I got an email asking me to be a "reference" for someone I know that is looking to get a firearms permit. It's worded like, "xxx is being investigated to determine his/her suitability for the issuance of N.J. Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and/or Permit to Purchase a Handgun. This individual has identified you as the background reference in their application. Your feedback is essential for further processing of this application." And then has a follow up link for me to fill out some questions.

Am I liable for what this person does with his/her firearm after I fill this out? For example, I'm worried that if I am a reference and years later this person is convicted of a crime involving a firearm I will somehow be implicated because I was his "reference". Has this happened or is this something I shouldn't worry about? I live in monmouth county if it makes any difference.

My goodness NO.....You have ZERO liability!   This person considers you a friend who trusts you enough to vouch for their character, simple as that.  It does not matter where you live.  You are WAY overthinking this!

I have a question. Is this person not your friend and did not let you know or ask you to be his reference?

3 minutes ago, Zeke said:

I have a question. Is this person not your friend and did not let you know or ask you to be his reference?

They are my friend and they did ask me to be a reference. I'm just wondering if there has been an instance where a reference has been charged with a crime when someone they "vouched" for committed a firearms offense, or if it is even a possibility.

If you are uncomfortable vouching for them then don’t 

1 minute ago, Zeke said:

If you are uncomfortable vouching for them then don’t 

I mean that's solid advice, hard to really argue against that. For anyone else reading the thread I'm not looking to decide whether or not I "should" vouch for them, I'm only trying to figure out if I inherit some liability or possible future legal problems for doing so.

1 minute ago, monmouthresident said:

I mean that's solid advice, hard to really argue against that. For anyone else reading the thread I'm not looking to decide whether or not I "should" vouch for them, I'm only trying to figure out if I inherit some liability or possible future legal problems for doing so.

What do you feel your friend would do that would make you liable?

Just now, Zeke said:

What do you feel your friend would do that would make you liable?

I don't think they would do anything, but I also can't see into the future either. Really I'm just trying to generally discern whether this "Reference" is just a meaningless litmus test or a binding legal contract where I am tied to the person I give a reference for and any of their future actions.

4 minutes ago, monmouthresident said:

I don't think they would do anything, but I also can't see into the future either. Really I'm just trying to generally discern whether this "Reference" is just a meaningless litmus test or a binding legal contract where I am tied to the person I give a reference for and any of their future actions.

No one can see into the future and that’s why you are held harmless unless you feel your friend should not own a firearm from your personal history.

 

28 minutes ago, monmouthresident said:

I mean that's solid advice, hard to really argue against that. For anyone else reading the thread I'm not looking to decide whether or not I "should" vouch for them, I'm only trying to figure out if I inherit some liability or possible future legal problems for doing so.

The short answer is no.

You are attesting that your friend is NOT someone who, based on your past experience, should not have access to a firearm TODAY.

And by doing so you make no future prediction.

If he really is your friend, then be his reference.

On 5/29/2020 at 6:51 PM, monmouthresident said:

I mean that's solid advice, hard to really argue against that. For anyone else reading the thread I'm not looking to decide whether or not I "should" vouch for them, I'm only trying to figure out if I inherit some liability or possible future legal problems for doing so.

Sounds like your friend needs better friends. 
 

This is the way the people of NJ have been conditioned to think.   "can I be held liable"