Weapons Trafficking Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ — What Are Your Defense Options?
Weapons trafficking in Bergen County is a serious indictable crime prosecuted in the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9, carrying severe penalties. As a weapons trafficking lawyer Bergen County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these charges. Our firm has extensive experience in New Jersey’s criminal justice system. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Understanding New Jersey Weapons Trafficking Laws
Weapons trafficking, defined under N.J.S.A. Title 2C, involves the unlawful sale, transport, or distribution of firearms. In New Jersey, this is not a simple gun charge; it is treated as a second-degree crime, which carries a presumption of imprisonment for a term between 5 and 10 years. The statute is aggressively enforced, particularly in counties like Bergen. The charges are filed in the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage located at 10 Main Street, Hackensack. The prosecution must prove you knowingly transferred a firearm to someone you knew or should have known was disqualified from possessing one. Defenses often challenge the element of knowledge, the legality of the transaction, or the validity of the evidence obtained.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the New Jersey Statutes Title 2C (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and forms can be found at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for Weapons Charges in Bergen County
Weapons trafficking cases in Bergen County follow a specific path through the Superior Court system. The process begins with an indictment by a grand jury. New Jersey’s bail reform means your release pre-trial is determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not cash. An experienced weapons trafficking lawyer Bergen County can advocate for your release at the detention hearing. The discovery phase is critical, as the state must provide all evidence. Given the severity of the charges, early and strategic intervention is essential.
- Arrest and Initial Charges: You may be arrested by local police or state agencies. Charges are filed with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
- Detention Hearing: A judge will decide if you are held or released pre-trial based on a risk assessment, not bail money.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury to secure a formal indictment for the second-degree crime.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The case may be resolved through a negotiated plea or proceed to a jury trial in Superior Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows state guidelines, with a presumption of prison time for second-degree crimes.
Potential Penalties for Weapons Trafficking in New Jersey
In Bergen County, a conviction for weapons trafficking as a second-degree crime carries a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years, with a presumption of incarceration, and fines up to $150,000.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weapons Trafficking (Firearm) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years (Presumption of Imprisonment) | Up to $150,000 | Graves Act mandatory minimum parole ineligibility, permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, immigration consequences for non-citizens. |
| Weapons Trafficking (Other Weapons) | Third-Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Permanent criminal record, potential loss of professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results. We understand the high stakes of a weapons trafficking charge in Bergen County and provide a focused, strategic defense. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation.
Our Approach to Weapons Trafficking Cases
Our defense strategy begins with a thorough investigation of the arrest circumstances and the evidence against you. We scrutinize police reports, search warrants, and witness statements for constitutional violations. In Bergen County, we challenge the prosecution’s ability to prove you had the required knowledge for a trafficking conviction. We explore all options, from seeking a dismissal or reduction of charges pre-indictment to negotiating a favorable plea or preparing for trial. Our goal is to protect your freedom and future.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Weapons Trafficking Defense Team
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between unlawful possession and trafficking of a weapon in NJ?
It depends on intent and action. Unlawful possession (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5) is simply having a weapon you’re not allowed to have. Weapons trafficking (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9) involves selling, transporting, or distributing a weapon to someone you know is disqualified. Trafficking is a more serious second-degree crime with harsher penalties.
Does New Jersey have cash bail for weapons trafficking charges?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in 2017. Your release before trial on a weapons trafficking charge is decided by a judge based on a Public Safety Assessment risk score that considers flight risk and danger, not your ability to pay money.
Can I find an affordable weapons trafficking lawyer Bergen County?
Yes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers transparent fee structures and payment plans. The cost of a lawyer is an investment in your defense against very serious charges that carry mandatory prison time. We provide a clear explanation of fees during your initial consultation.
What should I look for in a weapons trafficking lawyer near me Bergen County?
You need a lawyer with specific experience in New Jersey’s Graves Act and weapons laws, familiarity with the Bergen County Superior Court and Prosecutor’s Office, and a track record of handling serious indictable crimes. Look for a firm that offers 24/7 availability for urgent matters.
Are there any defenses to a weapons trafficking charge?
Yes. Common defenses include lack of knowledge that the recipient was disqualified, entrapment, unlawful search and seizure violating the 4th Amendment, mistaken identity, or challenging the authenticity or chain of custody of the evidence. An experienced weapons trafficking lawyer Bergen County can identify the best defense for your case.
Related Legal Services in Bergen County
If you are facing other serious charges, our firm also provides representation for general criminal defense in Bergen County, federal criminal charges, and DUI/DWI offenses. For a broader view of our New Jersey practice, visit our New Jersey criminal defense hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Morris County and Passaic County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, 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 N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 (aggravated sexual assault) within the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen 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: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Weapons Trafficking Lawyer in Middlesex County, NJ · Weapons Trafficking Defense Lawyer Essex County, NJ · Weapons Trafficking Defense Lawyer Hudson County, NJ.