Federal Firearms Lawyer in Salem County, NJ — What Are Your Defense Options?
Federal firearms charges in Salem County are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and related statutes, carrying severe mandatory minimum sentences. As a Federal Firearms Lawyer Salem County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense against charges like felon in possession and illegal trafficking. Our firm, founded in 1997, has a documented history of handling complex federal cases.
Federal Firearms Charges Under U.S. Law
Federal firearms offenses are governed by the Gun Control Act of 1968, 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 makes it unlawful for certain prohibited persons—including convicted felons, unlawful drug users, and individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders—to ship, transport, possess, or receive any firearm or ammunition. Other serious charges include trafficking firearms without a license (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)), making false statements in connection with a firearm purchase (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6)), and using or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence or drug trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)), which carries severe consecutive mandatory minimum sentences.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | Federal statutes are maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel.
Official Federal Resources
For the official text of federal firearms laws, see 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 (Firearms) via the Legal Information Institute. For local court rules and procedures, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
handling Federal Firearms Cases in Salem County
Federal firearms cases originating in or near Salem County are typically investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) or the FBI and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. These cases are heard in the federal court system, not the Salem County Superior Court. The process is markedly different from state-level gun charges. A key local procedural fact is that the Camden or Newark divisions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office handle these prosecutions, and cases may be filed in the Camden or Newark federal courthouses.
- Initial Investigation & Arrest: Federal agents execute search warrants or make arrests. Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Initial Appearance & Detention Hearing: You will appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Your lawyer will argue for your release pending trial.
- Indictment & Arraignment: A federal grand jury issues an indictment. You are formally arraigned and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense attorney reviews all 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 U.S. District Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which often include mandatory minimums for firearms offenses.
Potential Penalties for Federal Firearms Crimes
In federal court, a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, but penalties escalate sharply with prior convictions or other aggravating factors.
| Offense | Federal Statute | Maximum Incarceration | Maximum Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) | 10 years | $250,000 | Loss of firearm rights, supervised release |
| Firearms Trafficking (No License) | 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1) | 5 years | $250,000 | Forfeiture of assets, business closure |
| False Statement on ATF Form 4473 | 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6) | 10 years | $250,000 | Perjury charge, future purchase bans |
| Use of Firearm in Crime of Violence/Drug Trafficking | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) | 5 years to life (consecutive) | $250,000 | Mandatory minimum, severe sentence enhancement |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for 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 every case. We understand that a federal indictment is a serious matter that demands immediate and skilled attention. Our approach involves a meticulous review of the investigation, challenging the legality of searches and seizures, examining forensic evidence, and developing a defense strategy aimed at achieving the best possible result, whether through negotiation or trial.
Our Commitment to Your Case
While specific case results in Salem County federal court are not disclosed, our firm-wide record includes handling 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our practice areas. We apply this extensive litigation experience to every federal firearms case. Our team, including seasoned attorneys like Mr. Sris, is prepared to defend you in the U.S. District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Federal Firearms Lawyer Near Salem County
Our New Jersey location represents clients facing federal charges in Salem County and throughout the state. We serve communities including Salem, Pennsville, Carneys Point, Woodstown, Pilesgrove, Alloway, Quinton, and Elsinboro.
Available 24/7 for Phone Consultations
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Federal Firearms Defense FAQs
What is the difference between a state and a 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 Superior Court and subject to New Jersey’s Graves Act. Federal charges, under laws like 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry federal sentencing guidelines. The same act can sometimes lead to charges in both systems.
What does “felon in possession” mean under federal law?
Yes. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), it is a federal crime for any person convicted of a crime punishable by over one year in prison to possess any firearm or ammunition that has traveled in interstate commerce. This applies even if the felony conviction was in state court and even if the person’s state rights were restored.
Can I get bail in a federal firearms case?
It depends. After an arrest, a detention hearing is held before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. The judge considers flight risk, danger to the community, and the strength of the case. For serious charges with strong evidence or a significant criminal history, the government will often seek detention, making skilled argument by your firearms offense defense lawyer Salem County crucial.
What are the defenses to a federal firearms charge?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search that found the firearm (Fourth Amendment), proving you are not a “prohibited person,” arguing you did not knowingly possess the firearm, or asserting that the firearm did not travel in interstate commerce (though this is rarely successful). A gun charge defense lawyer Salem County can evaluate the specific facts of your case.
What is a § 924(c) charge?
18 U.S.C. § 924(c) makes it a separate crime to use or carry a firearm during a “crime of violence” or drug trafficking crime. Conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years (or 7, 10, or 30 years for specific firearms), which must be served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying crime.
Contact a Federal Firearms Lawyer Salem County Today
If you are under investigation or charged with a federal firearms offense in or around Salem County, NJ, immediate action is vital. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential case review. We provide 24/7 phone consultations and represent clients at every stage of the federal process.
Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures are complex and subject to change. The information on this page is for general understanding and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for guidance specific to your situation.
Internal Resources: For more on our criminal defense practice, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. For related legal issues in Salem County, consider our pages on DUI/DWI defense or criminal defense in Hunterdon County.