Federal Firearms Lawyer in Morris County, NJ — What Are Your Defense Options?
Federal firearms charges in Morris County are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences. As a Federal Firearms Lawyer Morris County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for charges like felon in possession and illegal trafficking. The firm has extensive experience in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.)
Federal firearms offenses are distinct from state gun charges and are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. These cases are heard in federal court, not the Morris County Superior Court. The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which prohibits possession of a firearm by certain categories of individuals, such as convicted felons, unlawful drug users, and persons subject to domestic violence restraining orders. A conviction often triggers mandatory minimum sentences under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) and can result in decades of imprisonment, substantial fines, and a permanent federal criminal record.
For more details, see the official 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell Legal Information Institute) and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents (ATF, FBI) conduct the investigation, which may include surveillance, searches, and interviews.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The U.S. Attorney presents evidence to a federal grand jury, which issues an indictment if probable cause is found.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: You appear in U.S. District Court to hear the charges. A judge decides if you will be released or detained pending trial.
- Discovery & Pretrial Motions: Your attorney reviews all government evidence and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if constitutional violations occurred.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases resolve through plea agreements. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which often include mandatory minimum prison terms.
In Morris County, federal firearms offenses prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) carry penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison, or up to life imprisonment if the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) applies, plus fines up to $250,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years; 15-year mandatory min. under ACCA | Up to $250,000 | Permanent loss of firearm rights | Supervised release, permanent federal record |
| Firearms Trafficking | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years per count | Up to $250,000 | Permanent loss of firearm rights | Asset forfeiture, enhanced penalties |
| Possession by Unlawful User of Controlled Substance (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Permanent loss of firearm rights | Supervised release, may impact state drug charges |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal criminal defense. The firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects its commitment to representing clients in federal matters. Mr. Sris, with his background in accounting and information systems, provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial or technical evidence. The firm maintains a collaborative approach, with every attorney having over a decade of practice experience.
While specific case counts for federal firearms offenses in Morris County are not publicly disclosed, the firm’s overall record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93% firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Morris County. We are accessible from I-80, I-287, Route 10, Route 46, and Route 202. As a federal firearms offense defense lawyer Morris County, we serve communities including Morristown, Parsippany, Dover, Randolph, Denville, Madison, Florham Park, Chatham, Boonton, Mount Olive, Roxbury, and Chester.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Federal Firearms Lawyer Morris County FAQ
What is the difference between a state and federal gun charge in New Jersey?
It depends. State gun charges, like unlawful possession under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, are prosecuted in Morris County Superior Court. Federal charges, like felon in possession under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney in federal court, carry longer sentences, have no parole, and involve federal agencies like the ATF.
Can I get bail on a federal firearms charge?
Yes, but it is more difficult. After a federal detention hearing, a judge decides release based on flight risk and danger to the community. For serious charges with prior convictions, the government will seek pretrial detention, making a strong defense at the detention hearing critical.
What does the government have to prove for a felon in possession charge?
The government must prove three elements beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) You were previously convicted of a crime punishable by over one year in prison; (2) You knowingly possessed a firearm; and (3) The firearm traveled in or affected interstate commerce. A gun charge defense lawyer Morris County can challenge each element, especially the “knowing possession” requirement.
Are there defenses to federal firearms charges?
Yes. Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search (Fourth Amendment), arguing you did not knowingly possess the firearm, proving the prior conviction does not qualify, or asserting your civil rights were restored. An experienced Federal Firearms Lawyer Morris County can identify the best defense strategy for your case.
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 under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) who have three or more prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses. Challenging whether prior convictions qualify as “ACCA predicates” is a key part of sentencing defense.
For representation by a gun charge defense lawyer Morris County, contact our New Jersey location. We also handle related matters like DUI defense in Morris County and state criminal defense. For a broader view, see our New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense hub or pages for neighboring areas like Bergen County federal criminal defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For the background behind a Morris County charge, our page explains how New Jersey federal courts handle federal firearms.
Your case in Morris 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 Morris County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Morris Vicinage (14th Vicinage), Washington & Court Streets, Morristown, NJ 07960, telephone (973) 656-4000, 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 Morris 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: Morris County NJ lawyers directory · Federal Firearms Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Federal Firearms Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Federal Firearms Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.