Federal Firearms Lawyer Bergen County NJ | SRIS, P.C.
Federal Firearms Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ — Your Defense in U.S. District Court
Federal firearms charges in Bergen County, NJ, are prosecuted in U.S. District Court under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences. As a Federal Firearms Lawyer Bergen County NJ, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense against charges like felon in possession, illegal sales, and straw purchases.
Federal Firearms Charges Under U.S. Law
Federal firearms laws are strict and carry severe penalties. Charges are typically brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and are heard in federal court, not state Superior Court. The primary statute is the Gun Control Act of 1968, codified in Title 18 of the U.S. Code.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | Federal legislature URL
Common federal firearms charges include possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (felon, drug user, undocumented immigrant), making false statements during a firearm purchase (straw purchase), possession of an unregistered firearm under the National Firearms Act, and trafficking firearms without a license. Defending these charges requires specific knowledge of federal procedure, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and potential constitutional challenges.
Official Federal Resources
handling Federal Firearms Cases in Bergen County
Federal firearms cases in New Jersey often originate from investigations by the ATF, FBI, or joint task forces. The process is distinct from state court. An initial appearance and detention hearing are held before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. The case then proceeds to the U.S. District Court for trial or plea negotiations. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines heavily influence potential penalties, making early strategic defense critical.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: If you are under investigation or have been contacted by federal agents, contact a Federal Firearms Attorney Bergen County NJ immediately. Do not speak to investigators without counsel.
- Detention Hearing: Argue for pretrial release. The court considers flight risk and danger to the community.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Review all evidence. File motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully or challenge the indictment.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a favorable plea agreement or prepare for a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, advocate for a sentence below the advisory guideline range based on mitigating factors.
- Appeal: File a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit if there are grounds.
Potential Penalties for Federal Firearms Crimes
In federal court, firearms charges carry severe penalties, including lengthy mandatory minimum prison sentences, substantial fines, and supervised release.
| Offense | Federal Statute | Potential Incarceration | Potential Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | 3 years supervised release, loss of gun rights |
| Straw Purchase | 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6) | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Felony record, loss of gun rights |
| Firearm Used in Crime of Violence | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) | 5-year mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Severe sentencing enhancement |
| Unregistered NFA Firearm | 26 U.S.C. § 5861 | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Forfeiture of the firearm |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Federal Firearms Law Firm Bergen County NJ
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a former prosecutor’s insight to federal criminal defense. We understand the tactics of federal agencies and the strategies of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Our approach involves meticulous case review, aggressive motion practice, and leveraging every opportunity for a favorable resolution, whether through dismissal, acquittal, or negotiated plea.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific federal firearms case results in Bergen County are not disclosed to protect client confidentiality, our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We apply our extensive experience in federal courts to each firearms case, focusing on challenging the legality of searches, the validity of the indictment, and negotiating for reduced charges or sentences.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Federal Firearms Lawyer Bergen County NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Bergen County. We are accessible from I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 | Local: (732) 200-6648
By appointment only.
24/7 Phone Consultations: (888) 437-7747
Serving: Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, Lyndhurst, and surrounding communities.
Federal Firearms Defense FAQs
What is a “prohibited person” under federal firearms law?
Yes. Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) prohibits several categories of people from possessing firearms, including convicted felons, individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors, unlawful drug users, individuals subject to certain restraining orders, and undocumented immigrants. A Federal Firearms Lawyer Bergen County NJ can review your status and potential defenses.
Can I be charged in both state and federal court for the same gun crime?
It depends. The Double Jeopardy Clause generally prohibits dual prosecutions for the same offense by the same sovereign. However, New Jersey state and the federal government are separate sovereigns. In some cases, particularly high-profile ones involving violence or trafficking, you could face charges from both. This is known as “dual sovereignty” doctrine.
What is a “straw purchase” of a firearm?
A straw purchase is when someone who is legally eligible to buy a firearm purchases it on behalf of someone who is prohibited or does not want their name on the paperwork. This is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6). Both the person making the purchase and the prohibited person receiving the gun can be charged. A Federal Firearms Attorney Bergen County NJ can assess the evidence in such cases.
What are the defenses to a federal felon-in-possession charge?
Several defenses may apply. Common ones include challenging the legality of the search that found the firearm (Fourth Amendment), arguing you were not in “possession,” contesting whether the item is legally a “firearm,” or challenging the validity of the prior felony conviction used to prohibit you. An experienced Federal Firearms Law Firm Bergen County NJ will investigate all possible defenses.
Related Legal Services in Bergen County
If you are facing related charges, our firm also handles state criminal defense in Bergen County, DUI/DWI charges, and immigration matters. For more information on our federal practice, visit our New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense hub page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.