Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Middlesex County, NJ
A federal charge for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries severe mandatory prison sentences in New Jersey. If you are facing a 924c charge or a gun enhancement in Middlesex County, you need a lawyer with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for these serious charges.
Federal Statute for Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence
18 U.S.C. § 924(c) is the federal statute that imposes mandatory consecutive prison sentences for using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a federal crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. The penalties escalate dramatically for subsequent convictions and if the firearm is a machine gun or a destructive device.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | U.S. Code via Congress.gov
This statute is a sentencing enhancement, meaning it is added on top of the penalty for the underlying crime. A conviction requires the government to prove a direct connection between the firearm and the predicate crime. The definition of a “crime of violence” is a legal issue that is frequently litigated, making the choice of a knowledgeable use of a firearm in crime of violence lawyer critical.
Official Government Resources
For the official text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 924 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the federal court handling these cases in New Jersey, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
Defending a 924c Charge in Middlesex County
Defending a 924c charge requires attacking both the firearm allegation and the underlying predicate crime. In the Newark and Trenton divisions of the U.S. District Court for New Jersey, prosecutors aggressively pursue these charges. A key strategy involves challenging whether the underlying offense qualifies as a “crime of violence” under the statute’s specific definitions, which have been narrowed by recent Supreme Court decisions.
- Case Assessment: Immediately review all discovery, including search warrants, surveillance, and forensic reports related to the firearm and the alleged crime of violence.
- Legal Motions: File motions to suppress evidence if the firearm was seized unlawfully or to dismiss the 924(c) count if the predicate crime does not legally qualify.
- Negotiation Strategy: Engage with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to explore resolving the underlying charge in a way that allows for the dismissal of the 924(c) enhancement, which carries the mandatory minimum.
- Trial Preparation: If the case proceeds to trial, prepare to challenge the government’s evidence on the nexus between the firearm and the crime and the knowledge and intent of the accused.
Potential Penalties for a Federal Gun Enhancement
In federal court, a conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) mandates a prison sentence that must run consecutively (after) to any sentence for the underlying crime.
| Offense | Mandatory Minimum Sentence | Maximum Sentence | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 924(c) Conviction | 5 years | Life | Up to $250,000 |
| Second 924(c) Conviction | 25 years | Life | Up to $250,000 |
| If Firearm is Brandished | 7 years | Life | Up to $250,000 |
| If Firearm is Discharged | 10 years | Life | Up to $250,000 |
| If Firearm is a Machine Gun / Destructive Device | 30 years | Life | Up to $250,000 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Gun Charge Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal cases. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high-stakes nature of federal prosecutions and the severe consequences of a 924c charge. Our approach is direct and focused on building the strongest possible defense from the outset.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results in Middlesex County for this federal charge are not disclosed, our firm’s overall record demonstrates our commitment to vigorous defense. We have successfully challenged the government’s evidence, negotiated favorable resolutions that avoided mandatory minimums, and prepared cases for trial when necessary. Every case is unique, and we dedicate our resources to achieving a favorable result for each client.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Middlesex County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Middlesex County, including those in New Brunswick, Edison, Woodbridge, and Piscataway. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike and Route 1.
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 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Charges
What is a 924c charge?
It is a federal charge under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) for using or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. It adds a mandatory prison sentence consecutive to the sentence for the underlying crime.
What does a gun enhancement defense lawyer do?
A gun enhancement defense lawyer challenges the government’s evidence linking the firearm to the crime, argues legal definitions of “crime of violence,” files motions to suppress evidence, and negotiates with prosecutors to seek dismissal of the enhancement to avoid mandatory minimum sentences.
Is a 924c charge a state or federal crime?
It is exclusively a federal crime. These charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in federal district court, not by county prosecutors in New Jersey state courts like the Middlesex County Superior Court.
Can a 924c charge be dropped?
Yes, it can be dropped or dismissed. This may happen if the underlying crime is dismissed, if evidence is suppressed, if a plea agreement is reached that excludes the enhancement, or if a court rules the predicate offense is not a qualifying “crime of violence.” An experienced use of a firearm in crime of violence lawyer is essential to pursue these avenues.
What is the minimum sentence for a 924c charge in New Jersey?
The minimum is 5 years in federal prison for a first conviction, which must be served after any sentence for the main crime. Penalties increase to 7, 10, 25, or 30-year minimums if the firearm was brandished, discharged, or is a second offense or a machine gun.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing related charges, explore our pages for a Federal Criminal Lawyer in Middlesex County or a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Middlesex County, NJ.
Other Locations: We also serve clients in neighboring counties. Visit our page for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Somerset County or a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Monmouth County.
Learn More: For an overview of our federal practice, see our New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer hub page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
Middlesex County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on use of a firearm in crime of violence lawyer New Jersey covers the process from start to finish.
Middlesex County is one part of a wider practice, and our page on use of a firearm in crime of violence lawyer Virginia covers the process from start to finish.
Your case in Middlesex County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Middlesex County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Middlesex Vicinage (6th Vicinage), 56 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, telephone (732) 981-3000, 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 Middlesex 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: Middlesex County NJ lawyers directory · Essex County NJ Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer.