Shaneen Allen, victim and hero

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

4. I'm not a lawyer

http://blogs.findlaw.com/blotter/2014/07/mom-tells-nj-officer-she-has-a-gun-faces-prison-for-gun-charge.html

Some states require that licensed handgun holders inform an officer immediately upon being detained that they have a firearm. Pennsylvania law doesn't require proof of legal permit for a weapon unless lawfully demanded by an officer. Neither does New Jersey.

I live in NJ and I know about the laws and I know NJ has no reciprocity for CC permits from other states. But, if I were in Allen's shoes with my current level of maturity, I'd have done the same thing. Her firearm and ammo is self-evident to an officer rather than dependent on the officer's belief in an account from a third party. NJ has laws against both carrying without a NJ permit and having hollow-point ammo anywhere other than a locked container. IMHO doing anything other than being entirely candid with the police about what is evident by observation/inspection can undermine your credibility and possibly lead to your being perceived as a threat.

Again, IMHO, Ms Allen should have known the NJ laws and should not have been in possession at all but, given the circumstances, her choices were spot on. I'm not sure I'd have done as well at 27.