Export Control Violations Lawyer Somerset County — Federal Defense
Export control violations in Somerset County are prosecuted federally under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These are serious federal crimes with severe penalties. As an export control violations lawyer Somerset County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for individuals and businesses facing charges from the U.S.
What Are Export Control Violations?
Export control laws regulate the transfer of sensitive technology, software, and defense articles from the United States to foreign persons or countries. Violations typically involve the unlicensed export of items on the U.S. Munitions List (USML) controlled by ITAR or the Commerce Control List (CCL) controlled by EAR. These cases are investigated by agencies like Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of federal export control laws, refer to the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. Chapter 39). For local federal court procedures, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
Local Federal Court Process in Somerset County
Export control cases for Somerset County residents are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, often in the Newark or Trenton divisions. The process begins with a federal investigation, which may involve search warrants, subpoenas, and undercover operations. If charged, you will face an indictment by a federal grand jury. An experienced export violation defense lawyer Somerset County is critical from the investigation stage onward to protect your rights and build a defense strategy.
- Initial Investigation: You may be contacted by federal agents. Do not speak to them without your attorney present. Contact an ITAR EAR violation lawyer Somerset County immediately.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: The U.S. Attorney’s Office presents evidence to a grand jury. If indicted, you will be formally charged and arraigned in federal court.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence, file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and challenge the legal basis of the charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which can include lengthy prison terms, massive fines, and forfeiture of assets.
Potential Penalties for Export Control Violations
In federal court, export control violations carry severe penalties, including decades in prison and multi-million dollar fines for individuals and corporations.
| Violation | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITAR Violation (Willful) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years per count | Up to $1 million per violation | Debarment from exporting, asset forfeiture, loss of security clearances |
| EAR Violation (Knowing) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $1 million or 5x value of export | Denial of export privileges, corporate compliance monitors |
| ITAR Violation (Non-Willful) | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $100,000 | Civil penalties, mandatory compliance training |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Export Control Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal cases like export control violations. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, providing a distinct advantage in cases involving complex technical data and financial transactions. We approach each case with a detailed, case-specific strategy.
Our Approach to Export Control Cases
We have a documented record of handling complex federal defenses. While specific results in Somerset County for export control are not listed, our firm-wide approach focuses on challenging the intent element, reviewing compliance programs, and negotiating with federal agencies. We scrutinize every aspect of the government’s case, from the classification of the exported item to the procedures used in the investigation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Somerset County Export Control Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Somerset County facing federal charges. We are accessible via I-287, Route 22, and Route 206. We serve communities including Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Hillsborough, and Warren Township.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
24/7 Phone Consultations
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
If you need an export control violations lawyer Somerset County or an ITAR EAR violation lawyer Somerset County, call us anytime.
Export Control Violations FAQ
What is the difference between ITAR and EAR violations?
ITAR controls defense articles and services on the U.S. Munitions List. EAR controls dual-use items (commercial/military) on the Commerce Control List. The penalties and enforcement agencies differ, making correct classification a key first step in your defense with an export violation defense lawyer Somerset County.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know an item required an export license?
It depends. “Knowingly” is a key element. Prosecutors must prove you knew the item was controlled or acted with willful blindness. An experienced ITAR EAR violation lawyer Somerset County can challenge this element, especially if you had a compliance program or relied on an official classification.
What agencies investigate export control cases in New Jersey?
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI are primary. The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) investigates EAR violations, while the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) handles ITAR. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey prosecutes the cases.
Are there any defenses to export control charges?
Yes. Common defenses include lack of willful intent, mistaken classification of the item, the availability of a license exception, or that the export did not actually occur. An export control violations lawyer Somerset County can evaluate the specific facts of your case to identify the strongest defense strategy.
What should I do if federal agents want to interview me about exports?
No. Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with your attorney. Contact an export control violations lawyer Somerset County immediately. Anything you say can be used against you, and agents may not fully explain the nature or severity of their investigation.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist with related matters in Somerset County like business law and civil litigation. For cases in neighboring areas, our Bergen County federal criminal lawyers are also available.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding export control violations.