On Monday, May 11, New Jersey announced the launch of a Department of Justice-funded public campaign to promote awareness and adoption of the state’s Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO) laws, which undermine due process by illegally disarming individuals and seizing their firearms without a conviction or court hearing, on an ex parte basis. ERPOs are commonly referred to as “red flag” orders and are routinely rubber-stamped by judges in the state.
The move was announced in a press release issued by the New Jersey Attorney General, calling it a “Gun-Safety Public Awareness Campaign,” which includes a dedicated website, messaging on digital and social platforms, and a second phase element that will “include messaging on billboards and bus shelters, on the radio, and in video format” in seven languages in addition to English and Spanish. …
WTF, Pretty broad eligibility.
Who Can File a Petition
Family members can file firearm removal petitions directly with the court. Under N.J.S.A 2C:58-23(a) family members include:
A spouse, domestic partner, or partner in a civil union couple.
A former spouse, domestic partner, or partner in a civil union couple.
A present or previous household member.
Any co-parent or guardian of a child in common.
Anyone who is expecting a child with the alleged individual.
A current or former dating partner.
Law enforcement agents are also able to file a petition directly with the court.
Anyone not listed above needs to go a law enforcement agency and ask them to file the petition. The agency decides whether to honor the request and file the petition. Law enforcement and prosecutors need to follow specific guidelines for these requests.
I had a buddy instructor years ago who had a brutal divorce. His ex said she felt threatened by him and called LEO. She knew firearms were his one real passion and did it to spite him.It took him over a year and thousands of dollars to get his firearms returned.
Not really sure what the lawful procedures are if a family member or friend is deemed a danger without firearms? This is where the proof needs to come in on both cases.
The current “rule of thumb” in NJ (and other “red flag” law having states) is that if you see yourself getting into domestic difficulties you’d better get your guns into a facility out of state, pronto.
Whatever the facility is going to charge you for storage is very likely going to be much less than what it will cost you in legal fees to get them back from NJ.
Maybe there’s a bright spot here - NJ’s publicized use of the funds may result in funding being shut off? I bet activists are rattling the DOJ’s cage on this right now:
Harmeet Dhillon is the best friend we gun guys have EVER had in the DOJ