Numerous individuals are arrested annually for attempting to enter Fort Dix with a handgun. Those charged are typically law-abiding workers who are traveling with firearms that are licensed and/or permitted outside of New Jersey. The scenario that crops up most often is a trucker attempting to enter the base to make a delivery with a handgun in his trailer compartment. Individuals erroneously believe that they have the legal authority to possess the firearm although it is actually an extremely serious criminal offense to enter a federal military base without a New Jersey carry permit. If you were charged with violating 18 U.S.C. 930 for possessing a handgun at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, you must hire an attorney who is experienced in defending Federal firearm offenses in order to ensure you have the best chance of avoiding imprisonment.
Illegal Possession of a Firearm at Fort Dix
It is illegal under 18 U.S.C. 930 to knowingly possess or attempt to cause a firearm to be at a Federal facility (i.e. building owned or leased by the Federal Government). There are severe penalties for someone who violates this law and is in possession of a firearm at a Federal facility such as Fort Dix. In fact, an individual may be imprisoned up to one year for knowingly possessing a handgun or other dangerous weapon at the base. And if the firearm is being possessed for the purpose of committing a crime (e.g. for an unlawful purpose), the exposure is even greater with a potential five-year prison term.
Affirmative Defenses. There are several affirmative defenses that render this law inapplicable to an individual. There is no violation where the defendant is a federal or state law enforcement agent, an authorized member of the military, someone who possesses a carry permit or where possession is incident to hunting.
Criminal Defense Lawyers for Firearm Charges at Fort Dix
The Fort Dix criminal attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can definitely help you if you were arrested for possessing a firearm at the military base. Our extensive qualifications include:
- Over 200 years of combined experience defending handgun and other weapon charges
- A team of 10 lawyers that specialize exclusively in criminal defense
- Former county prosecutors that have served as Director of the Guns Task Force, Major Crimes Bureau, Special Operations, Juvenile and even an entire Trial Division
- Certified criminal trial attorneys
- Decades of success stories representing clients arrested for illegally possessing firearms
To speak a lawyer at the firm about any issue you may be facing, give our Mount Holly Office at call at 609-491-2110. An attorney will answer your questions and offer their insight in a free initial consultation.
