weapons or firearms conviction can have long-term effects on your ability to legally own, possess, or purchase firearms, in New Jersey and potentially elsewhere. The specific impact depends on the type of conviction, your history, and evolving laws. During a consultation, Christopher can explain the likely consequences in your situation and how different case outcomes may affect your rights going forward.
Facing a Weapons or Firearms Charge in Somerville or Central New Jersey?
A weapons or firearms charge can change the course of your life — but you still have choices to make and rights to protect. Working with a Somerville weapons offense lawyer who focuses on criminal defense and understands local courts can make a meaningful difference in how your case is handled.
If you or someone you care about is facing weapons or firearms allegations in Somerset, Morris, or Middlesex Counties, contact Christopher to discuss what happened, what concerns you most, and what options may be available.