12/27/2022
How to receive a "concealed carry" permit in NJ:
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's ("SCOTUS") decision in N.Y. State Rifle & Pistol Assoc. v. Bruen, where the New York law that required a showing of "justifiable need" was struck down as unconstitutional, the State of New Jersey decided enact revised laws on December 22, 2022 that further infringe on our Second Amendment rights. The effect of the revised NJ law is that a concealed carry license is effectively useless and one misstep can land you in jail. This new scheme has already been challenged with two lawsuits that will take time to play out. In the meantime, law-abiding citizens of New Jersey will have to live with this new scheme. This post, and my office, are here to help you navigate this process.
Justice Clarence Thomas wrote the majority opinion wherein the Court held, "...the constitutional right to bear arms in public for self-defense is not 'a second class right, subject to an entirely different body of rules than the other Bill of Rights guarantees." "We know of no other constitutional right that an individual may exercise only after demonstrating to government officers some special need..." "That is not how the First Amendment works when it comes to unpopular speech or the free exercise of religion. It is not how the Sixth Amendment works when it comes to a defendant's right to confront witnesses against him. And it is not how the Second Amendment works when it comes to public carry for self-defense." Thank you, Justice Thomas!
Unfortunately, the newly revised New Jersey concealed carry scheme is best described as a slick, disingenuous, and unlawful way to prolong the infringement of our rights. Literally every step and factor in the process is now more expensive and onerous. They even created a requirement to carry liability insurance at your own expense. The new law also effectively prohibits the carrying of your concealed firearm in so many places, including in your own car, that the "right" has been essentially nullified by the ridiculous level of regulations. This is why this matter will have to make it's way up through the court system where, in my opinion, a higher court will nullify the entire revised statute.
Here are some basic tips if you are considering applying for your concealed carry permit:
1. Before you apply, consider every question on the application forms carefully. A false answer can get you prosecuted. If you have prior criminal history, including juvenile matters, or you were ever hospitalized in a mental health center (voluntarily or involuntarily), you need to STOP and call my office. You will most likely need to consider an expungement or mental health evaluation.
2. READ THE NEW LAW CAREFULLY. STUDY IT. MEMORIZE IT.
A great website with all the information you need about the law is https://gunforhire.com/nj-ccw-permit/. Always operate in a manner that assumes the State of New Jersey will take the most draconian and aggressive actions against you. This plays into tip #3.
3. If you secure a permit and you have the unfortunate need to defend yourself with deadly force, plan on being arrested and every word you say will be used against you. Therefore, if tragedy happens, KEEP YOU MOUTH SHUT. Be respectful....but be silent. Wait until your lawyer has spoken with you.
4. Call my office. I am available to provide legal guidance and assist you in preparing and filing your application for the initial fi****ms purchasers ID card, the application to purchase handguns, and the application for concealed carry permit. I can help you expunge prior criminal convictions. I can help you secure an evaluation for any prior mental health issues to give you a "clean bill of health". I can appeal a denial of an application. I can defend you if you are charged with any violation of the law.
All initial consultations are FREE. Call 732-383-6242 and ask to speak with Jeremy Price, Esq.. I try to answer all calls as they come in, but that is often impossible. Please refer to my website for further contact information. www.jeremypriceesq.com
Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA.
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