Possession of Weapons for an Unlawful Purpose
New Jersey Statutes Annotated 2C:39-4: Possession of weapons for unlawful purposes
A person may not have in their possession any:
- Firearm;
- Explosive substance;
- Destructive device; or
- Other weapon;
With a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another.
A person may not have in their possession any:
- Imitation firearm under circumstances that would lead an observer to reasonably believe that it is possessed for an unlawful purpose.
Second degree crime
This is a crime of the second degree when it involves a:
- Firearm;
- Explosive substance; or
- Destructive device.
Second degree crimes are punishable by:
- Imprisonment for five to ten years;
- A fine of up to $150,000; or
- Both.
Third degree crime
This constitutes a crime of the third degree when it involves a:
- Weapon other than a firearm.
Third degree crimes are punishable by:
- Imprisonment for three to five years;
- A fine of up to $15,000; or
- Or both.
Fourth degree crime
This constitutes a crime of the fourth degree when it involves an:
- Imitation firearm under circumstances that would lead an observer to reasonably believe that it is possessed for an unlawful purpose.
Fourth degree crimes are punishable by:
- Imprisonment for up to eighteen months;
- A fine of up to $10,000; or
- Both
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