Gun Crime Lawyer Gloucester County — Defending Firearm Charges in NJ
If you are facing gun charges in Gloucester County, you need a dedicated Gun Crime Lawyer Gloucester County. New Jersey enforces some of the nation’s strictest firearm laws, where even a minor violation can lead to severe penalties. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for charges heard at the Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage.
New Jersey Gun Crime Laws and Penalties
New Jersey categorizes most firearm offenses as indictable crimes (felonies). The primary statute governing unlawful possession of a weapon is N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5. This law makes it a crime to possess a firearm without a valid permit or to possess certain prohibited weapons, such as sawed-off shotguns or assault firearms. A conviction under this statute is typically a second-degree crime, carrying a presumption of imprisonment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings extensive experience to firearm cases. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds its cases, providing a critical advantage in developing a counter-strategy for clients in Gloucester County.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s firearm statutes, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For information on court procedures in Gloucester County, visit the Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage website.
Local Court Procedures for Gun Charges in Gloucester County
All gun crime charges in Gloucester County are prosecuted as indictable offenses in the Superior Court, located at 70 Hunter Street in Woodbury. New Jersey’s Criminal Justice Reform Act means there is no cash bail; a defendant’s release pre-trial depends on a Public Safety Assessment risk score. The prosecution, often from the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, takes firearm cases very seriously, seeking maximum penalties to promote strict enforcement of gun laws.
- Arrest & Initial Detention Hearing: After arrest, you will have a detention hearing within 48 hours to determine if you will be released before trial based on risk factors, not ability to pay bail.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case will be presented to a grand jury. If indicted, the case proceeds in Superior Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence (like an illegal search) or dismiss charges, which are vital in gun cases.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor for a plea to a lesser charge or prepare for trial, challenging the state’s evidence and witnesses.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, where arguments for mitigation below mandatory minimums (like a Graves Act waiver) are presented.
Potential Penalties for Gun Crimes in New Jersey
In Gloucester County, gun crime convictions carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum prison terms under the Graves Act for certain offenses.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful Possession of a Handgun (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years (Presumption of Imprisonment) | Up to $150,000 | Loss of firearm privileges; professional license implications | |
| Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Loss of firearm privileges | Graves Act likely applies |
| Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years with 5-year parole disqualifier | Up to $150,000 | Permanent firearm ban | Mandatory minimum sentence |
| Unlawful Possession of a Rifle/Shotgun (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5c) | Third-Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Loss of firearm privileges | Possible Graves Act application |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Gloucester County Gun Charge
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive defense. We understand the high stakes of a Gloucester County gun charge and work to protect your rights and future from the moment you contact us.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
In Gloucester County, our firm has a documented record of successful outcomes across all practice areas. We approach each gun crime case by meticulously reviewing the circumstances of the arrest, challenging the legality of searches and seizures, and exploring all avenues for charge reduction or dismissal. Our goal is to achieve a favorable result, whether through negotiation or trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Gun Crime Defense Serving Gloucester County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Gloucester County courts. We are accessible via major highways like I-295 and Route 55. As a gun crime attorney Gloucester County residents can consult, we provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings available by appointment. We serve communities throughout the county, including Woodbury, Washington Township, Deptford, Monroe Township, Mantua, West Deptford, Glassboro, Woolwich, Harrison Township, and Pitman.
Gun Crime Legal Counsel Gloucester County FAQ
What is the Graves Act in New Jersey?
Yes, the Graves Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6c) is a law that imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences, with periods of parole ineligibility, for certain firearm offenses. It applies when a gun is used or possessed during the commission of specific crimes. A skilled Gun Crime Legal Counsel Gloucester County can argue for a “Graves Act waiver” to avoid the mandatory minimum in some cases.
Can I get a gun charge reduced in Gloucester County?
It depends. Reductions are possible, especially for first-time offenders or when evidence is weak. Prosecutors may agree to reduce a second-degree charge to a third-degree offense, which carries lower penalties. Success often hinges on an attorney’s ability to challenge the state’s evidence and negotiate effectively based on the case’s specific facts.
What is a “Certain Persons” charge?
A “Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons” charge (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7) applies if you have a prior conviction for certain serious crimes and are found in possession of a firearm. This is a second-degree crime with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years without parole. Defenses can include challenging the prior conviction’s validity or the legality of the search that found the weapon.
Does New Jersey have a “stand your ground” law?
No. New Jersey does not have a “stand your ground” law. The state requires a duty to retreat if safely possible before using deadly force in self-defense, except within one’s own home. Claiming self-defense in a gun case is demanding and requires proving you had no safe opportunity to retreat and reasonably feared imminent death or serious bodily injury.
What should I do if I’m arrested on a gun charge?
First, remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not answer questions or make statements. Contact a Gun Crime Lawyer Gloucester County as soon as possible. Your attorney will guide you through the detention hearing process and begin building your defense by securing evidence and identifying potential constitutional violations in your arrest.
Related Legal Services in Gloucester County
If you are facing other serious charges, our firm also provides strong defense for criminal defense in Gloucester County. For charges involving impaired driving, see our Gloucester County DUI lawyer page. For a broader view of our New Jersey practice, visit our state hub for New Jersey criminal defense lawyers.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
If your case reaches beyond Gloucester County, our page on gun crime cases across Fairfax sets out what to look for at each stage.
Your case in Gloucester 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 Gloucester County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage (15th Vicinage), 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096, telephone (856) 853-3200, 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 Gloucester 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: Gloucester County NJ lawyers directory.