Possession of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime Lawyer Burlington County — Federal Defense

A federal charge for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) in Burlington County carries a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence, consecutive to any other sentence. This is a severe federal offense prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

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Federal Statute: 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) & Related Drug Trafficking Laws

This charge is not a state crime handled in Burlington County Superior Court. It is a federal offense. The core statute is 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), which imposes severe penalties for using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to any crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. The underlying “drug trafficking crime” is defined by the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.) and includes offenses like possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | 18 U.S.C. § 924 (official U.S. Code)

The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting and information systems provides a critical advantage in dissecting financial evidence often present in federal drug conspiracy cases.

Official Legal Resources

Burlington County Federal Court Process & Defense Strategy

Federal cases in Burlington County are typically investigated by federal agencies and prosecuted in the Camden or Newark divisions of the U.S. District Court for New Jersey. The process is distinct from state court. A key local procedural fact is that New Jersey’s state-level bail reform does not apply in federal court; detention hearings are governed by the federal Bail Reform Act, where risk of flight and danger to the community are assessed.

Initial Detention Hearing: Argue for release or favorable bond conditions at a hearing before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, often in Newark or Camden.
Grand Jury Indictment: Review the indictment for legal sufficiency. The government must prove the firearm was used “in furtherance of” the drug crime, not merely present.
Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence from illegal searches or seizures, challenge the admissibility of statements, or seek discovery of informant identities.
Plea Negotiations or Trial: Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to potentially drop the 924(c) charge or reduce the underlying drug charge. If no agreement is reached, prepare for a federal jury trial.
Sentencing: If convicted, advocate at sentencing under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines to minimize the total prison term, especially since the 924(c) sentence must run consecutively.

Federal Penalties for Drug and Gun Charges

In Burlington County federal court, a conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence, which must be served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying drug crime. Penalties escalate sharply for subsequent convictions or if the firearm is a machine gun or destructive device.

Offense	Classification	Mandatory Incarceration	Maximum Fine	Additional Consequences
18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (First Offense)	Federal Felony	5 years (consecutive)	$250,000	Forfeiture of firearm; federal supervised release after prison.
18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Subsequent Offense)	Federal Felony	25 years (consecutive)	$250,000	Same as above.
Underlying Drug Trafficking Crime (e.g., 21 U.S.C. § 841)	Federal Felony	Varies by drug type/quantity (e.g., 0-20 years, 5-40 years, 10-life)	$1M to $10M	Asset forfeiture; loss of federal benefits.

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

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Drug and Gun Charge Defense

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a unique combination of experience to federal defense. Founded in 1997, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris, the managing attorney, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, providing a critical edge in cases involving financial records or digital evidence. The firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. For an armed drug trafficking lawyer Burlington County, this depth of experience is essential for handling the high-stakes federal system.

Mr. Sris — Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney

Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York.
Background: Former prosecutor; founded firm in 1997. His background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in federal cases involving financial or technical evidence. He maintains a selective caseload to ensure deep, personal involvement in each client’s defense strategy.

Case Results & Federal Defense Experience

While specific case results are confidential, our firm’s extensive practice in federal courts provides the foundation for a strong defense. We approach each federal drug and gun charge with a strategy focused on challenging the government’s evidence on the critical link between the firearm and the drug crime. A possession of firearm in drug trafficking crime lawyer Burlington County from our team understands that the prosecution must prove the firearm was actively employed or carried “in furtherance of” the drug trafficking activity, a legal standard we vigorously contest.

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

Contact Our Burlington County Federal Defense Lawyers

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. 24/7 phone consultations.

Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Burlington County, including those in Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, and Willingboro. We are familiar with the procedures of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

FAQs: Federal Drug and Gun Charges in Burlington County

What makes a federal “drug trafficking crime” for a gun charge?

It depends. Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), a “drug trafficking crime” is any felony punishable under the federal Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.). This includes possession with intent to distribute, distribution, manufacturing, or conspiracy to commit those offenses. Simple possession for personal use typically does not qualify.

What does “in furtherance of” mean in a 924(c) charge?

It is a key legal element the government must prove. It means the firearm had some purpose or effect in facilitating the drug crime; it must be strategically placed for use or to provide protection. Mere possession of a gun in the same location as drugs is often insufficient. A skilled drug and gun charge defense lawyer Burlington County will attack this specific link.

Can I get bail on a federal drug and gun charge?

It depends. New Jersey’s state bail reform does not apply. Federal detention hearings follow the Bail Reform Act. The judge considers flight risk and danger to the community. For charges with severe mandatory minimums like 924(c), the risk of detention is high, making a strong argument for release at the initial hearing important.

Is there a plea bargain option for 924(c)?

Yes, but with limitations. Prosecutors have discretion to drop the 924(c) count in exchange for a guilty plea to the underlying drug charge. However, due to strict sentencing policies, this often requires providing “substantial assistance” to the government. An experienced armed drug trafficking lawyer Burlington County can negotiate based on the strengths and weaknesses of your case.

What is the difference between state and federal gun charges in NJ?

State charges, like certain persons not to possess weapons, are heard in Burlington County Superior Court and carry state penalties. Federal charges like 924(c) are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in federal court, carry mandatory minimum sentences under federal law, and have no parole. The cases are investigated by different agencies (e.g., FBI/DEA vs. local police).

Related Practice Areas: If you are facing related charges, our firm also handles federal criminal defense and state criminal defense in Burlington County. For a broader view, see our New Jersey federal criminal defense hub.

Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal advice regarding your specific situation.