NJ Marine hoping for pardon after mandatory gun charges

A NJ Marine is fighting for his freedom and hoping for a pardon to avoid a jail term on mandatory gun charges.

While the Marine's firearm was legal, it was not registered in New Jersey.

Why bring a gun to a night club?  Was this in response to soft target shootings?  As a Marine you are responsible for your weapon at all times. How did the friend get it from him so easily?

Three years seems harsh. I'd doubt there's a pardon here.