Gun Charges Defense Attorney in Bridgewater

Facing Gun Charges in Bridgewater? Here’s How We Can Help

If you have been accused of a gun crime in Bridgewater, NJ, you might be unsure who to trust, how local laws may affect your future, or what steps you need to take to protect yourself. At Roberts & Teeter, LLC, we understand just how much is at stake when you are facing criminal penalties, including jail time, fines, and the loss of your rights.

Our attorneys, Michael Brett Roberts and Matthew Teeter, personally handle every gun charges case we accept. We do not hand cases over to junior staff or paralegals. From your first consultation through the end of your defense, you will work directly with a lawyer committed to providing clear communication, careful case evaluation, and a client-focused approach. 

This is the advantage of working with a boutique criminal defense law firm rooted in Bridgewater and deeply familiar with how gun laws are applied in the Somerset County justice system.

Don't face the Graves Act alone. Contact a gun charges defense attorney in Bridgewater immediately for a confidential consultation. Call us at (732) 607-5553 or contact us online now.

The Gravity of Gun Charges in New Jersey

The most significant threat in any New Jersey gun case is the application of the Graves Act. Enacted to mandate stiff sentences for firearm offenses, this law removes judicial discretion and imposes mandatory minimum prison terms with significant periods of parole ineligibility.

How the Graves Act Impacts Your Case

The Graves Act applies to a comprehensive list of serious criminal offenses when committed with a firearm, and most importantly, it applies to charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

• Mandatory Minimums: For a Second or Third-Degree crime under the Graves Act, the judge must impose a sentence that includes a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment equal to one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed, or 42 months (3.5 years), whichever is greater, before being eligible for parole.
• First-Time Offenders: This mandatory prison time applies even to first-time offenders with no prior criminal history. The minimum cannot be reduced or suspended by the judge alone.
• Out-of-State Carry: Simply driving through New Jersey with a handgun legally carried in another state, without a New Jersey PCH, is often prosecuted as Unlawful Possession of a Handgun (a Second-Degree crime), subjecting the driver to the Graves Act.

Fighting a Graves Act case requires a dedicated gun charges defense attorney in Bridgewater whose sole focus is dismantling the State's case and securing a waiver of the mandatory minimum.

Common Gun Crimes We Handle in New Jersey

New Jersey law features multiple statutes that criminalize the possession, use, and transfer of firearms, all falling under the chapter on Firearms, Other Dangerous Weapons and Instruments of Crime.

• Unlawful Possession of a Weapon: This is the most common gun charge. It criminalizes:
  • Handguns: Possessing a handgun without a New Jersey permit to carry is a Second-Degree Crime (5 to 10 years in state prison).
  • Rifles and Shotguns: Possessing a rifle or shotgun without a valid Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC) is a Third-Degree Crime (3 to 5 years in state prison).
  • Assault Weapons: Possessing a prohibited "assault firearm" is a Second-Degree Crime. New Jersey law broadly defines and bans dozens of specific firearms and any firearm deemed "substantially identical" to them.
• Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose: This charge alleges you possessed a weapon (firearm, knife, etc.) with the intent to use it illegally against another person or property. This is almost always a Second-Degree Crime and is often charged alongside other offenses like Assault or Robbery.
• Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons: This crime prohibits individuals who fall into certain categories—primarily those convicted of prior felonies (Indictable Crimes), domestic violence misdemeanors (Disorderly Persons), or those subject to domestic violence restraining orders—from possessing any firearm. This is typically a Second or Third-Degree Crime.

As your Bridgewater gun crimes lawyer, we analyze the specific statute you are charged under, as this dictates the elements the prosecutor must prove and the mandatory penalties you face.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

To convict you of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, the State must prove three primary elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Our firm targets these elements to create reasonable doubt or secure a dismissal.

• The Item is a "Firearm" Under New Jersey Law: The State must prove the item falls under the legal definition of a firearm. This definition is extremely broad, including not just conventional guns, but also BB guns, air guns, and pellet guns if they are expelled by gas or air and have sufficient force. We scrutinize forensic reports to challenge the classification of the item.
• Possession by the Defendant: The State must prove you had control over the weapon. Possession can be:
  • Actual Possession: Having the gun on your person (e.g., in a pocket or hand).
  • Constructive Possession: Knowing the location of the gun and having the ability to exercise control over it (e.g., a gun in the trunk of your car).
• Lack of a Valid New Jersey Permit or Card: The State must prove the absence of the required state-issued permit or identification card for the firearm in question. This element is the easiest for the State to prove, which is why the defense must focus on the preceding elements and constitutional challenges.

Why Clients Trust Our Attorneys When Facing Gun Crime Allegations

Choosing the right gun charges defense attorney Bridgewater can make a big difference when you are up against the resources of the prosecution. Clients rely on us because we have spent our careers focused solely on criminal defense in New Jersey.

Unlike larger firms, we never delegate cases. You receive the ongoing attention and advocacy of attorneys with substantial experience defending weapon charges, including unlawful possession, illegal transport, and cases involving additional aggravating factors.

Here is what sets us apart when you are facing gun charges:

• Our attorneys personally handle each case—never passing your defense off to others
• Criminal law is our exclusive focus, which means we know the challenges of defending gun charges in New Jersey
• We work with private investigators and other professionals as needed to build your defense
• Our understanding of procedures at the Somerset County Courthouse shapes our strategies to fit what actually happens in Bridgewater cases

This combination of personal investment, exclusive criminal law focus, and local insight assures clients their defense is in knowledgeable hands.

Start Protecting Your Rights Today—Contact Our Bridgewater Team

The decisions you make after a gun charge will affect not just your immediate future, but also your long-term opportunities and peace of mind. When you contact Roberts & Teeter, LLC, you take the first step toward regaining control with guidance from experienced, compassionate attorneys dedicated to your needs.

We understand that getting started can feel intimidating. This is why we provide free, confidential consultations—so you can get honest answers and see how our attorneys help without any pressure to commit. You will always work with Michael Roberts or Matthew Teeter directly, and your concerns will be treated with respect at every stage.

To speak with a gun charges defense attorney in Bridgewater, call (732) 607-5553 or contact us online today.