Machine Gun Offense Lawyer in Morris County, NJ — What Are Your Defense Options?
A machine gun offense in Morris County is a second-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, punishable by 5-10 years in state prison with a presumption of imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these serious charges. Our machine gun offense lawyer Morris County team is available 24/7 for consultations. Call (888) 437-7747.
New Jersey Machine Gun Law and Penalties
New Jersey has some of the strictest firearms laws in the nation. The possession, sale, or transfer of a machine gun is a severe indictable offense. The primary statute is N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, which makes possession of a machine gun for an unlawful purpose a crime of the second degree. Even possession without an unlawful purpose is a third-degree crime. These cases are prosecuted in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Morris Vicinage, located at Washington & Court Streets, Morristown, NJ 07960.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Morris Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the gravity of these charges. A conviction carries mandatory prison time and creates a permanent felony record.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s firearms statutes, refer to the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, Title 2C. Court procedures and information for the Morris Vicinage can be found on the New Jersey Courts website.
Defending a Machine Gun Charge in Morris County
Defending against a machine gun charge requires immediate and aggressive action. In Morris County, these cases are handled by the Superior Court Criminal Division. The prosecution must prove you knowingly possessed the firearm and that it met the legal definition of a machine gun. New Jersey law defines a machine gun as any firearm that shoots automatically more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present. Contact a machine gun offense lawyer near me Morris County as early as possible.
- Evidence Review & Motion to Suppress: Your attorney will file motions to challenge the legality of the search and seizure that led to the discovery of the firearm.
- Challenge the Classification: A defense may involve challenging whether the firearm in question legally qualifies as a “machine gun” under NJ statute.
- Negotiation & Trial Preparation: Your lawyer will negotiate with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for a plea to a lesser charge or prepare a vigorous trial defense.
Potential Penalties for a Machine Gun Offense
In Morris County, a machine gun offense for an unlawful purpose is a second-degree crime carrying 5 to 10 years in state prison, with a presumption of imprisonment, and fines up to $150,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Machine Gun for Unlawful Purpose | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years (Presumption of Imprisonment) | Up to $150,000 | Permanent forfeiture of firearm purchaser ID and permits | Graves Act mandatory minimum; permanent felony record; loss of voting rights while incarcerated |
| Possession of Machine Gun (No Unlawful Purpose) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Permanent forfeiture of firearm purchaser ID and permits | Graves Act may apply; permanent felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Serious Firearms Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a firm-wide favorable outcome rate of over 93%. Our managing attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background that provides a strategic advantage in constructing defenses against criminal charges like machine gun offenses. We understand the tactics used by law enforcement and the prosecution.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our firm-wide record demonstrates our commitment to achieving favorable results. SRIS actively practices in Morris County and has a documented history of handling serious indictable offenses. We approach each machine gun charge by meticulously reviewing all evidence, filing pre-trial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and preparing a strong defense strategy aimed at reducing or dismissing the charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Morris County Machine Gun Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Morris County, including Morristown, Parsippany, Dover, Randolph, and Denville. We are accessible via I-80 and I-287. If you need a machine gun offense lawyer near me Morris County, we are here to help.
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.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a machine gun in New Jersey?
Yes. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1, a machine gun is any firearm that shoots, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger. This includes conversion devices like “Glock switches.”
Is there bail for a machine gun charge in Morris County?
No. New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017. Pretrial release for a second-degree machine gun charge is determined by a judge based on a Public Safety Assessment risk score. Given the severity, detention is likely without a strong argument for release by your attorney.
Can I find an affordable machine gun offense lawyer Morris County?
It depends. The cost of defense varies with the issues in dispute. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers transparent fee structures and may discuss payment plans. The long-term cost of a conviction far outweighs investment in a strong defense. We provide a free initial phone consultation to discuss your case.
What are the best defenses to a machine gun charge?
Potential defenses include challenging the legality of the search (Fourth Amendment), proving lack of knowledge or possession, arguing the firearm does not meet the legal definition, or demonstrating it was not operational. An experienced lawyer will identify the best strategy for your specific facts.
Does New Jersey have mandatory minimums for machine guns?
Yes. The Graves Act imposes mandatory minimum periods of parole ineligibility for certain firearms offenses, which often apply to machine gun charges. This means a portion of any prison sentence must be served before parole eligibility.
Internal Resources
For more information on criminal defense in New Jersey, visit our New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby counties like Somerset County and Bergen County. If you are facing other serious charges, learn about our work in Federal Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI Defense in Morris County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Your case in Morris 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 Morris County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Morris Vicinage (14th Vicinage), Washington & Court Streets, Morristown, NJ 07960, telephone (973) 656-4000, 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 Morris 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: Morris County NJ lawyers directory · Machine Gun Offense Defense Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Machine Gun Offense Defense Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Machine Gun Offense Defense Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.