Mount Holly Criminal Lawyer: Gun Charges Dropped Against Cumberland County Man

A retired Cumberland County school teacher has garnished much attention after being in possession of an antique Flintlock gun during a motor vehicle stop.  He was an avid collector of gun memorabilia, who had just purchased the antique weapon from a pawn shop and was transporting it home in his car’s glove box.  The controversy erupted over New Jersey law that states average citizens are not permitted to carry concealed weapons, even if they are legally registered.  The traffic stop by local police resulted in Gordon Van Gilder, 72 of Millville, New Jersey facing charges of unlawful possession of a weapon.

After the traffic stop, Van Guilder was allowed to return to his Maurice River Township home only to have police show up the next day to arrest him on felony charges of unlawful possession of a firearm.  Antique weapons are handled the same as modern day firearms.  Van Guilder was facing a sentence of up to ten years in prison and possibly the loss of his teaching pension that he had gained during three decades of employment by the school system.

Calls and donations of more than $20,000 for his legal fees poured in to support Van Guilder and protest the unreasonable and unfair New Jersey weapons law.  Moreover, the National Rifle Association made a video of Van Gilder regarding what they believe to be unjust charges.  State legislators from Atlantic County and Cumberland County urged authorities to take a closer look at this case and handle it with leniency. They were of the opinion that in this case specifically, a reasonable penalty should be imposed and it did not include jail time and the loss of pension.

In the end, prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae dropped the felony weapon charges choosing not to treat the antique like a modern day firearm.  She further warned that residents should be aware of New Jersey weapons offense laws.  Carrying a weapon whether registered or not, in a vehicle, carries up to a 10 year prison sentence and should be strictly adhered.

Mount Holly Criminal Lawyer Michele Finizio Successfully Defends Clients Against Charges for Weapons Offenses in New Jersey

Should you or a loved one be facing criminal charges in New Jersey, you need a Mount Holly criminal lawyer with extensive knowledge and skill.  Mount Holly criminal lawyers at the Law Offices of Michele Finizio defend charges throughout the criminal and juvenile courts in New Jersey and in New Jersey traffic and municipal courts.  Call our Moorestown criminal law firm for a no cost confidential consultation at 856-888-9059 or fill out our online contact form.   We defend criminal charges in Southern New Jersey, Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Mount Holly, as well as in Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County and Salem County.