Machine Gun Lawyer in Mercer County, NJ — What Are Your Federal Defense Options?
Federal machine gun charges in Mercer County, NJ, are prosecuted under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and carry severe penalties, including up to 10 years in federal prison per violation. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a focused defense for individuals facing these serious federal allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Federal Machine Gun Laws in New Jersey
Federal law, primarily the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 and the Gun Control Act of 1968, strictly regulates machine guns. A “machine gun” is defined under federal law 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.” This includes the weapon itself, any part designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any combination of parts from which a machine gun can be assembled. In New Jersey, state law under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(n) mirrors this definition, creating a dual layer of potential prosecution. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to these high-stakes cases.
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the statutes is critical. The federal law is codified in 26 U.S.C. § 5845 (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives). For New Jersey court procedures and rules, refer to the Superior Court of New Jersey, Mercer Vicinage website.
handling Federal Charges in Mercer County
Federal machine gun cases in Mercer County are typically prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. A key local procedural fact is that the ATF and federal prosecutors will aggressively pursue charges for possession, transfer, or manufacture of an unregistered NFA firearm. The penalties are severe and mandatory in many cases.
- Immediately secure legal representation after arrest or upon learning of an investigation.
- Your attorney will review the indictment and all evidence, including the firearm’s classification and registration status.
- Develop a defense strategy, which may challenge the weapon’s classification, the legality of the search, or the defendant’s knowledge.
- Engage in plea negotiations with federal prosecutors, potentially seeking a reduction to a lesser charge.
- Prepare for trial in U.S. District Court if a favorable plea cannot be reached.
- Address any related state charges in Superior Court, Mercer Vicinage.
Potential Penalties for Machine Gun Violations
In Mercer County, federal machine gun charges carry penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000 per count, with additional state penalties under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Unregistered Machine Gun | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Forfeiture of firearm, permanent loss of gun rights, felony record. |
| Transfer/Making of Machine Gun | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Same as above, plus potential charges for conspiracy. |
| Possession of Machine Gun for Unlawful Purpose (NJ State Charge) | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years (State Prison) | Up to $150,000 | Graves Act mandatory minimum parole ineligibility. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to defending clients across legal jurisdictions. We have a documented history of handling serious federal and state weapon charges. Our team understands the technical definitions and legal arguments required to challenge the government’s classification of a firearm.
Our Approach to Your Case
We begin every case with a thorough investigation. We examine the firearm in question, the circumstances of its seizure, and the conduct of law enforcement. We scrutinize ATF paperwork and registration records. Our goal is to identify every possible weakness in the prosecution’s case, from Fourth Amendment violations to flaws in the forensic analysis. We then build a defense strategy case-specific to the specific facts and the court involved.
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) 200-6646
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Mercer County courts. We represent individuals in Trenton, Princeton, Hamilton Township, Ewing, Lawrence, West Windsor, East Windsor, Hopewell, Robbinsville, and Hightstown. For an affordable machine gun lawyer Mercer County residents can consult, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 round with a single pull of the trigger. This includes fully automatic weapons, conversion kits (“drop-in auto sears”), and even certain combination of parts that can be assembled into an automatic firearm.
Can I legally own a machine gun in New Jersey?
It depends. Ownership is extremely restricted. It requires compliance with the federal National Firearms Act (registration, tax stamp, background check) AND a separate permit from the State of New Jersey, which is rarely issued to private citizens. Most possession is illegal.
What are the first steps if I’m under investigation?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Promptly contact a federal criminal defense lawyer. A machine gun lawyer near me Mercer County residents trust can advise you on your rights, help manage the investigation, and work to prevent charges from being filed.
What is the Graves Act in New Jersey?
The Graves Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6(c)) mandates a period of parole ineligibility for certain firearm offenses, including possession of a machine gun for an unlawful purpose. This means if convicted, you must serve a mandatory minimum prison term before becoming eligible for parole.
Can state and federal charges be filed for the same gun?
Yes. Dual sovereignty allows both the State of New Jersey and the federal government to prosecute you for the same act of possessing an illegal machine gun. You need a defense team experienced in both federal and New Jersey courts.
For more information, see our New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Burlington County and Camden County. If you are facing other serious charges in Mercer County, consider our Mercer County DUI Lawyer or Mercer County Business Lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Mercer 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 Mercer County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage (7th Vicinage), 175 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08650, telephone (609) 571-4200, 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 Mercer 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: Mercer County NJ lawyers directory · Machine Gun Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Machine Gun Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Machine Gun Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.