Union County Felon in Possession Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Being a felon in possession of a firearm in Union County is a serious indictable crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7, prosecuted in Superior Court. A conviction can result in a mandatory 5-year state prison sentence without parole. As a prohibited person gun charge lawyer in Union County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Law on Felon in Possession of a Firearm
In New Jersey, it is illegal for any person who has been convicted of a crime to possess a firearm. This offense is formally known as “Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons” and is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7. The statute is strict and applies regardless of whether the firearm is operable. The prohibition extends to anyone convicted of a crime, whether in New Jersey, another state, or a federal court. This makes consulting with a skilled felon in possession lawyer in Union County critical from the outset of any investigation or charge.
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our team understands the severe implications of these charges and the aggressive stance of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the New Jersey Legislature’s website for N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7. Court procedures and forms for Union County can be found on the New Jersey Courts website for the Union Vicinage.
Defending a Felon in Possession Charge in Union County
Union County prosecutors vigorously pursue these charges, which are heard in the Superior Court at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. A strategic defense is essential. The key local procedural fact is that New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017; pretrial release is determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score. For a first-time indictable offender, Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) may be a viable path to dismissal.
- Secure immediate legal representation before making any statements to law enforcement.
- Your attorney will file a motion for a detention hearing if you are held, arguing for release based on the PSA score.
- Your lawyer will scrutinize the search, seizure, and arrest for constitutional violations to file a motion to suppress evidence.
- If applicable, your counsel will prepare and submit a PTI application to the Criminal Division Manager’s office.
- Your attorney will engage in plea negotiations, potentially seeking a reduction to a lesser offense or arguing for a downward departure at sentencing.
- If the state’s case is weak or rights were violated, your lawyer will prepare for trial in Union County Superior Court.
Penalties for Felon in Possession in New Jersey
In Union County, a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a mandatory state prison term of five years without parole, and can be extended based on prior convictions.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Parole Eligibility | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (First Offense) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years (Mandatory 5-year minimum) | Up to $150,000 | No parole for mandatory 5-year term | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
| Felon in Possession (Prior Graves Act Conviction) | First-Degree Crime | 10-20 years (Mandatory 10-year minimum) | Up to $200,000 | No parole for mandatory 10-year term | Extended parole supervision, enhanced penalties for future crimes |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Union County Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of the courtroom. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in criminal matters. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your case and the procedures of the Union County courts.
Our Experience with Criminal Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific local counts are proprietary, our team actively practices in Union County Superior Court. We have successfully defended clients against serious weapons charges by challenging unlawful searches, negotiating alternative resolutions like PTI, and presenting strong cases at trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felon in Possession Lawyer Near Union County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Union County, including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, and Cranford. We are familiar with the local courts and prosecutors. For a prohibited person gun charge lawyer in Union County, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation. Meetings are by appointment only.
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.
FAQs: Felon in Possession Charges in Union County
Does New Jersey have cash bail for a felon in possession charge?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in 2017. Your pretrial release will be decided by a judge based on a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not your ability to pay.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for a felon in possession case?
PTI is a diversion program for first-time indictable offenders. If accepted and you successfully complete 1-3 years of supervision, the charges are dismissed. Eligibility is strict for weapons offenses, but a skilled lawyer can advocate for your admission.
Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged after a felon in possession conviction?
It depends. A conviction for a second-degree crime like felon in possession generally has a 10-year waiting period for expungement. Successful completion of PTI results in automatic dismissal, which is easier to expunge. New laws change frequently, so consult an attorney.
What if the gun wasn’t mine and I was just near it?
This is a common defense. The prosecution must prove you knowingly possessed the firearm. “Constructive possession” (control over the area where the gun was found) is a legal issue. A lawyer can argue you lacked knowledge or control.
What should I do if I’m arrested for being a felon with a firearm?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a felon in possession lawyer in Union County as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
For more information on related defenses, see our pages on New Jersey criminal defense and Bergen County criminal defense. If you are facing other charges, we also handle Union County DUI cases.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Consult an attorney for current legal advice.
Union County cases are handled by our New Jersey felon in possession practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Union 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 Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 Union 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: Union 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.