Unlawful Dealing in Firearms Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Unlawful dealing in firearms in Bergen County is a serious crime prosecuted under New Jersey’s strict gun laws, often as a second-degree indictable offense. If you are charged with illegal gun sales or trafficking, you need an experienced unlawful dealing in firearms lawyer Bergen County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Statutory Definition of Unlawful Dealing in Firearms in New Jersey
New Jersey law strictly regulates the sale, transfer, and transportation 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 when you know or have reason to know that person is prohibited from possessing a firearm. It also criminalizes engaging in the business of manufacturing, transporting, shipping, or selling firearms without being licensed under federal law. Charges are typically heard in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage, located at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9 (official New Jersey statutes)
- Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website
Insider Procedural Edge for Bergen County Firearms Cases
In Bergen County, firearms cases are prosecuted aggressively by the County Prosecutor’s Office. The court at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, handles all indictable offenses, including unlawful dealing. New Jersey’s bail reform means pretrial release is determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not cash. A strong defense often involves challenging the state’s proof of knowledge and intent, as well as scrutinizing the legality of any search or interrogation.
- Secure immediate legal representation before speaking to investigators.
- Your attorney will file for a detention hearing to argue for your release pending trial.
- Your defense will conduct a thorough review of all discovery, including search warrants and witness statements.
- Potential motions to suppress evidence may be filed if constitutional rights were violated.
- Your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecution, potentially for a plea to a lesser charge or explore diversionary programs like PTI for first-time offenders.
- If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a trial before a Bergen County Superior Court judge or jury.
Potential Penalties for Unlawful Dealing in Firearms
In Bergen County, unlawful dealing in firearms is typically a second-degree crime, carrying severe penalties including significant state prison time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful Sale/Transfer (general) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Firearms forfeiture, permanent prohibition | Graves Act mandatory minimum parole ineligibility may apply. |
| Unlawful Sale/Transfer to Minor or Prohibited Person | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Firearms forfeiture, permanent prohibition | Presumption of imprisonment; Graves Act mandatory minimum. |
| Engaging in Firearms Business Without License | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Forfeiture of business assets | Federal charges may also be filed. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Firearms Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of firearms charges in New Jersey and provide a focused, strategic defense. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive representation for every client.
Case Results and Client Outcomes
While specific case results are confidential, our firm’s overall performance demonstrates our capability. SRIS actively practices in Bergen County — firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved without incarceration.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Firearms Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts. We represent individuals in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, and surrounding communities. Accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17.
Unlawful dealing in firearms lawyer near Bergen County Courthouse.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered “unlawful dealing” in firearms in New Jersey?
It depends. Generally, it involves selling, transferring, or transporting firearms without the required federal license, or doing so knowingly to a person under 18 or someone legally prohibited from owning a gun. Each case hinges on specific facts and intent under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9.
Is unlawful dealing in firearms a federal or state crime?
It can be both. New Jersey has its own strict laws, but the federal government also prosecutes unlicensed firearms dealing under the Gun Control Act. You could face charges in both state court (Bergen County Superior Court) and federal court (District of New Jersey).
What are the defenses to an unlawful dealing charge?
Possible defenses include lack of knowledge that the recipient was prohibited, challenging the legality of the search that uncovered evidence, entrapment, or arguing that the activity did not constitute “engaging in the business” of selling firearms. An experienced illegal gun sales defense lawyer Bergen County can evaluate the best strategy.
Can I get PTI for a firearms trafficking charge in Bergen County?
It is possible but challenging for second-degree offenses. Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) is generally for first-time offenders. The prosecutor’s office and PTI program director must consent. A skilled firearms trafficking lawyer Bergen County can advocate for your admission based on your background and the case specifics.
Does New Jersey have cash bail for firearms charges?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in 2017. Pretrial release for an unlawful dealing charge is determined by a judge based on a Public Safety Assessment risk score. For serious charges, the prosecution may seek pretrial detention, making the detention hearing important.
Internal Resources
- New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer Hub
- Criminal Defense Lawyer in Hunterdon County
- DUI/DWI Lawyer in Bergen County
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on unlawful dealing in firearms 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 · Unlawful Dealing in Firearms Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Unlawful Dealing in Firearms Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.