Know the law? Honest PA woman faces 3 yrs jail time in NJ

**Frenchy** · July 11th, 2014, 01:06 PM

http://www.my9nj.com/story/25996007/...ermit-problems

Honest Gun-Owning Mom Busted In NJ Could Face 3 Years In Prison

Atlantic County, New Jersey (My9NJ) -
27 year-old Shaneen Allen from Philadelphia wanted to protect her family. She took a gun safety course, applied for and was granted a concealed carry permit and she purchased a gun.

“One of my family members, he thought it was appropriate for me to get one because I’m a single mother and I have two children and I work two jobs and I work late and getting up at that time of night I got robbed twice last year and he felt the need for me to get my license to protect me and my kids,” Allen explained.

However, while Allen was covered to carry a gun in Pennsylvania, she made the mistake of crossing into New Jersey with the weapon and now she's facing a mandatory minimum of three-years in jail.

Allen said that she didn't know her permit didn't apply to New Jersey so when she was stopped for a minor traffic offense she told the police about her gun and her permit to carry. In this case, being honest may have cost her.

“The judge tried to tell me that telling the truth messed me up, my life up and the cop said the same thing. Me opening my mouth and speaking out he said I’m one out of ten people that spoke up and was honest and that got me in trouble,” she said.

Allen was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of hallow-point bullets which were in the gun. Under New Jersey gun laws, the illegal possession of a gun is a second-degree felony which holds a minimum sentence of three-years in prison.

Allen’s Attorney Evan Nappen feels that the judge doesn't have a lot of discretion in this particular case.

“We’re talking about a law-abiding, licensed person who did nothing wrong. She is now facing three-years minimum mandatory, where the judge has no discretion, in state’s prison,” he said.

Allen has no criminal record and only owned the gun for a week. So far the Atlantic County Prosecutor has denied her entry into a diversionary program that would allow her to avoid jail time.

The case is still moving forward but the question remains, will New Jersey’s tough gun laws take a young woman who wanted protection from criminals and instead force her to become one?

**Bill67** · July 11th, 2014, 01:15 PM

I just read this story. Amazing that this woman failed to understand the consequences of crossing the Delaware while armed. Maybe there should be an additional warning label on our LTCF which state " crossing the bridge while carrying could be hazardous to your life".

**tl_3237** · July 11th, 2014, 01:16 PM

Possession of handgun - 2nd degree crime -> 5-10 years, up to $150k, 3 year parole ineligible.

Possession of HP - 4th degree crime -> up to 18 months, up to $10k.

Presumptive ineligibility for PTI due to the minimum sentence rule for handgun.

**internet troll** · July 11th, 2014, 01:19 PM

possession of hallow-point bullets*

Those damn religious bullets will get you every time. Probably help against werewolves and vampires though.

Lesson here, doesn't matter if you are in Pa or NJ, There are a lot of laws out there and it is hard to know them all. Don't give up free information about yourself during a stop.

**lemko** · July 11th, 2014, 01:41 PM

Meanwhile, New Jersey's cities are saturated with armed scumbag degenerate criminals who will never face justice. What is this? Bizarro World?

**cardonasharp** · July 11th, 2014, 01:55 PM

I carry in Pa and live here but still work in Nj because of the pay. When I am carry in Pa I make sure how many mags I have with me. I always have an extra mags in the car by the drivers door. When I have to travel to Nj I make sure I have all my mags in the gun case and are counted for for even the ammo before i travel to Nj.
She should of read the law prior to going out side of the state. Also never Never Never tell the cops anything other then nothing. Just give them your DL, ins,reg that is it. no small talk either not even hello. I do not take my weapons into NJ I make sure its all counted for at HOME.

**Team Dougherty** · July 11th, 2014, 02:22 PM

http://www.my9nj.com/story/25996007/...ermit-problems

Posted: Jul 11, 2014 10:35 AM EST Updated: Jul 11, 2014 12:27 PM EST
By Bill Anderson, @ChasingBillA

Atlantic County, New Jersey (My9NJ) -

27 year-old Shaneen Allen from Philadelphia wanted to protect her family. She took a gun safety course, applied for and was granted a concealed carry permit and she purchased a gun.

“One of my family members, he thought it was appropriate for me to get one because I’m a single mother and I have two children and I work two jobs and I work late and getting up at that time of night I got robbed twice last year and he felt the need for me to get my license to protect me and my kids,” Allen explained.

However, while Allen was covered to carry a gun in Pennsylvania, she made the mistake of crossing into New Jersey with the weapon and now she's facing a mandatory minimum of three-years in jail.

Allen said that she didn't know her permit didn't apply to New Jersey so when she was stopped for a minor traffic offense she told the police about her gun and her permit to carry. In this case, being honest may have cost her.

“The judge tried to tell me that telling the truth messed me up, my life up and the cop said the same thing. Me opening my mouth and speaking out he said I’m one out of ten people that spoke up and was honest and that got me in trouble,” she said.

Allen was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of hallow-point bullets which were in the gun. Under New Jersey gun laws, the illegal possession of a gun is a second-degree felony which holds a minimum sentence of three-years in prison.

Allen’s Attorney Evan Nappen feels that the judge doesn't have a lot of discretion in this particular case.

“We’re talking about a law-abiding, licensed person who did nothing wrong. She is now facing three-years minimum mandatory, where the judge has no discretion, in state’s prison,” he said.

Allen has no criminal record and only owned the gun for a week. So far the Atlantic County Prosecutor has denied her entry into a diversionary program that would allow her to avoid jail time.

The case is still moving forward but the question remains, will New Jersey’s tough gun laws take a young woman who wanted protection from criminals and instead force her to become one?