Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Hunterdon County, NJ
A charge for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) is a severe federal offense prosecuted in the District of New Jersey. This charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence that must be served consecutively to any other sentence.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Hunterdon Vicinage | 18 U.S.C. § 924 (official U.S. Code)
Federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), criminalizes using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to any crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. A separate, consecutive mandatory minimum prison sentence applies for each violation. The penalties escalate dramatically for a second or subsequent conviction or if the firearm is a machinegun, destructive device, or equipped with a silencer. This is a distinct charge from state-level gun offenses and is handled in federal court.
Federal Statute and Penalties for Firearm Use in Crimes
The statute is clear and the penalties are severe. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) results in a mandatory prison term that runs consecutively (back-to-back) with the sentence for the underlying crime of violence or drug trafficking offense.
In the District of New Jersey, a conviction for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years to life in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence.
| Offense | Classification | Mandatory Minimum Incarceration | Maximum Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 924(c) Conviction | Federal Felony | 5 years | $250,000 | Consecutive sentence; federal supervised release |
| Second/Subsequent 924(c) Conviction | Federal Felony | 25 years | $250,000 | Consecutive sentence; federal supervised release |
| 924(c) with Machinegun/Silencer | Federal Felony | 30 years | $250,000 | Consecutive sentence; federal supervised release |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Defending Against a 924c Charge or Gun Enhancement in Hunterdon County
Defense against a 924c charge requires a detailed understanding of federal law and procedure. Key defense strategies may involve challenging whether the underlying offense qualifies as a “crime of violence” under the legal definitions, arguing that the firearm was not used “during and in relation to” the crime, or moving to suppress evidence obtained through an unlawful search. A gun enhancement defense lawyer in Hunterdon County must be prepared to litigate these intricate legal issues in federal court.
- Initial Investigation & Grand Jury: The case typically begins with a federal investigation (FBI, DEA, ATF). A grand jury in Newark or Camden may issue an indictment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: You will be arraigned in U.S. District Court. Your lawyer will argue for pretrial release at a detention hearing.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your defense attorney will review all evidence and file pretrial motions, potentially to dismiss the 924(c) count or suppress evidence.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The government may offer a plea deal. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a federal jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. A 924(c) conviction adds a mandatory consecutive term.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With a combined 120+ years of legal experience and over 4,739 documented case results firm-wide, we bring substantial resources to federal cases. Our approach is collaborative, and we focus on building a defense that addresses the specific allegations of firearm use from the outset.
While specific local case results for this federal charge in Hunterdon County are not publicly verifiable, our firm-wide record includes handling serious federal allegations. We approach each 924c charge defense with a detailed strategy case-specific to the facts and the law.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Hunterdon County
Our New Jersey location represents clients facing federal charges, including use of a firearm in a crime of violence, throughout Hunterdon County and the District of New Jersey. We serve communities including Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, and Readington.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQ: Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Charges
What is a 924c charge?
It is a federal charge under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) for using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. It carries a mandatory prison sentence that must be served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying crime.
What does “crime of violence” mean under 924(c)?
It depends. The legal definition is demanding and has been the subject of significant Supreme Court litigation. Generally, it is a felony that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force. Your lawyer must analyze whether the underlying offense in your case meets this definition.
Can a 924c charge be dropped or dismissed?
Yes. A skilled gun enhancement defense lawyer in Hunterdon County can file motions to dismiss the charge, often by arguing the underlying offense is not a qualifying “crime of violence” or that the firearm was not used “during and in relation to” the crime. Success depends on the specific facts and law.
What is the difference between a 924c charge and a state gun charge?
A 924c charge is a federal offense prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in federal court under U.S. law. A state gun charge is prosecuted by county prosecutors in state court under New Jersey law. The penalties, procedures, and defenses are different.
Who prosecutes federal firearm charges in Hunterdon County?
Federal firearm charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, which has divisions in Newark, Camden, and Trenton. Cases from Hunterdon County are typically handled by the Newark division.
If you are under investigation or charged with the use of a firearm in a crime of violence, contact a lawyer as early as possible. For a 924c charge defense lawyer in Hunterdon County, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Related Pages: New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer | Hunterdon County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Federal Criminal Lawyer Bergen County
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
For the full picture beyond Hunterdon County, our page on use of a firearm in crime of violence cases in New Jersey covers the process end to end.
Your case in Hunterdon 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 Hunterdon County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Hunterdon Vicinage (13th Vicinage), 65 Park Avenue, Flemington, NJ 08822, telephone (908) 824-9750, 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 Hunterdon 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: Hunterdon County NJ lawyers directory · Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer Bergen County · Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer Hudson County · Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer Monmouth County.