Material Support to Terrorists Lawyer Somerset County — Federal Defense

Material support to terrorists charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2339B are prosecuted federally in the District of New Jersey, carrying severe penalties including up to 20 years imprisonment per count. If you are under investigation or charged in Somerset County, securing a Material Support to Terrorists lawyer Somerset County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is critical.

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Federal Statute Defining Material Support to Terrorists

Material support to terrorists is a federal crime defined under 18 U.S.C. § 2339B. This statute makes it illegal to knowingly provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization designated by the U.S. Secretary of State. “Material support” is broadly defined and can include funds, training, experienced advice or assistance, personnel, and physical assets. The law does not require the defendant to intend for the support to further terrorist activity; the knowing provision of support to the designated organization is sufficient for prosecution. This charge is often investigated by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

Last verified: March 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | Federal legislature URL

Official Legal Resources

For the official text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 2339B (official U.S. Code). For information on the federal court handling these cases in New Jersey, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.

Defending Material Support Charges in New Jersey Federal Court

Defending a material support charge requires challenging the government’s evidence of knowledge and intent. A material support defense lawyer Somerset County must scrutinize financial records, communications, and the defendant’s alleged connection to a designated organization. In the District of New Jersey, these cases are high-stakes and involve extensive discovery, including classified information. The defense strategy often involves motions to suppress evidence obtained through surveillance, challenging the constitutionality of the statute’s knowledge element, and negotiating with federal prosecutors for a resolution that avoids the most severe penalties.

Initial Investigation & Contact: If you suspect you are under investigation by the FBI or other federal agencies, contact a federal criminal defense attorney as early as possible. Do not speak to investigators without counsel.
Pre-Indictment Strategy: Your attorney will communicate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to understand the allegations and potentially present mitigating information to avoid formal charges or negotiate terms.
Arraignment & Plea: If indicted, you will be arraigned in U.S. District Court. Your lawyer will advise you on pleading not guilty to preserve all legal defenses.
Discovery & Motions: Your defense team will review all evidence, file motions to challenge the prosecution’s case, and handle sensitive or classified information under secure procedures.
Trial or Resolution: The case will proceed to trial or be resolved through a plea agreement. Given the severe penalties, every strategic option must be evaluated with your attorney.

Potential Penalties for Material Support to Terrorists

In federal court, a conviction for providing material support to terrorists under 18 U.S.C. § 2339B carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to a lifetime of supervised release for each count.

Offense	Classification	Incarceration	Fine	Additional Consequences
Material Support to Terrorists (18 U.S.C. § 2339B)	Federal Felony	Up to 20 years per count	Up to $250,000	Lifetime supervised release, asset forfeiture, designation as a terrorist, severe immigration consequences.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Defense

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to federal cases. We understand the immense pressure of facing federal terrorism-related charges. Our approach involves assembling a defense team with the specific knowledge needed to challenge the government’s evidence in terrorism financing charge lawyer Somerset County cases. We provide full representation, from the initial investigation through trial or negotiation.

Mr. Sris
Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney
Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York
A former prosecutor and firm founder, Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on federal criminal defense matters. His background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial evidence and statutes.

Case Results & Firm Experience

While we maintain a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes, each federal case is unique. Our experience with federal statutes and procedures in the District of New Jersey is a critical asset for clients facing material support allegations. We have successfully defended clients in federal matters, leveraging detailed knowledge of federal rules and evidence.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Our Somerset County Federal Defense Lawyers

Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Somerset County and the surrounding area. We are accessible via I-287, Route 22, and Route 206, serving communities including Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, and Bedminster.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.

24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.

FAQs: Material Support to Terrorists Charges

What constitutes “material support” under federal law?

Yes. Material support is broadly defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2339B to include currency, financial services, lodging, training, experienced advice or assistance, personnel, and physical assets. Even seemingly benign assistance can be charged if provided to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Do I need to intend to support terrorism to be charged?

No. The statute requires that you knowingly provide support to a designated organization. The government does not need to prove you intended the support to be used for terrorist acts, only that you knew the organization was designated.

What should I do if contacted by the FBI about a material support investigation?

It depends. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. The most critical step is to politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a federal criminal defense lawyer. Speaking without counsel can severely harm your case.

Can I be charged for donating to a charity that unknowingly funds terrorism?

Potentially, yes. If the government can prove you knew the charity was a front for a designated terrorist organization, you could face charges. A material support defense lawyer Somerset County would challenge the evidence of your knowledge and intent.

What are the possible defenses to a material support charge?

Defenses can include lack of knowledge that the recipient was a designated organization, challenging the constitutionality of the statute, entrapment, and suppressing evidence obtained through unlawful searches or seizures. Each defense is highly fact-specific.

Internal Resources

For more information on federal defense, see our New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense hub page. If you are facing other charges, we also assist with DUI defense in Somerset County and business law matters.

Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.