Felon in Possession Lawyer Atlantic County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A felon in possession charge in Atlantic County is a second-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7, punishable by 5-10 years in state prison with a presumption of imprisonment. As a prohibited person, your prior record elevates a simple gun charge to a severe felony. A felon in possession lawyer Atlantic County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Atlantic Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
In New Jersey, it is illegal for any person convicted of a crime, including certain disorderly persons offenses, to possess any firearm. This statute, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7, is strictly enforced in Atlantic County. The charge is not about how you obtained the firearm, but simply that you, as a prohibited person, were found in possession of it. The prosecution must prove you knowingly possessed the weapon, but the law’s severe penalties make early intervention by a skilled felon in possession lawyer Atlantic County critical.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7 (official New Jersey Legislature site). All felon in possession cases in Atlantic County are heard in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Atlantic Vicinage.
- Secure immediate legal representation before any statements are made to police.
- Your attorney will file motions to challenge the legality of the search and seizure that discovered the firearm.
- We will analyze the state’s evidence to attack the “knowing possession” element of the charge.
- If the case proceeds, we will pursue every avenue for a downgrade or diversion program to avoid the mandatory prison sentence.
In Atlantic County, a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a mandatory minimum state prison sentence of 5 years, with no parole eligibility for at least 42 months, plus significant fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years (Presumption of Imprisonment; Graves Act applies) | Up to $150,000 | Permanent forfeiture of firearm privileges | Mandatory minimum 42 months without parole; permanent criminal record; loss of voting rights while incarcerated. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Atlantic County Firearms Charge
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive, boundary-pushing defense. We understand the high stakes of a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Atlantic County case and the technical interplay between state and federal firearms laws.
Case Results & Firm Experience
While specific local case counts are not published, SRIS actively practices in Atlantic County. Firm-wide, our attorneys have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team, including seasoned litigators, is skilled at handling the Superior Court system and challenging evidence in serious felony cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Atlantic County Firearms Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location represents clients throughout Atlantic County, including Atlantic City, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway, Hamilton Township, Pleasantville, Hammonton, Absecon, Ventnor, Linwood, Brigantine, and Margate. We are accessible via the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway.
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.
Felon in Possession Lawyer Atlantic County FAQ
What makes someone a “prohibited person” for gun possession in NJ?
Yes. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7, a prohibited person includes anyone convicted of a crime, a disorderly persons domestic violence offense, or subject to a restraining order. This status is permanent under NJ law, making possession a second-degree crime.
Can a felon with firearm defense lawyer Atlantic County get the charges dropped?
It depends. Dismissal is possible if the defense successfully challenges the legality of the search (Fourth Amendment violation) or proves the defendant did not knowingly possess the firearm. An experienced felon with firearm defense lawyer Atlantic County will aggressively file suppression motions to get key evidence thrown out before trial.
Is there a diversion program for felon in possession charges?
No. Felon in possession is a Graves Act offense, which typically disqualifies defendants from Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) and other standard diversion programs. However, a skilled attorney may argue for a “Graves Act waiver” or negotiate a downgrade to a non-Graves charge to create eligibility.
What is the first step after being charged?
The first step is to invoke your right to remain silent and immediately contact a felon in possession lawyer Atlantic County. Do not discuss the case with anyone. Your attorney will secure your release, analyze the complaint, and begin building a defense focused on evidence suppression and challenging the state’s case.
Does NJ have a “stand your ground” law for prohibited persons?
No. New Jersey does not have a “stand your ground” law. Even claims of self-defense are extremely difficult for a prohibited person, as the initial act of possessing the firearm is itself a crime. A prohibited person gun charge lawyer Atlantic County must handle this legal Catch-22 carefully.
Internal Links: For more on our statewide practice, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. For related defense in nearby counties, consider our Cape May County Criminal Defense Lawyer. If you are also facing other charges, our Atlantic County Drug Crime Lawyer can help.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding your specific case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
If you want to see how an Atlantic County case fits into the wider process, our page on felon in possession lawyer New Jersey covers it from start to finish.
Your case in Atlantic County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Atlantic County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Atlantic Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 1201 Bacharach Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, telephone (609) 402-0100, 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 the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Atlantic 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: Atlantic County NJ lawyers directory · Felon in Possession Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Felon in Possession Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Felon in Possession Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.