Unlawful Dealing in Firearms Lawyer Atlantic County — What Are Your Defenses?
Unlawful dealing in firearms in Atlantic County is a serious indictable crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. This charge involves the illegal sale, transfer, or trafficking of firearms. An unlawful dealing in firearms lawyer Atlantic County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense. Our firm has extensive experience in criminal cases across New Jersey.
New Jersey Law on Unlawful Dealing in Firearms
New Jersey strictly regulates the sale and transfer of firearms. The primary statute governing unlawful dealing in firearms is N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9. This law makes it a crime to knowingly sell, give, transfer, assign, or otherwise dispose of a firearm to a person who is under 18, or to any person you know or have reason to believe is disqualified from possessing a firearm under New Jersey law. It also criminalizes the purchase of a firearm on behalf of such a disqualified person (a “straw purchase”).
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Atlantic Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Firearms trafficking, which involves multiple illegal sales or transfers as part of a scheme, is aggressively prosecuted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and can involve both state and federal charges. The penalties escalate based on the number and type of firearms involved.
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9 (official New Jersey statutes)
- Superior Court of NJ, Atlantic Vicinage website
Atlantic County Court Procedures for Firearms Charges
Charges for unlawful dealing in firearms are indictable crimes (felony equivalents) heard in the Atlantic County Superior Court, Criminal Division, located at 1201 Bacharach Boulevard in Atlantic City. Unlike disorderly persons offenses, these cases begin with a complaint and proceed to a grand jury for indictment. New Jersey’s bail reform means pretrial release is determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not cash bail. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has a dedicated unit for firearms offenses, making these cases a high priority.
- You are arrested or receive a summons for unlawful dealing in firearms.
- Your first appearance is in Superior Court for a detention hearing under New Jersey’s bail reform laws.
- The case is presented to a grand jury. If indicted, the case proceeds in Criminal Division.
- Your attorney will engage in discovery, review evidence, and file pretrial motions.
- Negotiations with the prosecutor may lead to a plea agreement, or the case may proceed to trial.
- If convicted at trial or by plea, sentencing follows, with potential for significant state prison time.
Potential Penalties for Unlawful Dealing in Firearms
In Atlantic County, unlawful dealing in firearms is typically a second-degree crime carrying 5 to 10 years in state prison, with a presumption of imprisonment. If the transaction involves a large quantity of firearms or is part of a trafficking scheme, it may be charged as a first-degree crime.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful Sale/Transfer (single firearm) | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years (presumption of imprisonment) | Up to $150,000 | Permanent loss of firearm purchaser ID card & permits | Forfeiture of firearms, permanent felony record, federal charges possible |
| Firearms Trafficking (multiple/scheme) | 1st Degree Crime | 10-20 years | Up to $200,000 | Permanent loss of firearm rights | Asset forfeiture, mandatory Graves Act sentencing, enhanced parole ineligibility |
| Straw Purchase | 2nd or 3rd Degree Crime | 3-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Permanent loss of firearm purchaser ID card | Federal prosecution likely (ATF), additional charges for false statements on forms |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Firearms Charge
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the severe consequences of a firearms conviction and build defenses focused on challenging the prosecution’s evidence of intent, knowledge, and the legality of the underlying transaction. Our approach is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Case Results in Atlantic County
While specific case results are confidential, SRIS actively practices in Atlantic County courts. Firm-wide, our attorneys have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and not-guilty verdicts in serious criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Atlantic County Firearms Defense Lawyer
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Atlantic County. We are familiar with the procedures at the Superior Court of NJ, Atlantic Vicinage in Atlantic City. If you are facing charges for illegal gun sales or firearms trafficking, contact an unlawful dealing in firearms lawyer Atlantic County as early as possible.
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.
We serve Atlantic City, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway, Hamilton Township, Pleasantville, Hammonton, Absecon, Ventnor, Linwood, Brigantine, and Margate.
FAQs: Unlawful Dealing in Firearms in Atlantic County
What is the difference between unlawful dealing in firearms and firearms trafficking in NJ?
It depends. Unlawful dealing typically refers to a single illegal sale or transfer. Firearms trafficking involves multiple illegal transactions as part of a business or scheme. Trafficking charges carry more severe penalties (first-degree) and are a priority for the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. An illegal gun sales defense lawyer Atlantic County can analyze the specifics of your case.
Can I be charged federally for unlawful dealing in firearms in Atlantic County?
Yes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) often investigates and prosecutes straw purchases and trafficking rings that cross state lines. You can face parallel state charges in Atlantic County Superior Court and federal charges in U.S. District Court. A firearms trafficking lawyer Atlantic County with federal experience is important.
What are common defenses to unlawful dealing charges?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that the recipient was disqualified, entrapment by law enforcement, challenging the legality of the search that uncovered evidence, and attacking the credibility of informants. The prosecution must prove you knew the buyer could not legally possess a firearm.
Does New Jersey have mandatory minimums for firearms crimes?
Yes. The Graves Act imposes mandatory minimum periods of parole ineligibility for certain firearms offenses, including unlawful dealing when the firearm is used in connection with another crime. The minimum is typically one-third to one-half of the base sentence, or 3 years, whichever is greater.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for illegal gun sales?
Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney. Do not speak to law enforcement or prosecutors without your unlawful dealing in firearms lawyer Atlantic County present. An investigation can lead to state or federal charges. Early intervention by counsel can sometimes prevent charges from being filed.
Internal Resources
- New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer Hub
- Federal Criminal Lawyer Bergen County
- Atlantic County DUI/DWI Lawyer
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding unlawful dealing in firearms charges.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
If you want to see how an Atlantic County case fits into the wider process, our page on unlawful dealing in firearms lawyer New Jersey covers it from start to finish.
Your case in Atlantic 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 Atlantic County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Atlantic Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 1201 Bacharach Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, telephone (609) 402-0100, 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 Atlantic 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: Atlantic County NJ lawyers directory · Unlawful Dealing in Firearms Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Unlawful Dealing in Firearms Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Unlawful Dealing in Firearms Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.