New Jersey’s Ban on Weapons for Certain Persons

New Jersey has some preeeetty strict laws about who can and can’t have weapons. Section 2C:39-7 of the NJ criminal code lays it all out. This law makes it illegal for certain persons to own firearms and other weapons in the state.

Now, before we get into the nitty gritty details, let’s take a step back. Gun laws are controversial, right? People have strooong opinions on both sides. But in my humble opinion, keeping weapons away from dangerous peeps just makes sense. I mean, you wouldn’t give your toddler or your crazy uncle a loaded gun, would you?

Anyways, let’s talk about who specifically is banned from having weapons in NJ. There are a few categories:

Convicted Criminals

If you’ve been convicted of certain crimes, you cannot legally own a gun in New Jersey. Which crimes, you ask? Well:

• Any crime punishable by over 1 year in prison
• Any drug crime (even misdemeanors)
• Burglary
• Carjacking
• Aggravated assault
• Kidnapping
• Sex crimes
• Robbery
• Arson
• Stalking
• Terrorism
• Human trafficking
• Child abuse
• Cruelty to animals

…And a bunch more. Here’s a full list from the NJ courts.

This lifetime ban applies even after someone completes their sentence. The thinking is, if you’ve shown a willingness to harm people or property, you shouldn’t have deadly weapons. Makes sense to me!

Restraining Orders

If a judge has issued a restraining order against you, you cannot possess firearms or ammunition in NJ. This includes temporary, final, and emergency restraining orders.

The ban applies for the duration of the order. Once the order expires, the ban is lifted.

Mental Health Issues

This one is more controversial. In NJ, people who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution cannot legally own guns. This ban lasts for 5 years after release.

On one hand, mental illness can seriously impact someone’s judgment and impulse control. Safety first, right?

But others argue this unfairly discriminates against those with psychiatric disabilities. Plus, it could discourage people from seeking treatment if they know they’ll lose their gun rights.

Tricky issue without an easy answer. But the law is the law for now.

Under Age 18

With few exceptions, those under 18 cannot possess firearms in NJ.

Minors can use guns for hunting/target shooting but only while supervised by an adult. Makes sense to keep guns out of the hands of impulsive teenagers!

Out-of-State Criminals

If someone committed a serious crime in another state that would disqualify them from owning guns in NJ, they cannot legally have weapons here.

NJ cooperates with other states to identify these individuals under a formal agreement. Gotta keep everyone safe!

Non-US Citizens

Immigrants who are in the US illegally are banned from owning guns in NJ.

Legal immigrants can possess guns, but only if they have a state firearms purchaser ID card. Green card holders need to live in the US for at least 90 days before getting the card.