Federal Firearms Lawyer in Gloucester County, NJ — What Are Your Defense Options?
Federal firearms charges in Gloucester County are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences. As a Federal Firearms Lawyer Gloucester County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for charges like felon in possession and straw purchases. Our firm has documented results in federal courts. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Federal Firearms Charges Under U.S. Law
Federal firearms offenses are governed by the Gun Control Act of 1968, primarily codified in Title 18 of the U.S. Code. The most common charge is being a felon in possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). This statute prohibits possession by individuals with prior felony convictions, those subject to restraining orders, unlawful drug users, and individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence. Cases are investigated by the ATF, FBI, or local task forces and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, defends clients against these serious allegations.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of federal firearms laws, visit the U.S. Code, Title 18, Chapter 44 (Firearms). For local federal court procedures, refer to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
Local Federal Court Process in New Jersey
Federal firearms cases from Gloucester County are typically heard in the Camden or Newark divisions of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The process begins with a federal investigation, often skilled to a grand jury indictment. Unlike New Jersey state court, there is no cash bail; a detention hearing determines if you will be held pretrial. The case then proceeds through discovery, motions, and potentially a trial. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines heavily influence potential penalties if convicted.
- Initial Investigation: Contact by ATF or federal agents. Do not speak to them without your Federal Firearms Lawyer Gloucester County present.
- Indictment: A federal grand jury reviews evidence and issues an indictment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: You appear in U.S. District Court, enter a plea, and the court decides on pretrial release.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews all evidence and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Your lawyer negotiates with the U.S. Attorney’s Office or prepares for trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which may include mandatory minimums.
Potential Penalties for Federal Firearms Crimes
In Gloucester County, federal firearms convictions carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms, substantial fines, and a permanent felony record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years; 15-year mandatory minimum under ACCA | Up to $250,000 | 3 years supervised release, loss of gun rights |
| Straw Purchase (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Felony record, loss of gun rights |
| Possession by Drug User (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Supervised release, collateral immigration consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Firearms Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to federal cases. We understand the high stakes of federal firearms charges and the aggressive tactics of federal prosecutors. Our approach involves a meticulous review of the investigation, challenging the legality of searches and seizures, and exploring all avenues for defense, including challenging the government’s proof of interstate commerce nexus—a required element under federal law.
Our Approach to Firearms Offense Defense in Gloucester County
Our defense strategy begins the moment you contact us. We immediately work to protect your rights during any ongoing investigation. For your firearms offense defense lawyer Gloucester County needs, we analyze every detail: Did law enforcement have probable cause for a search? Was your statement obtained legally? Can the government prove you knowingly possessed the firearm? We also explore diversionary options or plea negotiations that may avoid the harshest penalties. Our secondary attorney on federal cases, Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland prosecutor, contributes valuable insight into government case preparation.
Local Service for Gloucester County Residents
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 serves as the base for our federal criminal defense practice across the state, including Gloucester County. We represent clients from Woodbury, Washington Township, Deptford, Monroe Township, Mantua, West Deptford, Glassboro, Woolwich, Harrison Township, and Pitman. Facing federal charges can be overwhelming, but you do not have to handle this alone. We offer 24/7 phone consultations—call (888) 437-7747—with meetings by appointment only.
Federal Firearms Defense FAQs
What is the difference between a state and federal gun charge in New Jersey?
It depends. State charges are for violations of New Jersey law (like unlawful possession) and are heard in Superior Court. Federal charges involve violations of U.S. law (like felon in possession across state lines) and are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney in Federal District Court. Federal penalties are often more severe.
Can I get bail in a federal firearms case?
Yes, but it’s not cash bail. After an indictment, a detention hearing is held. The judge decides release based on flight risk and danger to the community. Conditions like electronic monitoring are common. A strong argument from your gun charge defense lawyer Gloucester County can be important.
What is a “straw purchase” of a firearm?
It is a federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6). It occurs when someone who is legally allowed to buy a firearm purchases it for someone who is prohibited from buying one themselves (e.g., a felon). Both the buyer and the ultimate recipient can be charged.
What defenses are available to federal firearms charges?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search that found the gun, arguing lack of knowledge or possession, proving the firearm did not travel in interstate commerce, or asserting that your civil rights were restored, removing the prohibition. An experienced Federal Firearms Lawyer Gloucester County can evaluate the best strategy.
What is the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA)?
The ACCA is a federal law that imposes a mandatory minimum 15-year prison sentence for individuals convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm if they have three or more prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses. Challenging the classification of prior convictions is a key defense tactic.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding federal firearms charges.
Internal Links: For more on state-level charges, see our Gloucester County criminal defense lawyer page. Learn about our firm’s background on our New Jersey office page. For related federal matters, visit our New Jersey federal criminal lawyer hub.
If you want to see how a Gloucester County case fits into the wider process, our page on federal firearms lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.
Your case in Gloucester 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 Gloucester County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage (15th Vicinage), 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096, telephone (856) 853-3200, 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 Gloucester 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: Gloucester County NJ lawyers directory · Federal Firearms Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Federal Firearms Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Federal Firearms Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.