A man in New Jersey was recently arrested for possessing 17 guns illegally. The weapons charges came after authorities seized the weapons from his home. Still, individuals who are accused of gun crimes in the state are always deemed innocent until and unless their guilt can be proved in a court of law.
Authorities said they seized the man’s weapons after receiving a tip regarding his gun stash. Police raided his home on a Friday at a little before 8 a.m. Although the man was not reportedly at home, authorities were allegedly able to search his home due to having received a search warrant.
While at the home, police reportedly found six rifle assault weapons. They also allegedly found a handgun that had not been registered to him. The man’s gun stash also reportedly included five shotguns, five additional rifles and ammunition magazines. Police arrested the man following the raid. He now faces seven felonies due to reportedly possessing weapons illegally.
The man charged with gun crimes may decide to go to trial to fight his multiple felony charges. At trial, prosecutors must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt — a high standard established with the goal of preventing innocent people from being punished for crimes that they did not commit. However, the man also has the option of seeking to strike a plea deal with the prosecution. This might lead to a more lenient sentence compared with what may result from a guilty finding at trial. In either of these scenarios, an attorney in New Jersey will push for the most personally favorable outcome for the client.