VA Gun Owner Being Prosecuted In NJ For Accidentally Bringing Gun Into State

[gryphon]

A Virginia CHP holder, Guy Ackerman, inadvertently brought a handgun with him into NJ.

He discovered the gun in his car and rather than leave it in there with valet parking, he took the unloaded revolver to his room and locked it in the room safe. The valet had noticed the gun when it was in the car and told the police, who arrested Guy and charged him with unlawful weapon possession – a felony in NJ.

The prosecutor is refusing to allow Guy an option to avoid jail time, an option that is normally available in such cases.

Guy is really in a tough spot. If he takes the prosecutor’s current “deal,” Guy will spend one year in prison before being able to apply for parole. If denied, he will have to serve up to three years. If he rejects the idea of a “guilty” plea and is found guilty in a trial, he then faces a minimum jail sentence of between five and ten years.

Of course, if he wins the trial, he would be free. However, we are talking New Jersey.

This is why I avoid New Jersey, preferring not to leave America.

Here is a web site that provides details on Guy’s situation, as well as a petition to sign asking that Guy be given the non-felony option: www.wesupportourguy.com

http://www.ammoland.com/2014/04/virginia-gun-owner-being-unfairly-prosecuted-in-nj-for-accidentally-bringing-a-gun-into-the-state/

[Jeff]

Wow, that is a shame.

[jgillmanjr]

I would not be hurt if that valet got hit by a car, or came under some other unfortunate circumstance.

[linux203]

I would not be hurt if that valet got hit by a car, or came under some other unfortunate circumstance.

Yes, but with any victim-less crime.... the state is the complainant.  They don't need the valet's testimony to convict.

[Jeff]

Yes, but with any victim-less crime.... the state is the complainant.  They don't need the valet's testimony to convict.

No but he is the one that caused it to go this far.  Without him sticking his nose in someones business then trying to get someone busted nothing would have happened at all.  So I too agree that maybe some karma needs to fall in his lap over this.