Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Ocean County, NJ
A federal charge for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) is among the most severe in Ocean County, carrying mandatory minimum sentences of 5 to 30 years consecutive to any other sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these charges, which are prosecuted in the U.S.
Federal Statute for Firearm Use in a Crime of Violence
The federal statute governing the use of a firearm in a crime of violence is 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). This law imposes severe, mandatory penalties for using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a federal crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. The charge is separate and consecutive to the underlying crime, meaning the sentence for the firearm offense is added on top of the sentence for the violent or drug crime.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | 18 U.S.C. § 924 (official U.S. Code)
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has built a multi-state practice focused on federal defense. We understand the high stakes of a 924c charge defense lawyer Ocean County case and the aggressive tactics of federal prosecutors.
Official Legal Resources
Defending a 924(c) Charge in Ocean County
Defending against a charge for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence requires attacking both the firearm allegation and the underlying predicate crime. A key local procedural fact is that these cases are typically investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, ATF, or DEA, often with assistance from Ocean County law enforcement, before being presented to a federal grand jury in Newark or Camden. The government must prove you actively employed the firearm in relation to the crime.
- Initial Investigation & Arrest: You may be arrested on a federal warrant following a lengthy investigation. Do not speak to agents without your attorney present.
- Initial Appearance & Detention Hearing: You will appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Your lawyer will argue for your release pending trial.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The U.S. Attorney’s Office presents evidence to secure a formal indictment for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense attorney files motions to challenge the evidence, suppress statements, or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. If not, your case proceeds to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, with mandatory minimums for 924(c) convictions.
Potential Penalties for 924(c) Convictions
In Ocean County, a conviction for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries severe mandatory prison terms that must be served consecutively to any other sentence.
| Firearm Type / Circumstance | Mandatory Minimum Sentence | Maximum Sentence | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 924(c) Conviction | 5 years | Life | Up to $250,000 |
| Brandishing the Firearm | 7 years | Life | Up to $250,000 |
| Discharging the Firearm | 10 years | Life | Up to $250,000 |
| Second or Subsequent 924(c) Conviction | 25 years | Life | Up to $250,000 |
| Underlying Crime of Violence Resulting in Death | Any term of years or Life | Death or Life | Up to $250,000 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
These penalties are also to those for the underlying crime of violence (e.g., robbery, carjacking, assault). A gun enhancement defense lawyer Ocean County must work to sever the charges or undermine the government’s case to avoid these stacked penalties.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide documented case results, we handle federal charges. Our managing attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, providing a unique advantage in cases involving financial evidence or digital trails often associated with federal investigations.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific local results for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence in Ocean County are not disclosed, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. We apply this extensive experience to every federal case, striving for dismissals, charge reductions, or sentence mitigations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Ocean County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Ocean County. We are accessible from Toms River, Lakewood, Brick Township, and across the county.
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. Meetings by appointment only. We serve neighborhoods including Toms River, Lakewood, Brick Township, Jackson Township, Lacey, Stafford, Little Egg Harbor, Barnegat, Berkeley Township, Manchester, Seaside Heights, and Point Pleasant.
FAQs: Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Charges
What is a “crime of violence” under federal law 924(c)?
It depends. The definition has been contested, but generally includes felonies that involve a substantial risk of physical force (like robbery, carjacking, or certain assaults). Your lawyer must analyze if the underlying crime qualifies, which is a primary defense strategy for a use of a firearm in crime of violence lawyer.
Can I be charged in both state and federal court for the same gun crime?
Yes. This is called “dual sovereignty.” You can face state charges in Ocean County Superior Court and federal charges in U.S. District Court for the same incident. A 924c charge defense lawyer Ocean County must coordinate a defense across both jurisdictions.
What does “in furtherance of” mean in a 924(c) charge?
It means the firearm must have facilitated or promoted the underlying crime. Mere possession is not enough. The government must prove a direct connection. Challenging this element is a key task for a gun enhancement defense lawyer Ocean County.
Are there any defenses to a 924(c) charge?
Yes. Defenses include challenging the legality of the search that found the gun, proving the firearm was not connected to the crime, arguing the underlying offense is not a “crime of violence,” or showing mistaken identity. An experienced use of a firearm in crime of violence lawyer will identify all viable defenses.
What is “stacking” 924(c) charges?
Stacking refers to facing multiple 924(c) counts from a single indictment, often from multiple underlying crimes. Each carries its own consecutive mandatory minimum, skilled to decades in prison. A skilled 924c charge defense lawyer Ocean County fights to have counts dismissed or consolidated.
Internal Resources
- New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Hub
- Federal Criminal Lawyer Atlantic County
- Ocean County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Page Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding the use of a firearm in a crime of violence.
The same rules apply outside Ocean County, and our page on use of a firearm in crime of violence charges across New Jersey walks through 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 · 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.