Machine Gun Lawyer Bergen County — Federal Weapons Charge Defense
A federal machine gun charge in Bergen County under the National Firearms Act (NFA) is a severe felony with a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these charges in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Federal Machine Gun Law in New Jersey
The possession, transfer, or manufacture of a machine gun is strictly regulated under federal law, primarily the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 and the Gun Control Act of 1968. New Jersey has its own stringent laws that often intersect with federal statutes, making prosecution particularly aggressive. A machine gun is defined as any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Courts
Mr. Sris, the founder of our firm, is a former prosecutor who understands the tactics used by both state and federal authorities. This insight is critical when building a defense against complex weapons charges where state and federal laws overlap.
Official Legal Resources
For the exact text of the federal law, see the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Firearms Act page. For New Jersey court procedures and locations, refer to the Bergen Vicinage official website.
Defending a Machine Gun Charge in Bergen County
Federal weapons charges are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which has a Newark location that handles cases from Bergen County. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly possessed or transferred a weapon meeting the legal definition of a machine gun. An experienced machine gun lawyer Bergen County clients trust will scrutinize every aspect of the case, from the legality of the search and seizure to the weapon’s classification and your intent.
- Initial Arrest & Arraignment: You will be brought before a federal magistrate judge in Newark. The charges will be read, and bail conditions will be set.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will file motions, potentially to suppress evidence obtained through an unlawful search or to challenge the ATF’s classification of the firearm.
- Discovery & Investigation: The government must provide all evidence. We conduct an independent investigation, which may involve hiring our own firearms experienced.
- Plea Negotiations: Given the severe penalties, negotiating a plea to a lesser charge is often a critical strategic focus, though not always possible.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in federal district court, where we present a vigorous defense.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which are severe for NFA violations.
Potential Penalties for Machine Gun Charges
In Bergen County, a federal machine gun conviction carries a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence, up to life imprisonment, and fines up to $250,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun | Federal Felony | 10 years to life | Up to $250,000 | Forfeiture of weapon, permanent loss of gun rights, felony record. |
| Transfer/Manufacture of a Machine Gun | Federal Felony | 10 years to life | Up to $250,000 | Forfeiture of assets, severe federal supervised release. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Federal Weapons Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have handled criminal matters across multiple jurisdictions. Our approach is built on thorough preparation and an understanding of both state and federal court systems. When you need a machine gun lawyer near me Bergen County residents can rely on, our team is prepared to defend your rights and freedom.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges. We approach each case with a focus on the specific facts and evidence. For a federal weapons charge, a successful defense may involve getting evidence suppressed, challenging the prosecution’s technical analysis, or negotiating a reduction in charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Machine Gun Lawyers
If you are under investigation or have been charged, time is critical. An affordable machine gun lawyer Bergen County clients recommend for effective defense is available at SRIS, P.C. Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 200-6648
By appointment only.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. Our location is accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, Route 17, and other major highways.
Machine Gun Lawyer Bergen County FAQ
What is considered a machine gun under federal law?
Yes. Federal law defines a machine gun as any firearm that can fire more than one shot automatically with a single pull of the trigger. This includes conversion devices, like “Glock switches,” that can convert a semi-automatic weapon into an automatic one.
Is owning a machine gun ever legal?
It depends. Civians can legally possess machine guns manufactured and registered before May 19, 1986, but they must undergo an extensive ATF background check, pay a $200 tax stamp, and receive approval from their local Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO). New Jersey state law effectively bans civilian possession regardless of federal registration.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for a weapons charge?
Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney. Do not answer questions or consent to any searches. Contact a machine gun lawyer Bergen County defense firm like ours to protect your rights from the very start of the investigation.
What are the possible defenses to a machine gun charge?
Defenses can include challenging the legality of the search that found the weapon, arguing lack of knowledge or intent, proving the firearm does not meet the legal definition, or showing improper chain of custody of evidence. Each case is unique.
Can state and federal prosecutors both charge me?
Yes. Under the doctrine of “dual sovereignty,” you can be charged separately by both New Jersey state and the federal government for the same act involving a machine gun, as they are separate sovereigns.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Machine Gun Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Machine Gun Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.