Felon in Possession Lawyer Mercer County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A felon in possession charge in Mercer 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. As a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Mercer County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for individuals accused of unlawfully possessing a firearm.
New Jersey Law on Felons Possessing Firearms
New Jersey strictly prohibits certain individuals, including those convicted of specified crimes, from possessing any firearm. This statute is a cornerstone of the state’s gun control laws and is aggressively enforced.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in cases involving evidence.
Official Legal Resources
For the exact statutory language, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and forms can be found at the Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage website.
Mercer County Court Process for a Felon in Possession Charge
In Mercer County, all felon in possession charges are indictable crimes heard in the Superior Court, Criminal Division, at 175 South Broad Street in Trenton. New Jersey’s bail reform means pretrial release is determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not cash bail. A key local procedural fact is that prosecutors in the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office often seek the presumption of imprisonment for second-degree crimes, making early and strategic defense critical.
- Arrest and Initial Detention Hearing: You will be charged and have a detention hearing within 48 hours to determine if you will be released pretrial.
- Grand Jury Presentation: The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office will present evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment.
- Pre-Indictment Plea Negotiations: Your attorney can negotiate with prosecutors before formal charges are filed, potentially for a downgrade or PTI.
- Post-Indictment Arraignment and Discovery: If indicted, you will be arraigned, and your attorney will obtain all evidence from the state.
- Pretrial Motions: Your lawyer will file motions, such as to suppress evidence from an illegal search.
- Trial or Disposition: The case will proceed to trial or be resolved through a plea agreement.
Penalties for a Felon in Possession Conviction in Mercer County
In Mercer County, a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm is a second-degree crime carrying 5 to 10 years in New Jersey state prison, with a presumption of incarceration, and a fine of up to $150,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years (Presumption of Imprisonment) | Up to $150,000 | Permanent firearm prohibition; loss of professional licenses | Parole ineligibility under Graves Act; permanent criminal record; difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Felon in Possession of Other Weapons (e.g., stun gun) | Fourth-Degree Crime | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Weapon restrictions | Criminal record; collateral consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Mercer County Firearm Charge
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Founded in 1997, our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous defense. We understand the severe, life-altering penalties a felon in possession conviction carries and fight to protect your future.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific local case counts are proprietary, our firm-wide results demonstrate our capability. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. We actively represent clients in Mercer County Superior Court, building defense strategies case-specific to the local legal field.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Mercer County Firearm Defense
Our New Jersey location represents clients facing felon with firearm charges in Mercer County. We serve Trenton, Princeton, Hamilton Township, Ewing, Lawrence, West Windsor, East Windsor, Hopewell, Robbinsville, and Hightstown. Accessible via I-95, Route 1, and the NJ Turnpike.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Felon in Possession Defense FAQs for Mercer County
Does New Jersey have cash bail for a felon in possession charge?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in 2017. Pretrial release in Mercer County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in NJ.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for a felon in possession charge in Mercer County?
It depends. PTI is a diversion program for first-time indictable offenders. Successful completion of 1-3 years of supervision results in dismissal. Eligibility is strict for weapons offenses, but a skilled felon in possession lawyer Mercer County can advocate for your admission.
Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged if convicted of felon in possession?
It depends. NJ allows expungement after waiting periods: 5 years for indictable crimes. However, convictions for certain serious firearms offenses may be ineligible. A prohibited person gun charge lawyer Mercer County can review your specific record.
What is the difference between a disorderly persons offense and an indictable crime for weapon charges?
Disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanor equivalent) are heard in Municipal Court. A felon in possession charge is an indictable crime (felony equivalent), heard in Mercer County Superior Court, and carries much more severe penalties.
What are common defenses to a felon in possession charge?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search (Fourth Amendment), arguing lack of knowledge or control over the firearm, contesting the validity of the prior disqualifying conviction, or negotiating for admission into a diversion program like PTI.
The same rules apply outside Mercer County, and our page on felon in possession charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Mercer 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 Mercer County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage (7th Vicinage), 175 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08650, telephone (609) 571-4200, 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 Mercer 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: Mercer 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.