Atlantic City Illegal Gun + Weapons Possession in a Casino Lawyer

Throughout New Jersey, legal gun possession is heavily restricted. Additionally, many businesses ban guns and other weapons from the premises in the name of safety and security. If you were caught with a weapon in a casino, you may be asked to leave. If the weapon you possessed is illegal, you may be confronted by casino security or police who could potentially arrest you.

If you were arrested in a casino for illegal weapon possession or gun possession, you may be arrested and face potentially high criminal penalties. For help with your case, contact an experienced Atlantic City casino weapon possession lawyer. The Law Offices of John J. Zarych’s illegal gun and weapon possession in a casino lawyers offer free legal consultations. Call (609) 616-4956 today to schedule your consultation.

Weapons that are Legal to Bring to a Casino in NJ

In New Jersey, there are multiple statutes that deal with illegal weapon possession. N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-5 makes it illegal to have a gun in your possession without proper licensing. In addition, § 2C:39-3 lists weapons that are always prohibited.

In New Jersey, it is difficult to get a license to carry a gun. Many visitors to Atlantic City are from out of state and may have carry permits or gun ownership permits from their home state. New Jersey’s laws are more strict than many other states, and a permit from your home state may not allow you to open carry or concealed carry in New Jersey.

Aside from handguns, shotguns, and rifles, it is also illegal to possess other kinds of firearms. New Jersey does not typically give permits for machine guns, and they never give permits for sawed-off shotguns or other illegal weapons. It is always illegal to possess sawed-off shotguns, defaced firearms, silencers, armor piercing rounds, and other illegal firearms and equipment.

Other weapons are also illegal in New Jersey, particularly weapons used only for offensive uses and harming others. This includes the following weapons, in addition to other illegal weapons:

• Blackjacks
• Brass knuckles
• Certain weapons with embedded razor blades
• Daggers
• Switchblades

It may be permissible to carry some small knives, such as a pocket knife or utility knife, but any knife that opens with a button press will likely be considered an illegal switchblade.

Carrying Weapons in a Casino in Atlantic City

Keep in mind that a casino is a private location with its own rules and regulations. Some casinos may have rules that ban you from bringing any weapons into the building. This could mean that any concealed or openly carried weapons, whether they are legal or not, could be banned from a casino. You can face charges for weapon possession if police are involved, but you could face additional charges as well.

If you are caught on the premises with any dangerous items or weapons, they may be confiscated, and you may be asked to leave. Your admission to the casino may mean agreeing to certain rules, such as those rules against weapons and rules allowing the casino to seize any weapons you do bring inside.

If you are asked to leave a casino because you brought in a weapon, you must leave the area. Since casinos are private property, the security staff is authorized to kick people out. Continuing to stay on the property after you have been asked to leave could be considered trespassing and can lead to the police being called and an arrest being made.

If you continue to fight against casino staff or police trying to escort you from the premises, you could be charged with assault, disorderly conduct for fighting, or other offenses. Against police officers, these charges could be increased to resisting arrest or obstruction of justice.

Penalties for Bringing a Weapon into a Casino in NJ

The penalties you face for a weapon possession crime could lead to more than a year in jail. Most weapons crimes are fourth through second degree crimes. Some other offenses, such as assault, may be charged as a disorderly persons offense. These levels of crime carry the following penalties:

• Disorderly persons offense: up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000
• Fourth degree crimes: up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $10,000
• Third degree crimes: 3-5 years in prison and fines up to $15,000
• Second degree crimes: 5-10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000

If you are arrested for a serious crime like gun possession, prosecutors must first prove that you committed the crime in a court of law. This gives you the opportunity to challenge the charges and evidence against you, potentially getting charges dropped or dismissed.

If you are convicted of a crime or the evidence is seriously stacked against you, your defense attorney may be able to negotiate for reduced penalties. In some cases, this could mean avoiding jail time by seeking probation and other alternative sentences.

Call Our Atlantic City Gun and Illegal Weapon Possession in a Casino Lawyers for a Free Legal Consultation

The Atlantic City casino illegal weapon and gun possession lawyers at The Law Offices of John J. Zarych offer free legal consultations to help defendants fight the cases against them. If you or a loved one was arrested for weapons possession in a casino or for carrying a gun into a casino, contact our attorneys today to schedule your free, confidential legal consultation. Our number is (609) 616-4956.