Unlawful Dealing in Firearms Lawyer in Union County, NJ — What Are Your Defense Options?
Unlawful dealing in firearms in Union County is a serious crime prosecuted under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9, carrying severe penalties including mandatory prison time. If you are under investigation or charged, you need an experienced unlawful dealing in firearms lawyer Union County immediately. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Statutory Definition of Unlawful Dealing in Firearms in New Jersey
In New Jersey, unlawful dealing in firearms is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9. This statute makes it a crime to knowingly sell, give, transfer, assign, or otherwise dispose of a firearm to a person who is under 18 years of age, or to any person you know or have reason to believe is disqualified from possessing a firearm under state law. This includes sales to convicted felons, individuals subject to a restraining order, or those with certain mental health adjudications. The law also prohibits purchasing a firearm with the intent to sell it to such a disqualified person. The statute is part of New Jersey’s full gun control framework designed to prevent firearms from reaching prohibited persons.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9 (official New Jersey Legislature site)
- Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage website
Insider Procedural Edge for Union County Firearms Cases
Union County prosecutors take firearms offenses extremely seriously, and charges for unlawful dealing often follow lengthy investigations by county detectives or the New Jersey State Police. These cases are heard in the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage in Elizabeth, not Municipal Court. A key local procedural fact is that New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017; pretrial release for these indictable offenses is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) risk score. For a first-time offender, a skilled unlawful dealing in firearms lawyer Union County may seek admission into the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program, which can lead to a complete dismissal after supervision.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present. Contact an unlawful dealing in firearms lawyer Union County from SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
- Case Assessment & Discovery: Your attorney will review all evidence, including search warrants, surveillance, and witness statements, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pretrial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches or seizures, which is a common defense in firearms cases.
- Negotiation or PTI Application: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will negotiate for reduced charges or apply for the PTI diversion program if you are eligible.
- Trial Preparation: If a favorable plea cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare a vigorous defense for trial in Union County Superior Court.
Potential Penalties for Unlawful Dealing in Firearms
In Union County, unlawful dealing in firearms is typically a second-degree crime, punishable by 5 to 10 years in state prison, with a presumption of incarceration, and fines up to $150,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful Sale/Transfer (General) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Permanent loss of firearm purchaser ID card & permits | Felony record, parole supervision, possible federal charges |
| Unlawful Sale to Minor or Disqualified Person | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years (presumption of imprisonment) | Up to $150,000 | Permanent loss of firearm rights | Graves Act mandatory minimum parole ineligibility, severe collateral consequences |
| Firearms Trafficking (Multiple Firearms) | 1st or 2nd Degree Crime | 10-20 years (1st degree) or 5-10 years (2nd degree) | Up to $200,000 (1st degree) | Lifetime firearm prohibition | Graves Act penalties, asset forfeiture, extensive prison term |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Firearms 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 track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of firearms charges in Union County and provide a focused, strategic defense. Our team is familiar with the local prosecutors and judges in the Union Vicinage, and we use that insight to build the strongest possible defense for clients facing charges for illegal gun sales or firearms trafficking.
Case Results & Firm Experience
While specific case results are confidential, SRIS, P.C. actively practices in Union County and has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our experience includes successfully defending clients against serious felony charges, negotiating reductions in charges and penalties, and securing admissions into diversionary programs like PTI. We apply this extensive experience to every unlawful dealing in firearms case we handle.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Presence & Availability for Union County Clients
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.
Our New Jersey location represents clients throughout Union County, including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, and Cranford. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Route 22. As your unlawful dealing in firearms lawyer Union County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings available by appointment at our Tinton Falls location.
Frequently Asked Questions: Unlawful Dealing in Firearms in Union County
What is the difference between unlawful dealing in firearms and firearms trafficking in NJ?
It depends on the scale and intent. Unlawful dealing under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9 typically involves a single illegal sale or transfer to a prohibited person. Firearms trafficking, often charged under different statutes, involves a pattern of buying and selling multiple firearms for profit. Trafficking charges are more severe, often first-degree crimes. An illegal gun sales defense lawyer Union County can analyze the specifics of your case.
Does New Jersey have mandatory minimum sentences for unlawful dealing in firearms?
Yes. If certain aggravating factors are present, New Jersey’s Graves Act imposes mandatory minimum periods of parole ineligibility, meaning you must serve a specified portion of the sentence before being eligible for parole. A firearms trafficking lawyer Union County can explain how this might apply to your charges.
Can I get PTI for an unlawful dealing in firearms charge?
It depends on your prior record and the case facts. PTI is generally available for first-time offenders charged with indictable crimes. However, prosecutors may oppose PTI for serious firearms offenses. A strong application by your unlawful dealing in firearms lawyer Union County is essential to argue for your admission.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for illegal gun sales?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer. Exercise your right to remain silent. An illegal gun sales defense lawyer Union County from SRIS, P.C. can intervene early to protect your rights and potentially influence the direction of the investigation before charges are filed.
Are unlawful dealing charges heard in Union County Municipal Court?
No. Unlawful dealing in firearms is an indictable crime (felony equivalent) in New Jersey. These cases are prosecuted in the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. You need an attorney experienced in Superior Court procedures.
Related Pages: For other legal issues in Union County, see our pages on Criminal Defense and Federal Criminal Defense. For help in nearby areas, our Bergen County criminal lawyers are also available.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Union County cases are handled by our New Jersey unlawful dealing in firearms practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Union 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 Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 Union 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: Union County NJ lawyers directory · Unlawful Dealing in Firearms Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Unlawful Dealing in Firearms Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Unlawful Dealing in Firearms Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.