Do I Need an Attorney to Obtain a Gun Permit in New Jersey?

In the state of New Jersey, residents who want to get a gun permit are required to have a permit to do so. This involves a long and thorough legal process that must be followed. During this time, an applicant may wonder whether or not they need the assistance of an attorney in order to file for their permit. Continue reading below to learn more. 

Do I Need an Attorney to File a Gun Permit Application?

The majority of people who wish to file for a gun permit do not need the assistance of an attorney to file. They are able to do so on their own. However, there are certain qualifications that must be met in order for a person to receive a permit. If the applicant does not meet this criteria, they may need the help of an attorney. This can include individuals who fall under one of the following categories:

• Any person who has been convicted of a crime or a disorderly persons offense involving an act of domestic violence whether or not they were armed or possessing a weapon at the time of the offense
• Any drug dependent person, any person who is confined for a mental disorder at a hospital, mental institution, or sanitarium, or any person who is a habitual drunkard
• Any person who suffers from a physical defect or disease which would make it unsafe for them to handle a firearm, any person who has ever been confined for a mental disorder, an alcoholic, or a person who knowingly falsifies information on their application or firearms purchaser identification card
• Any person under the age of 18 years for a firearms purchaser identification card and any person under the age of 21 years for a permit to purchase a handgun
• Any person who is subject to a restraining order issued pursuant to the “Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991,” prohibiting them from possessing a firearm 
• Any person who, as a juvenile, was adjudicated for an offense which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime and the offense involved the unlawful use of possession of a weapon, explosive, or destructive device
• To any person whose firearm is seized pursuant to the “prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991,” and whose firearm has not been returned
• To any person named on the consolidated Terrorist WATchlist maintained by the Terrorist Screening Center administered by the FBI
• To any person who is subject to a court order prohibiting the custody, control, ownership, purchase, possession, or receipt of a firearm or ammunition issued pursuant to the “Extreme Risk Protective Order Act of 2018”

Those who fall into any of these categories should not submit an application for a gun permit before discussing with an attorney to clear these prohibitions before applying. Otherwise, their applications can be denied.

How Do I Apply for a Permit?

Residents of New Jersey can file for two different types of firearm purchasing permits. This includes the Handgun Purchase Permit (HPP) and a Firearm Purchaser Identification Card (FPID). A HPP allows the purchase of handguns while the FPID allows the purchase of a rifle, long gun, or shotgun. While these are different permits, there is only one application for them.

Contact our Firm

Kevin T. Conway is an experienced Bergen County criminal attorney handling DUI, DWI, traffic violations, violent crimes, sex crimes, illegal gun possession, shoplifting, and juvenile crimes. Attorney Conway is also experienced in commercial law matters, zoning law, and estate planning. If you need an aggressive criminal lawyer, contact The Law Office of Kevin T. Conway for a free consultation.