Possession of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime Lawyer in Union County, NJ
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum 5-year federal prison sentence consecutive to any drug sentence. In Union County, these cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Federal Statute for Drug and Gun Charges
Federal law imposes severe penalties for combining firearms with drug crimes. The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), which criminalizes using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to any crime of violence or drug trafficking crime, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of such a crime.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | 18 U.S.C. § 924 (official U.S. Code)
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a background in handling federal cases where multiple statutes intersect.
Official Legal Resources
- 18 U.S.C. § 924 (official U.S. Code) – The federal statute defining penalties for firearm crimes.
- U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey – The prosecuting authority for federal crimes in Union County.
Defense Strategy for Union County Federal Court
Defending a § 924(c) charge in the District of New Jersey requires challenging both the underlying drug trafficking crime and the firearm’s connection to it. The government must prove the firearm was used, carried, or possessed “in furtherance of” the drug crime, not merely present. An armed drug trafficking lawyer Union County from our firm examines search and seizure legality, chain of custody for evidence, and the specific intent linking the gun to the drug offense.
- Initial Investigation & Detention Hearing: Immediately after arrest, the FBI or DEA will investigate. A detention hearing in federal court determines if you will be held pretrial.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The U.S. Attorney presents evidence to a grand jury. If indicted, the formal charges are filed.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your attorney reviews all evidence (discovery) and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if constitutional rights were violated.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in U.S. District Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. A § 924(c) conviction adds a mandatory 5-year (or more) sentence consecutive to the drug sentence.
Potential Penalties for Federal Drug and Gun Charges
In Union County, a conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) triggers a mandatory minimum 5-year federal prison sentence, which must run consecutively to the sentence for the underlying drug crime.
| Offense | Classification | Mandatory Incarceration | Maximum Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – First Offense | Federal Crime | 5 years consecutive | $250,000 | Forfeiture of firearm; felony record; loss of rights |
| 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – Subsequent Offense | Federal Crime | 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 | Up to $10 million | Asset forfeiture; supervised release |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience with Federal Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years. We have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our approach to federal drug and gun charge defense is grounded in a detailed review of the investigation, forensic evidence, and aggressive advocacy at every stage, from detention hearings to sentencing.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results in Union County federal court are not disclosed, our firm-wide record includes favorable outcomes in federal matters. We focus on challenging the legality of searches, the sufficiency of evidence linking a firearm to drug activity, and negotiating for reduced charges where possible.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Federal Defense Lawyer Near Union County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Union County. We are accessible to communities including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, and Cranford. For a possession of firearm in drug trafficking crime lawyer Union County, contact us 24/7.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Federal Drug and Gun Charges in NJ
What makes a federal drug and gun charge different from a state charge?
Federal charges involve statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in federal court, and carry mandatory minimum sentences that must run consecutively. State gun charges in NJ are handled in Superior Court under the NJ Code of Criminal Justice.
What does “in furtherance of” mean in a § 924(c) charge?
It depends. The government must prove the firearm was strategically placed to advance or promote the drug trafficking crime, not merely present. Factors include the gun’s proximity to drugs, accessibility, and whether it was loaded. A drug and gun charge defense lawyer Union County can challenge this specific link.
Can you get bail on a federal drug and gun charge?
It depends. After a federal arrest, a detention hearing is held. For serious charges under § 924(c), the judge may order detention if they find you a flight risk or danger to the community. Your attorney can argue for pretrial release with conditions.
What are the main defenses to a § 924(c) charge?
Key defenses include challenging the legality of the search that found the gun, proving the firearm was not connected to the drug crime, attacking the underlying drug trafficking allegation, or negotiating a plea to the drug charge without the firearm enhancement.
Who investigates federal drug and gun cases in Union County?
Federal agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) typically lead these investigations, often with assistance from local police.
Internal Resources
- New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer – Our state hub page.
- Federal Criminal Lawyer Bergen County – Defense in a neighboring county.
- Union County Criminal Defense Lawyer – For related state-level charges.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If you want to see how an Union County case fits into the wider process, our page on possession of firearm in drug trafficking crime lawyer New Jersey covers it from start to finish.
Your case in Union County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 (aggravated sexual assault) within the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Union 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: Union County NJ lawyers directory · Possession of Firearm in Drug Lawyer Bergen County · Possession of Firearm in Drug Lawyer Middlesex County · Possession of Firearm in Drug Lawyer Hudson County.