Upgrades certain crimes related to manufacturing firearms from second to first degree.
Not law yet. Pending legislation.
Sen. Shirley K. Turner
Bill summary
Official digest is not on this card.
Now vs if chaptered
Now: unlicensed unserialized-frame purchase and unserialized homemade-firearm transport remain second-degree under 2C:39-9. If chaptered: same conduct becomes first-degree, non-merge, 10–20 years. Confirm chaptering before advising.
Defender utility
New Jersey defenders: do not treat an unserialized-frame or ghost-gun manufacture count as first-degree unless this bill chapters and is in effect on the charge date. If it chapters, the exposure jump (5–10 years → 10–20, non-merge) is the plea/trial issue; still demand proof the frame/receiver is unserialized and the client is unlicensed. PMF/ghost-gun vehicle the bank already serves. Not a current charge.
Who this is for. NJ PDs on unserialized-frame / ghost-gun manufacture calendars — pending degree upgrade, not present law; not a California charge.
Penalties (if chaptered)
If chaptered: first degree (10–20 years, fine up to $200,000), non-merge with other offenses. Current law: second degree (5–10 years, up to $150,000).