Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Camden County, NJ
A federal charge for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) in Camden County carries severe mandatory minimum sentences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these charges, which are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature
Federal Statute for Use of a Firearm 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, consecutive penalties for using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during and in relation to any federal crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. The penalties are separate from and also to the punishment for the underlying crime. A conviction under this statute in Camden County is prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, often by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a deep understanding of the federal criminal justice system and the strategies needed to challenge these charges.
Official Government Resources
For the official text of the federal statute, visit the U.S. Code for 18 U.S.C. § 924 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the federal court handling these cases in New Jersey, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
Defending a 924c Charge in Camden County Federal Court
Defending against a charge for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence requires a detailed, aggressive approach. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the firearm was used, carried, or possessed during and in relation to a qualifying predicate crime. In Camden County, these cases are heard in federal court, where procedures and rules differ significantly from state court.
- Immediate Case Review: Upon retention, we immediately secure all discovery from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and review the indictment for legal sufficiency.
- Challenge the Predicate Crime: We analyze whether the underlying offense legally qualifies as a “crime of violence” under the complex definitions in federal law.
- Attack the Firearm Nexus: We challenge the government’s evidence that the firearm was used “during and in relation to” the crime, which is a required element.
- Explore Pretrial Motions: We file motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully or to dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Negotiate or Prepare for Trial: We engage in strategic plea negotiations to seek a reduction or dismissal of the § 924(c) charge. If necessary, we prepare a vigorous trial defense.
- Sentencing Mitigation: If a conviction occurs, we present compelling mitigation to argue for a sentence at the low end of the guidelines.
Penalties for a Federal Gun Enhancement Conviction
In Camden County federal court, a conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) for use of a firearm in a crime of violence carries severe mandatory minimum prison sentences that must run consecutively to any other sentence.
| Offense | Classification | Mandatory Minimum Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First § 924(c) Conviction | Federal Felony | 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Sentence runs consecutively to underlying crime. |
| § 924(c) with a “machinegun” or destructive device | Federal Felony | 30 years | Up to $250,000 | Sentence runs consecutively. |
| Second or Subsequent § 924(c) Conviction | Federal Felony | 25 years | Up to $250,000 | Sentence runs consecutively to first gun charge and underlying crime. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Federal Gun Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of the courtroom. We have a documented record of handling federal criminal matters. Our approach involves a thorough investigation of the facts, a deep understanding of federal sentencing guidelines, and a commitment to protecting our clients’ rights at every stage.
Case Results in Federal Court
While specific case results are confidential, our firm-wide experience includes handling 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across all practice areas and jurisdictions. In federal court, a favorable outcome in a gun enhancement case may involve having the charge dismissed, securing a plea to a lesser offense without the mandatory minimum, or achieving a not-guilty verdict at trial. Every case is unique, and we tailor our defense strategy to the specific facts and legal challenges presented.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Camden County Federal Gun Charge Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Camden County. We are familiar with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and the procedures of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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.
We serve communities across Camden County including Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, Haddonfield, Collingswood, Pennsauken, Winslow, Haddon Township, Berlin, and Lindenwold. 24/7 phone consultations are available.
FAQs: 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, carrying, or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a federal crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. It adds a mandatory minimum prison sentence that must run consecutively to the sentence for the underlying crime.
What does a gun enhancement defense lawyer do?
A gun enhancement defense lawyer challenges the government’s case on multiple fronts. This includes arguing that the underlying crime does not qualify as a “crime of violence,” that the firearm was not used “in relation to” the crime, or that evidence was obtained illegally. The goal is to get the charge reduced or dismissed.
Can you beat a federal gun charge?
It depends. While federal charges are serious, they can be challenged. Defenses may include lack of knowledge or possession of the firearm, challenging the legality of a search, or proving the firearm was not connected to the alleged crime. An experienced federal defense attorney is essential to identify and pursue these defenses.
What is the mandatory sentence for a 924c charge in Camden County?
For a first conviction under § 924(c), the mandatory minimum is 5 years in federal prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence. If the firearm is a machinegun or destructive device, the minimum is 30 years. A second § 924(c) conviction carries a 25-year mandatory minimum.
Where are these cases heard in Camden County?
Federal charges for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The courthouse for the Camden Division is located in Camden, NJ. These cases are handled by federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing federal charges, it is important to understand all aspects of your case. You may also want to learn about Federal Criminal Defense in New Jersey. For charges in neighboring areas, see our pages for a Federal Criminal Lawyer in Burlington County or a Federal Criminal Lawyer in Gloucester County. For other legal needs in Camden County, consider a Camden County Criminal Defense Lawyer or a Camden County DUI Lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Camden County, our page on use of a firearm in crime of violence charges across New Jersey sets out what to look for at each stage.
Your case in Camden 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 Camden County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103, telephone (856) 379-2200, 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 Camden 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: Camden 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.