Arson or Bombing of Federal Property Lawyer in Burlington County, NJ
If you are under investigation or charged with arson or bombing of federal property in Burlington County, you face severe penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 844. An experienced Arson or Bombing of Federal Property lawyer Burlington County from SRIS, P.C. is critical. Federal charges are prosecuted in the U.S.
Federal Arson and Bombing Laws in New Jersey
Federal arson and bombing crimes are prosecuted under Title 18 of the U.S. Code, primarily Section 844. This statute makes it a crime to maliciously damage or destroy, or attempt to damage or destroy, by means of fire or an explosive, any building, vehicle, or other real or personal property used in interstate or foreign commerce or in any activity affecting interstate or foreign commerce. This broad definition means many properties can fall under federal jurisdiction, not just obvious federal buildings.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | 18 U.S.C. § 844
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal criminal defense. Our attorneys understand the gravity of these charges and the aggressive tactics of federal prosecutors.
Official Federal Resources
Understanding the statutes and procedures is essential. The official U.S. Code is maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel: Title 18, U.S. Code. For local federal court procedures, refer to the website for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Defending Federal Arson and Bombing Charges in Burlington County
Federal arson and bombing investigations often involve multiple agencies like the ATF, FBI, and local fire marshals. In Burlington County, cases may be heard at the federal courthouse in Camden or Trenton. The prosecution must prove you acted maliciously and that the property was used in interstate commerce. A common defense strategy involves challenging the evidence of intent or the federal government’s jurisdiction over the property in question.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: If you suspect you are under investigation, do not speak to agents without an attorney. Contact our firm as early as possible.
- Pre-Indictment Phase: We can communicate with federal prosecutors to present mitigating facts and potentially avoid formal charges.
- Arraignment & Plea: If indicted, you will be arraigned in U.S. District Court. We will enter a plea of not guilty and begin discovery.
- Motion Practice: We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or challenge the sufficiency of the government’s case.
- Trial Preparation: If no favorable resolution is reached, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial, including experienced witnesses on fire cause and origin.
- Sentencing: If convicted, we advocate for the most lenient sentence possible under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Federal Arson and Bombing
In Burlington County, federal arson or bombing convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 844 carry mandatory minimum sentences of 5 to 40 years in federal prison, with fines up to $250,000, depending on the specific facts and whether anyone was injured or killed.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson/Damage by Fire | Federal Felony | 5-20 years | Up to $250,000 | Restitution, supervised release |
| Bombing/Use of Explosive | Federal Felony | 5-20 years | Up to $250,000 | Restitution, supervised release |
| Resulting in Personal Injury | Federal Felony | 7-40 years | Up to $250,000 | Restitution, supervised release |
| Resulting in Death | Federal Felony | Mandatory Life or Death Penalty* | Up to $250,000 | Restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*The death penalty may apply under certain aggravating factors, though its application is demanding and subject to legal challenges.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has grown into a multi-state practice with a track record of handling federal cases. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands government tactics from the inside. We deploy a team-based approach, ensuring every angle of your fire-related criminal charge in Burlington County is examined. We have successfully defended clients against serious federal allegations by meticulously dissecting forensic reports, challenging search warrants, and negotiating with U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
Our Approach to Federal Arson and Bombing Cases
When you hire an Arson or Bombing of Federal Property lawyer Burlington County from our firm, we immediately begin a full investigation. This includes reviewing all ATF and FBI reports, consulting with fire science professionals to contest the origin and cause conclusions, and examining the chain of custody for all evidence. We look for violations of your Fourth Amendment rights against unlawful search and seizure, which can lead to critical evidence being suppressed. Our goal is to create reasonable doubt or secure a favorable plea to a lesser charge.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County Federal Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-0900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at federal courts throughout the state, including those in Burlington County. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike and I-295. If you need a federal criminal defense lawyer near Mount Holly or the Burlington County Courthouse, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation. We serve communities including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton.
Federal Arson and Bombing Defense FAQs
What is the difference between state and federal arson charges?
Yes. Federal arson charges require a connection to interstate commerce (e.g., a business that receives out-of-state goods). State charges apply to property without that federal link. An experienced arson charge defense lawyer Burlington County can determine which jurisdiction applies and build a defense accordingly.
Can I be charged if no one was hurt and the fire was small?
Yes. The federal statute criminalizes the malicious damage or destruction of property by fire, regardless of the extent of damage. The government must prove intent, not the size of the fire. Even a small, contained fire can lead to serious federal charges.
What should I do if federal agents want to question me?
Politely decline to answer any questions and immediately request to speak with an attorney. You have a Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact a lawyer before any interaction with investigators.
What defenses are available for federal arson charges?
Common defenses include lack of malicious intent (arguing the fire was accidental), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence linking you to the crime, and challenging the federal jurisdiction over the property. An attorney may also file motions to suppress evidence obtained through an illegal search.
What are the penalties for a federal bombing conviction?
Penalties are severe. Using an explosive to damage federal property carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison. If the crime results in injury, the minimum rises to 7 years; if it results in death, the penalty can be life imprisonment or, in rare cases, the death penalty.
Why do I need a lawyer familiar with Burlington County?
While federal court is in Camden or Trenton, local connections matter. A lawyer familiar with Burlington County understands the local agencies that may assist federal investigations and can effectively communicate with local character witnesses, which can be important during sentencing.
Related Practice Areas: For other serious charges, see our Burlington County Federal Criminal Lawyer page. For related state-level charges, our Burlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer can help.
More New Jersey Help: We defend clients across the state. Visit our New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer hub page, or see our work in Camden County and Atlantic County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures can change. For the most current advice regarding your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
For the full picture beyond Burlington County, our page on arson or bombing of federal property cases in New Jersey covers the process end to end.
Your case in Burlington 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 Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, 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 Burlington 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: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Bergen County NJ Arson or Bombing of Federal Property Lawyer · Hudson County NJ Arson or Bombing of Federal Property Lawyer · Arson or Bombing of Federal Property Lawyer Monmouth County.