Possession Of Firearms By Minors

Kids and guns are considered a bad mix under New Jersey law.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-6.1, Possession of Firearms by Minors, it’s a felony for someone under the age of 18 to acquire, possess or use a firearm without supervision from an adult with proper licenses to possess or purchase firearms.

It’s also a felony for a person under the age of 21 to acquire, possess or use a handgun without supervision from an adult with proper licenses.

The statute creates exceptions for youth gun possession when parents, guardians and other permit holders are in the minor’s presence, a military drill where competent supervision is provided, a shooting competition, target practice, training or instruction, and for hunting, during hunting season, with a hunting license and after the completion of a hunter’s safety course.

Otherwise, your child may be facing a fourth degree charge, which can result in 18 months in jail and a fine of $10,000, as well a felony record that they’ll have to disclose on things like job and housing applications.

A person convicted may be barred from student loan programs and have a hard time being accepted into college and other career-track training programs.

Alleged violations of 2C:58-6.1 need to be taken seriously to safeguard your child’s future.

If your child has been charged with a firearms crime, call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer.

Looking for a great gift for your teen? In New Jersey, a firearm should probably not be on the list.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-6.1, Possession of Firearms by Minors, it is a crime of the fourth degree for a person under the age of 18 to acquire, possess, carry or use a firearm, and for a person under the age of 21 to acquire, possess, carry or use a handgun, except in situations where they are supervised by a permit holder, engaged in a properly supervised military drill, engaged in competition, target shooting, or instruction in a firing range and properly supervised, or lawfully hunting after completing a hunter’s safety course.

When a person under 18 acquires a firearm, or a person under 21 acquires a handgun outside of those circumstances, they run the risk of being charged with a felony.

If convicted of a crime of the fourth degree, your child can be sentenced to up to 18 months in jail and fined up to $10,000.

Perhaps more importantly, your child could be stuck with a felony record if convicted of Possession of Firearms by Minors, and that can cut them off from all kinds of life opportunities.

If you’re a hunter or a sport shooter and want to share that experience with your child, you’re not alone.

It’s important to be aware of laws like 2C:58-6.1 so you and your child can enjoy firearms safely and legally.

When you have problems, don’t take chances on police or prosecutors being understanding.

If your child has been charged with a crime, call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 and talk to an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney for free.