New Jersey Gun Control Laws

• Prohibited weapons and devices - Section 2C:39-3
• Unlawful possession of weapons - Section 2C:39-5
• Certain persons not to have weapons or ammunition - Section 2C:39-7

• Retailing of firearms - Section 2C:58-2
• Purchase of firearms - Section 2C:58-3
• Permits to carry handguns - Section 2C:58-4
• Licenses to possess and carry machine guns and assault firearms - Section 2C:58-5

• Sawed-off shotguns
• Silencers
• Defaced firearms
• Armor penetrating bullets
• Any weapon capable of firing a projectile of a caliber greater than 60 caliber
• Machine guns or assault firearms if unlicensed

• Bump stock or trigger cranks
• Covert or undetectable firearms

• Have been convicted of the crime, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit the crime, of aggravated assault, arson, burglary, escape, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, bias intimidation, carjacking, gang criminality, racketeering, terroristic threats, unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of a handgun, unlawful possession of an assault firearm, leader of firearms trafficking network, endangering the welfare of a child, stalking, domestic violence offenses, specified weapons offenses, or the unlawful use, possession, or sale of a controlled dangerous substance
• Have been committed for a mental disorder to any hospital, mental institution, or sanitarium unless they possess a certificate of a medical doctor or psychiatrist licensed to practice in New Jersey or other satisfactory proof that the person is no longer suffering from a mental disorder that interferes with or handicaps the person in the handling of a firearm
• Have been convicted of a disorderly persons offense involving domestic violence
• Have had firearm seized pursuant to the “Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," or are subject to a court order prohibiting the possession of firearms

• Be thoroughly familiar with the safe handling and use of handguns
• Have a justifiable need to carry a handgun
• Not be subject to any of the disabilities set forth in subsection c. of Section 2C:58-3
• Have three reputable persons who have known the person for at least three years certify that the applicant is of good moral character and behavior

The penalties for violating New Jersey's gun possession laws depend on the offense. Illegal gun possession penalties range from a crime of the fourth degree to a crime of the second degree. The potential sentences for these degrees of crime are:

• Fourth degree: up to 18 months imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine
• Third degree: 1 to 5 years imprisonment and up to a $15,000 fine
• Second degree: 5 to 10 years imprisonment and up to a $150,000 fine