Possession of an Unregistered Firearm Lawyer Gloucester County — Your Defense
Possession of an unregistered firearm in Gloucester County is a serious indictable crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, prosecuted in Superior Court. A conviction can mean years in prison and a permanent felony record. As a possession of an unregistered firearm lawyer Gloucester County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these charges.
New Jersey Law on Unregistered Firearms
New Jersey has some of the strictest firearm laws in the nation. The state does not have a traditional firearm “registration” system for most guns; instead, it prohibits the possession of certain firearms and devices altogether unless specifically exempted. Charges often stem from possessing what the law defines as “assault firearms,” sawed-off shotguns, silencers, or other weapons covered by the National Firearms Act (NFA) without proper federal authorization. These are typically charged as second or third-degree crimes.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the statutes is critical. You can review the official New Jersey code on unlawful possession of weapons at the New Jersey Legislature website (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5). For local court procedures and forms, visit the Gloucester Vicinage Superior Court website.
Defending Unregistered Weapon Charges in Gloucester County
An effective defense requires immediate action. In Gloucester County Superior Court, prosecutors take firearm charges very seriously. The key local procedural fact is that New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017; your release pre-trial depends on a risk assessment, not your ability to pay. For a first-time offender, Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) may be an option to avoid a conviction, but it is not guaranteed for weapons offenses. A strong unregistered weapon charge lawyer Gloucester County will scrutinize the legality of the search and seizure that led to the discovery of the firearm, challenge the state’s classification of the weapon, and explore all avenues for mitigation.
- Secure Immediate Representation: Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747.
- Case Analysis: We will review the charges, the police report, and the evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Motion to Suppress: If the firearm was found through an illegal search, we can file a motion to have the evidence thrown out.
- Negotiation or Trial: We will pursue a favorable resolution, whether through a favorable plea agreement or by taking your case to trial.
Potential Penalties for Firearm Offenses
In Gloucester County, possession of an unregistered firearm classified as an “assault firearm” is a second-degree crime carrying 5 to 10 years in state prison with a presumption of imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Assault Firearm | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Graves Act mandatory minimum parole ineligibility, permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights. |
| Possession of Sawed-off Shotgun/Silencer | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Graves Act may apply, felony record, federal NFA violation charges possible. |
| Certain Other Firearms (e.g., defaced) | 4th Degree Crime | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Felony record, collateral immigration or professional licensing consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Firearm Charge
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 how the state builds its cases. We focus on serious criminal defense, including serious firearm and NFA violation defense lawyer Gloucester County matters. We approach each case with a detailed, case-specific strategy aimed at protecting your freedom and future.
Documented Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of favorable outcomes in contested cases. While every case is unique, our firm-wide track includes over 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Gloucester County, we have secured dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing serious allegations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Gloucester County Firearm Defense
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) 546-4290
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Gloucester County. We are accessible via I-295, Route 55, and the NJ Turnpike. If you need a possession of an unregistered firearm lawyer Gloucester County near Woodbury, Washington Township, Deptford, Monroe Township, or Mantua, we are here to help. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is possession of an unregistered firearm a federal or state charge in NJ?
It can be both. New Jersey will prosecute under state law (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5). The federal government may also prosecute under the National Firearms Act (NFA) for items like silencers or short-barreled rifles, making an NFA violation defense lawyer Gloucester County critical.
What is the Graves Act in New Jersey?
It’s a law that mandates prison time and parole ineligibility for certain firearm offenses. If your charge falls under the Graves Act, you face a mandatory minimum sentence, often 3 to 5 years without parole, depending on the charge.
Can I get PTI for an unregistered firearm charge?
It depends. Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) is generally not available for Graves Act offenses. However, in some limited circumstances, a prosecutor may consent to a Graves Act waiver, allowing for PTI. This requires skilled negotiation by your attorney.
What should I do if police find a firearm in my car or home?
Do not answer questions. Politely state you wish to speak with an attorney. Then, contact a possession of an unregistered firearm lawyer Gloucester County immediately. Anything you say can be used to strengthen the case against you.
What defenses are available?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search (Fourth Amendment violation), arguing you lacked knowledge of the firearm’s presence or its illegal characteristics, or contesting the state’s classification of the weapon. Each case is unique.
For more information on related legal issues, see our pages on New Jersey Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense in Camden County, and Federal Criminal Defense in Gloucester County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
The same rules apply outside Gloucester County, and our page on possession of an unregistered firearm charges across Virginia walks through each stage.
The same rules apply outside Gloucester County, and our page on possession of an unregistered firearm cases across Virginia walks through each stage.
Your case in Gloucester County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Gloucester County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage (15th Vicinage), 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096, telephone (856) 853-3200, 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 Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Gloucester 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: Gloucester County NJ lawyers directory · Possession of an Unregistered Firearm Lawyer Bergen County · Possession of an Unregistered Firearm Lawyer Hudson County · Possession of an Unregistered Firearm Lawyer Monmouth County.