Machine Gun Lawyer Union County — Federal Firearms Defense
Possession of an unregistered machine gun in Union County is a federal felony under the National Firearms Act (NFA), prosecuted in U.S. District Court. Conviction can mean a 10-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and fines up to $250,000. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris understands the aggressive tactics federal prosecutors use in these cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Federal Machine Gun Laws in New Jersey
Federal law strictly regulates machine guns—firearms that can fire more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger. The primary statute is the National Firearms Act (NFA), codified in 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53. New Jersey also has its own stringent laws, but federal charges typically take precedence for NFA violations. The legal definition hinges on the firearm’s mechanical function, not its appearance. Merely possessing a part, like a drop-in auto sear, that can convert a semi-automatic weapon into a machine gun is also a felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | 26 U.S.C. § 5801 et seq.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s experience spans federal and state firearms cases.
Official Legal Resources
- 26 U.S.C. § 5845 (Official U.S. Code definition of a machine gun)
- Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (Local court procedures and information)
Defending Machine Gun Charges in Union County
Federal firearms cases in Union County are investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. These cases often involve undercover operations and forensic examination of firearms. A key local procedural fact is that while initial appearances may be in Newark, your case will be managed by federal prosecutors who handle the entire state. The defense must immediately challenge the ATF’s classification of the firearm and the legality of the search or investigation.
- Initial Arrest & Arraignment: You will be brought before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Newark for an initial appearance and detention hearing.
- Indictment: A federal grand jury will issue an indictment, formally charging you with NFA violations.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the firearm’s classification, or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations: The U.S. Attorney may offer a plea deal to a lesser charge, avoiding a mandatory minimum sentence.
- Trial or Disposition: If no plea is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in U.S. District Court.
Potential Penalties for NFA Violations
In Union County, federal machine gun charges carry severe mandatory penalties, including a decade in prison and life-altering fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Unregistered Machine Gun | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years (mandatory min. often applies) | Up to $250,000 | Forfeiture of firearm, permanent loss of gun rights, felony record |
| Transfer of Machine Gun in Violation of NFA | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Same as above, plus potential charges for co-conspirators |
| Making a Machine Gun Without License | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Severe penalties for manufacturing; often involves multiple counts |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Firearms Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of a criminal trial. We have handled numerous federal firearms cases, building a defense strategy that scrutinizes every aspect of the government’s case, from the initial investigation to the forensic evidence. Our approach is direct and focused on protecting your future.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results in Union County for machine gun charges are not publicly listed due to the sensitive nature of federal cases, our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in firearms matters. We work to have evidence suppressed, charges reduced, or cases dismissed entirely when possible. Every case is unique, and we dedicate our resources to building the strongest possible defense for you.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Union County Residents
If you are searching for a machine gun lawyer near me Union County, our New Jersey location serves clients throughout the region. Our location is accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 22, and I-78, making it convenient for residents of Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. | New Jersey Location
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Machine Gun Lawyer Union County FAQ
What is considered a machine gun under federal law?
Yes. Federal law (26 U.S.C. § 5845(b)) defines a machine gun as any weapon that shoots automatically more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger. This includes conversion devices, like auto sears or Glock switches, that can make a semi-automatic firearm fire automatically.
Can I own a machine gun legally in New Jersey?
It is nearly impossible for a private citizen to legally possess a machine gun in New Jersey. State law effectively bans possession, and federal registration requires a rigorous background check, fingerprinting, and a $200 tax stamp—a process New Jersey law largely preempts and prohibits.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for a machine gun?
Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney. Do not speak to ATF agents or law enforcement without your lawyer present. Contact a federal criminal defense attorney experienced in NFA cases to protect your rights from the very start of the investigation.
What are the defenses to a federal machine gun charge?
Defenses can include challenging the legality of the search (Fourth Amendment), proving the firearm does not meet the mechanical definition of a machine gun, lack of knowledge or possession, or entrapment. An affordable machine gun lawyer Union County will investigate all angles to find the best defense for your situation.
Will my case be in state or federal court?
Machine gun charges are almost always prosecuted in federal court under the National Firearms Act. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has the resources and jurisdiction to pursue these cases aggressively, though you could face related state charges as well.
For more information, see our Union County federal criminal lawyer page or our state hub for New Jersey criminal defense. Residents in nearby areas can consult our Bergen County civil litigation lawyer page for other legal needs.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding machine gun charges.
Your case in Union 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 Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 Union 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: Union County NJ lawyers directory · Machine Gun Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Machine Gun Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Machine Gun Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.