Possession of an Unregistered Firearm Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Defenses?
Possession of an unregistered firearm in Bergen County is a serious indictable crime under New Jersey law, prosecuted in the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. A conviction can result in years of imprisonment and a permanent felony record. If you are facing these charges, you need an experienced possession of an unregistered firearm lawyer Bergen County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Law on Unregistered Firearms
New Jersey has some of the strictest firearm laws in the nation. The state does not have a firearm registration system for most common firearms; instead, it regulates possession through its permit and identification card system. However, certain weapons, like assault firearms, are strictly prohibited and their possession is a crime. Charges often stem from possessing a firearm without the required permit (Firearms Purchaser Identification Card or Handgun Purchase Permit) or possessing a prohibited weapon. These offenses are prosecuted as indictable crimes (felonies) under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 (Unlawful Possession of a Weapon). The severity depends on the type of weapon and the circumstances.
Potential Penalties for Firearm Charges in Bergen County
In Bergen County, unlawful possession of a handgun without a permit is a second-degree crime, carrying severe penalties including mandatory minimum prison terms under the Graves Act.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful Possession of a Handgun (2C:39-5b) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years (Graves Act mandatory min. 3.5-5 years) | Up to $150,000 | Parole ineligibility, permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights. |
| Unlawful Possession of a Rifle/Shotgun (2C:39-5c) | Third-Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Felony record, loss of firearm rights. |
| Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (e.g., assault firearm) (2C:39-5f) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Graves Act penalties apply, parole ineligibility. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Bergen County Firearms Defense Strategy
As your possession of an unregistered firearm lawyer Bergen County, we develop a defense based on the specifics of your case. Common defense strategies include:
- Motion to Suppress Evidence: If the firearm was discovered through an illegal search or seizure in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights, we file a motion to have the evidence thrown out.
- Challenge Possession: Arguing that you did not have knowledge of or control over the firearm.
- Investigate Permit Status: Verifying if you actually possessed a valid permit or if an exception applies.
Negotiate for PTI or Downgrade: For eligible first-time offenders, we pursue Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for dismissal or negotiate to reduce the charge severity. - Graves Act Waiver: In limited circumstances, we may argue for a waiver of the mandatory minimum sentence.
- Trial Defense: If necessary, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial in Bergen County Superior Court.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Firearms Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. We understand the high stakes of firearm charges in New Jersey and provide a focused, aggressive defense. Our team is familiar with the procedures at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage in Hackensack.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
SRIS actively practices in Bergen County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While every case is unique, our approach is consistent: we investigate thoroughly, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and fight for a favorable resolution, whether through dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Unregistered Firearm Defense Lawyer Near Bergen County
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County. We are accessible from Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, and all surrounding communities via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. If you need an unregistered weapon charge lawyer Bergen County, we are here to help.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
FAQs: Unregistered Firearm Charges in New Jersey
Does New Jersey have cash bail?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Bergen County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) — a computerized risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in NJ.
What is an NFA violation, and do I need an NFA violation defense lawyer Bergen County?
It depends. The National Firearms Act (NFA) regulates weapons like machine guns and silencers at the federal level. If you are charged federally, you need a lawyer experienced in federal court. If charged under similar NJ state laws for possessing a prohibited weapon, you need a state criminal defense attorney familiar with NJ’s Graves Act.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for a firearm charge in Bergen County?
PTI is a diversion program for first-time indictable offenders. Successful completion results in dismissal. However, Graves Act offenses (like certain gun crimes) have a presumption against PTI. A skilled lawyer can argue for your admission.
Can I get a Graves Act waiver for a mandatory minimum sentence?
Yes, in limited cases. A prosecutor can file a motion for a Graves Act waiver. The court has discretion to sentence below the mandatory minimum if it finds it is in the interest of justice. This requires strong legal advocacy.
What should I do if I’m charged with possession of an unregistered firearm?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Contact a possession of an unregistered firearm lawyer Bergen County as early as possible. The early stages of your case are critical for preserving rights and building a defense.
For immediate help with firearm charges in Bergen County, contact a possession of an unregistered firearm lawyer Bergen County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We offer 24/7 consultations.
New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer | Morris County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Bergen County DUI Lawyer
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on possession of an unregistered firearm charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, 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 Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen 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: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Possession of an Unregistered Firearm Lawyer Hudson County · Possession of an Unregistered Firearm Lawyer Monmouth County.