Federal Firearms Lawyer Ocean County — Defending Federal Gun Charges in NJ
Federal firearms charges in Ocean County are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences. As a Federal Firearms Lawyer Ocean County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for charges like felon in possession and unlawful trafficking. Our firm has extensive experience in the U.S.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | Federal statutes are codified in the U.S. Code.
Federal Firearms Charges and Statutes
Federal firearms offenses are distinct from state gun charges and are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which prohibits possession of a firearm by certain categories of persons, including convicted felons, unlawful drug users, and individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders. A conviction under this statute is a serious felony. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings a deep understanding of federal court procedures to every case.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of federal firearms laws, refer to 18 U.S.C. § 922 (U.S. Code via Cornell Law). Information on the federal court handling these cases in New Jersey can be found at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Ocean County Federal Cases
Federal firearms cases in New Jersey typically begin with an investigation by agencies like the ATF, FBI, or DEA. The case proceeds in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which has divisions in Newark, Trenton, and Camden. The federal system operates under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which heavily influence potential penalties.
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents may conduct surveillance, execute search warrants, or conduct interviews.
- Grand Jury Indictment: A federal grand jury reviews evidence and issues an indictment if probable cause is found.
- Arraignment and Detention Hearing: The defendant appears in federal court, enters a plea, and a judge determines if they will be released pending trial.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The case may be resolved through a plea agreement or proceed to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the defendant’s criminal history and offense characteristics.
Potential Penalties for Federal Firearms Crimes
In federal court, a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, but penalties can be enhanced based on prior convictions and other factors.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years* | Up to $250,000 | Loss of firearm rights, supervised release |
| Firearms Trafficking | Federal Felony | 5+ years | Up to $250,000 | Asset forfeiture, lengthy supervised release |
| Use of Firearm in Drug Crime/Violent Crime | Federal Felony | 5-year mandatory min., consecutive to other sentences | Up to $250,000 | Severe sentencing enhancements |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*Sentences can be enhanced under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) to a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience and have handled over 4,739 documented case results with a firm-wide favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. For federal firearms defense, Mr. Sris leads our team, drawing on his background as a former prosecutor and his multi-state practice experience.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific case results are confidential, our firm-wide record includes successful outcomes in federal and state matters. We approach each federal firearms case with a detailed strategy, examining every aspect from the initial investigation to sentencing. Our goal is to protect your rights and seek a favorable resolution.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Federal Firearms Defense Team
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Ocean County, including Toms River, Lakewood, Brick Township, and Point Pleasant. We are accessible via the Garden State Parkway and Route 37.
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.
Federal Firearms Lawyer Ocean County FAQ
What is the difference between a state and federal gun charge in Ocean County?
It depends on who is prosecuting and the specific law violated. State gun charges are handled in Ocean County Superior Court under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2C). Federal firearms charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney in U.S. District Court under federal law (18 U.S.C.). Federal charges often carry longer mandatory sentences.
Can I get bail in a federal firearms case?
Yes, but it is not guaranteed. After an arrest, a detention hearing is held in federal court. The judge decides release based on flight risk and danger to the community. Having a skilled firearms offense defense lawyer Ocean County can be important in arguing for pre-trial release.
What is the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA)?
It is a federal sentencing enhancement under 18 U.S.C. § 924(e). If a defendant convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) has three prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses, the mandatory minimum sentence increases to 15 years in prison, with a maximum of life.
What should I do if I am under federal investigation for a firearms offense?
Immediately contact a federal criminal defense attorney. Do not speak to investigators without your lawyer present. An experienced gun charge defense lawyer Ocean County can advise you on your rights and may be able to intervene before formal charges are filed.
How long does a federal firearms case take?
Federal cases typically move slower than state cases. A clear case may resolve in 6-12 months, while contested cases involving extensive evidence or going to trial can take 1-3 years or more from indictment to resolution.
For representation by a Federal Firearms Lawyer Ocean County, contact us 24/7. We also handle related matters like criminal defense in Ocean County. For defense across New Jersey, see our New Jersey federal criminal defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Consult an attorney for current legal advice.
If your case reaches beyond Ocean County, our page on federal firearms charges across New Jersey sets out what to look for at each stage.
Your case in Ocean 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 Ocean County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Ocean Vicinage (9th Vicinage), 120 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753, telephone (732) 504-0700, 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 Ocean 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: Ocean County NJ lawyers directory · Federal Firearms Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Federal Firearms Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Federal Firearms Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.