[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/child-access-prevention-laws-in-new-jersey\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/child-access-prevention-laws-in-new-jersey\/","headline":"Child Access Prevention Laws in New Jersey","name":"Child Access Prevention Laws in New Jersey","description":"Firearm accidents involving children occur far too often in the U.S. In New Jersey, dozens of children suffer severe or fatal injuries every year after gaining access to unsecured firearms. Like many other states, New Jersey has imposed child access prevention laws to keep guns out of children\u2019s hands \u2013 laws that have come into […]","datePublished":"2023-03-16","dateModified":"2025-04-14","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/author\/newjerseycriminallawfirm\/#Person","name":"William Proetta Criminal Law","url":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/author\/newjerseycriminallawfirm\/","identifier":12,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bf046e483cfd218aa23b814afd7f502ea8e6bd244632161b6e42395a76e91a8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bf046e483cfd218aa23b814afd7f502ea8e6bd244632161b6e42395a76e91a8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"William Proetta Criminal Law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/william-proetta-criminal-law-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/william-proetta-criminal-law-logo.png","width":250,"height":76}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_2192622779.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_2192622779.jpg","height":664,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/child-access-prevention-laws-in-new-jersey\/","about":["Weapons Offenses"],"wordCount":555,"articleBody":"Firearm accidents involving children occur far too often in the U.S. In New Jersey, dozens of children suffer severe or fatal injuries every year after gaining access to unsecured firearms. Like many other states, New Jersey has imposed child access prevention laws to keep guns out of children\u2019s hands \u2013 laws that have come into the public eye as the result of recent tragic events.What Are Child Access Prevention Laws?Child access prevention (CAP) laws exist to prevent children from accessing firearms and reduce the number of accidental shootings, homicides, and suicides involving children. These laws require gun owners to take certain measures to store their firearms safely and keep them away from children.Does NJ Have Child Access Prevention Laws?Yes. Under\u00a0New Jersey law, anyone \u2013 not just parents \u2013 who knows or reasonably should know that a child could access a loaded firearm on their property could face criminal charges if a child does so. However, gun owners can avoid criminal liability if they take one or more of the following steps:Storing the firearm in a secure lock box or containerStoring the firearm in a location that a reasonable person would consider secureSecuring the firearm with a trigger lockAre Parents Liable for Child\u2019s Gun Violence?In some cases, yes, parents could face civil liability for gun violence their children commit. Parental liability in New Jersey varies depending on the facts of the case. For instance, a parent could be liable for the harm their child causes using a firearm if:The parent was negligent in supervising their child. For instance, if the parent knew the child tends to be violent but failed to take steps to keep them away from firearms.The parent failed to properly contain, secure, or lock their firearm in a place where they knew or reasonably should have known their child could access it.The parent knew or reasonably should have known about their child\u2019s acts of gun violence and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent them.In addition, parents in New Jersey could face criminal liability under CAP laws if their child accesses a firearm that wasn\u2019t stored in a locked container. \u00a0The Effects of Child-Access Prevention LawsAccording to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, CAP laws have led to:Fewer accidental gun injuries and deaths involving childrenIncreased awareness about gun safety for children and parentsCriminal penalties for gun owners who are careless with gun safetyControversy among gun owners concerned with Second Amendment rightsSafe Storage Guidelines for FirearmsAs a firearm owner, you should always follow these safe storage guidelines to prevent unauthorized gun access and subsequent injuries:Always keep guns unloaded when not in use.Store guns in a locked safe or cabinet when not in use.Use trigger locks and other devices to prevent accidental discharge.Store ammunition separately from firearms.Keep keys and combinations out of children\u2019s reach.Teach children about the importance of gun safety.Talk to a New Jersey Weapons Charges LawyerViolating child access prevention laws is a disorderly persons offense that can carry serious repercussions. If you\u2019re facing weapons charges in New Jersey, contact William Proetta Criminal Law immediately. We can answer your questions and explain your rights during a free initial consultation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Child Access Prevention Laws in New Jersey","item":"https:\/\/www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com\/blog\/child-access-prevention-laws-in-new-jersey\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]