Machine Gun Lawyer in Salem County, NJ — Federal Firearms Defense
A federal machine gun charge in Salem County, NJ, under the National Firearms Act (NFA) carries severe penalties, including up to 10 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for individuals facing these federal firearms allegations. If you need a machine gun lawyer near me Salem County, contact us as early as possible for a consultation.
Federal Machine Gun Charges in New Jersey
Federal law strictly regulates machine guns, 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. This includes conversion devices, like auto-sears or “Glock switches,” that convert a semi-automatic firearm into a machine gun. Charges are typically brought under the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. § 5801 et seq.) and the Gun Control Act (18 U.S.C. § 921 et seq.).
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage | U.S. Code § 5801
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the gravity of federal indictments. These cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, not local Salem County prosecutors, making experienced federal defense critical.
Official Federal Statutes and Court Resources
Understanding the specific laws you are accused of violating is the first step in building a defense. The primary statutes include:
- 26 U.S.C. § 5861 (Official U.S. Code – Tax on Making and Transferring Firearms)
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Salem Vicinage (Official Court Website)
Local Defense Strategy for Salem County Federal Cases
While the trial may be in federal court, your defense begins locally. Individuals in Salem County facing these charges are often investigated by the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) with assistance from local agencies. A key local procedural fact is that initial appearances and detention hearings for federal defendants arrested in the area are often held at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Camden, which has jurisdiction over Salem County.
- Initial Arrest & Federal Charges: You may be arrested on a federal complaint or indicted by a grand jury. Charges are filed in U.S. District Court.
- Initial Appearance & Detention Hearing: You will appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, who will advise you of your rights and determine if you will be released on bond or detained pending trial.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to challenge the evidence (e.g., suppress an illegal search) and review all discovery provided by the prosecution.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The vast majority of federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which are severe for NFA violations.
Potential Penalties for Federal Machine Gun Violations
In Salem County, federal machine gun charges carry mandatory minimum sentences and decades of potential prison time, making early intervention by a skilled attorney essential.
| Charge (U.S. Code) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of an Unregistered Machine Gun (26 U.S.C. § 5861(d)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Forfeiture of firearm, loss of gun rights permanently, federal supervised release. |
| Transfer of a Machine Gun (26 U.S.C. § 5861(e)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Same as above; enhanced if transferred to a prohibited person. |
| Making a Machine Gun (26 U.S.C. § 5861(f)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Same as above; applies to manufacturing or creating conversion devices. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Firearms Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, we bring substantial resources to your defense. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands government tactics. We provide “Advocacy Without Borders,” representing clients in federal matters like NFA violations.
Our Approach to Federal Machine Gun Cases
We build a defense by scrutinizing every aspect of the government’s case. Common defense strategies include challenging the legality of the search and seizure that found the firearm, arguing lack of knowledge or possession, examining the firearm’s functionality to see if it meets the legal definition of a machine gun, and negotiating for reduced charges or alternative sentencing. An affordable machine gun lawyer Salem County can provide this critical analysis.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Salem County Federal Defense Lawyers
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.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Salem County courts. We represent individuals in Salem, Pennsville, Carneys Point, Woodstown, Pilesgrove, Alloway, Quinton, and Elsinboro. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Machine Gun Charges in NJ
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 with a single trigger pull. This includes fully automatic firearms, conversion kits like “auto-sears” or “Glock switches,” and even parts designed exclusively for converting a weapon.
Can I be charged in New Jersey for having a machine gun I bought in another state?
Yes. The National Firearms Act (NFA) is federal law. Possession of an unregistered machine gun is a federal crime regardless of where it was purchased. You would be charged in U.S. District Court for the district where you possessed it, which for Salem County residents is the District of New Jersey.
What are the possible defenses to a federal machine gun charge?
It depends on the facts. Common defenses include challenging an unconstitutional search (Fourth Amendment), proving you lacked knowledge you possessed a machine gun, arguing the device was not functional, or demonstrating the firearm was properly registered. Each case requires a detailed review of the evidence and ATF procedures.
Is there a mandatory minimum sentence for machine gun possession?
For simple possession of an unregistered NFA weapon, there is no mandatory minimum under the NFA itself, though judges impose significant sentences. However, if the machine gun is used in a crime of violence or drug trafficking, mandatory minimums of 30 years to life under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) may apply.
Why do I need a federal lawyer instead of a local criminal attorney?
Federal courts have completely different rules, procedures, sentencing guidelines, and prosecutors than New Jersey state courts. A lawyer experienced in federal practice understands how to handle the U.S. Attorney’s Office, federal pre-trial services, and the strict Federal Sentencing Guidelines that will determine your potential penalty.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other federal charges, explore our pages for Federal Criminal Lawyer Salem County and Drug Crimes Lawyer Salem County.
Other Locations: We also assist clients in neighboring counties. Visit our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub or see pages for Camden County and Burlington County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Salem 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 Salem County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 92 Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079, telephone (856) 878-5050, 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 Salem 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: Salem County NJ lawyers directory · Machine Gun Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Machine Gun Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Machine Gun Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.