The New Jersey Legislature recently passed a bill that would require courts in domestic violence cases to order police to confiscate ammunition and certain gun accessories from defendants accused of domestic violence. If the bill eventually becomes law, it would mean that defendants in domestic violence cases will not only have their firearms seized by authorities but their ammunition and gun accessories as well.

If someone has accused you of committing domestic violence, you need an experienced family law attorney to help protect your rights and defend you against the accusations you're facing. The Lento Law Firm's Family Law Team is here for you. Call us at 888.535.3686 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation. Tell us about your case, and we'll explain all the ways we can help.

Confiscation of Ammunition and Gun Accessories and Components

Assembly Bill 1389 would add ammunition and certain firearm accessories and components to the existing requirement that police in both criminal and civil domestic violence cases seize firearms from the accused individual.

The bill defines “firearm accessory” broadly: it means “any device that attaches to a firearm, or that is used in or facilitates the operation of a firearm, including, but not limited to, stocks, grips, and detachable magazines.” The definition of “firearm component” is similarly broad: it's “any part of a firearm that is material to the function of the firearm” and includes the “slide or cylinder or the frame or receiver” and, for shotguns, “the barrel.”

The confiscation requirement would apply in both criminal cases, where law enforcement has “probable cause to believe that an act of domestic violence has been committed,” and in civil cases, where an alleged victim files a domestic violence complaint and asks the court to issue a restraining order against the alleged abuser. Existing law already requires judges to order the defendant to surrender any firearms; the bill would also require the defendant to turn over any ammunition and firearm accessories and components in the defendant's possession as well.

The bill passed in the Legislature by a significant margin: 54-24. It must pass the Senate as well before it can be sent to the Governor for signature.

The Lento Law Firm's Family Law Team Can Help

If you have been accused of domestic violence, you need the help of an experienced attorney, someone who understands New Jersey's domestic violence laws and Family Court procedures. If a restraining order is issued against you, it is absolutely vital that you fully understand what it requires you to do as well as what it prohibits you from doing. The Lento Law Firm's Family Law Team can help make sure you know what is expected of you if a restraining order is issued against you so that you don't risk violating it.

Just as importantly, we can protect your rights and defend you against the allegations you're facing. Not all restraining orders are justified. In other cases, they are overbroad and include unnecessary restrictions and requirements. It's possible to contest a restraining order or to ask that an existing order be modified. We can help with that. Our experienced attorneys know the law, the procedures, and the courts in New Jersey and are ready to help protect your rights and defend you against the allegations you're facing.

To learn more about what the Lento Law Firm's Family Law Team can do to protect your rights in New Jersey Family Court cases, call us at 888.535.3686 or fill out our contact form, and we will schedule a confidential consultation with you to discuss your case.