Felon in Possession Lawyer Camden County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A felon in possession charge in Camden County is a second-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7, punishable by 5-10 years in state prison with a presumption of imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for prohibited persons facing these serious firearm charges in the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Understanding Felon in Possession Charges in Camden County
In New Jersey, it is illegal for any person who has been convicted of a crime, as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7, to possess any firearm. This statute applies broadly, covering not just state prison felonies but also certain indictable crimes and other specified offenses. The charge is formally known as “Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons” and is aggressively prosecuted in Camden County. As a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Camden County, we understand that a conviction carries severe, life-altering consequences, including a lengthy mandatory prison term and the permanent loss of your right to own firearms.
The 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, with a focus on building strong, evidence-based defenses for our clients.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7 (official New Jersey Legislature). Court procedures and forms can be found at the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for a Felon in Possession Case
Felon in possession cases in Camden County originate with an arrest and are presented directly to the Grand Jury for an indictment, as they are second-degree crimes. The case is then heard in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage at 101 South Fifth Street. New Jersey’s bail reform means pretrial release is determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not cash bail.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be charged and have a first appearance in Superior Court for a detention hearing.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury to secure a formal indictment.
- Pretrial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on constitutional violations.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The state may offer a plea to a lesser charge; otherwise, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs in Superior Court, where the judge must impose a term within the 5-10 year range.
Potential Penalties for a Felon in Possession Conviction
In Camden County, a felon in possession conviction is a second-degree crime carrying 5 to 10 years in New Jersey state prison, with a presumption of imprisonment and a fine of up to $150,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Firearms Rights | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years (Presumption of Imprisonment) | Up to $150,000 | Permanent loss | Parole ineligibility, permanent criminal record, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds its cases. This insight is invaluable when defending against serious charges like felon in possession. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results, we have the depth of knowledge needed to challenge technical evidence and procedural errors. We focus on the specific details of your case, from the legality of the police stop to the chain of custody of the alleged firearm.
Our Approach to Felon in Possession Cases
We begin every case with a thorough investigation. Our defense strategy for a felon in possession charge may involve challenging the legality of the search that discovered the firearm, moving to suppress statements, or contesting the validity of the predicate conviction that makes possession illegal. In some cases, negotiating for admission into a diversionary program like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) may be a viable path to dismissal. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a high rate of favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Camden County Felon in Possession Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Camden County, including Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, and Haddonfield. We are accessible via I-76, Route 70, and the PATCO Speedline.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Felon in Possession Defense FAQs for Camden County
Does New Jersey have cash bail for a felon in possession charge?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in 2017. Pretrial release in Camden County for this second-degree crime is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) risk score measuring flight risk and danger, not money.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for a felon in possession charge in Camden County?
It depends. PTI is a diversion program for first-time indictable offenders. Successful completion of 1-3 years of supervision results in dismissal. However, prosecutors may oppose PTI for serious weapons charges. A skilled felon in possession lawyer Camden County can advocate for your admission.
Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged after a felon in possession conviction?
It depends. NJ allows expungement of a single indictable conviction after 5 years. However, certain serious offenses have longer waiting periods or are ineligible. A conviction under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7 may have specific restrictions.
What makes someone a “prohibited person” under New Jersey law?
A prohibited person includes anyone convicted of an indictable crime (felony equivalent), a disorderly persons domestic violence offense, or who is subject to a restraining order, among other categories. A felon with firearm defense lawyer Camden County can review if your prior conviction qualifies as a predicate offense.
What are common defenses to a felon in possession charge?
Common defenses include challenging an illegal search or seizure (Fourth Amendment), proving you were not in actual or constructive possession of the firearm, or arguing that your prior conviction does not meet the statutory definition under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7.
If you are facing a prohibited person gun charge, contact a felon in possession lawyer Camden County at the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case and defense options.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense hub page, or learn about related issues like DUI defense in Camden County. We also serve neighboring areas like Burlington County.
For the full picture beyond Camden County, our page on felon in possession cases in New Jersey covers the process end to end.
Your case in Camden County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Camden County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103, telephone (856) 379-2200, 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 the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Camden 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: Camden County NJ lawyers directory · Felon in Possession Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Felon in Possession Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Felon in Possession Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.