Federal Firearms Lawyer Morris County NJ | SRIS, P.C.
Federal Firearms Lawyer in Morris County, New Jersey
Federal firearms charges in Morris County are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), carrying severe penalties including mandatory minimum sentences. As a Federal Firearms Lawyer Morris County NJ, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense against investigations by the ATF, FBI, and Homeland Security.
Federal Firearms Charges Under U.S. Code
Federal firearms laws are strict and carry severe penalties. The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which prohibits certain persons from possessing firearms. This includes convicted felons, individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders, unlawful drug users, and those adjudicated as mentally defective. Charges are typically brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey following an investigation by federal agencies like the ATF.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | Federal legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of federal firearms laws, refer to the U.S. Code § 922 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local court procedures and rules, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
handling Federal Firearms Cases in New Jersey
The process for a federal firearms case in Morris County is distinct from state court. Investigations are lengthy, often involving federal grand juries. A key local procedural fact is that the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey has divisions in Newark, Trenton, and Camden; your case location depends on where the alleged offense occurred. The federal system uses the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which can dictate lengthy prison terms for firearms offenses, especially with prior convictions.
- Investigation & Indictment: A federal grand jury issues an indictment based on evidence presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
- Initial Appearance & Arraignment: You appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, are informed of the charges, and enter a plea.
- Detention Hearing: The court determines if you will be released pending trial or held in federal custody.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney reviews all evidence and files motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases resolve through plea agreements. If not, the case proceeds to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which often include mandatory minimums for firearms crimes.
Potential Penalties for Federal Firearms Crimes
In federal court, a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, but prior convictions can trigger enhanced mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years to life.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years* | Up to $250,000 | 3 years supervised release, loss of gun rights |
| Possession w/ Prior Violent Felony/Drug Crime (Armed Career Criminal) | Federal Felony | 15 years to Life (mandatory min.) | Up to $250,000 | Enhanced under 18 U.S.C. § 924(e) |
| Straw Purchase (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Forfeiture of firearms |
| Possession of Machine Gun/Defaced Firearm | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Enhanced penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Federal Defense Practice
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys approach federal firearms cases with a deep understanding of the strategies employed by federal prosecutors and investigative agencies. We scrutinize the legality of searches, the chain of custody of evidence, and the conduct of investigations to protect your rights.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific Morris County federal firearms results are not listed, our firm-wide practice has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our jurisdictions. We defend clients at all stages, from initial ATF investigation through federal sentencing.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Morris County Federal Firearms Law Firm
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Morris County. We are accessible via I-80, I-287, Route 10, and Route 46. As a Federal Firearms Attorney Morris County NJ, we provide representation for clients in Morristown, Parsippany, Dover, Randolph, Denville, Madison, Florham Park, Chatham, Boonton, Mount Olive, Roxbury, and Chester.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Federal Firearms Lawyer Morris County NJ FAQ
What is a federal firearms charge?
It is a violation of U.S. law, like 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) for a prohibited person to possess a gun, prosecuted in U.S. District Court by federal attorneys, not local county prosecutors.
What agencies investigate federal gun crimes in NJ?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) often leads, frequently with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), or local task forces. These investigations can be lengthy and complex.
What is the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA)?
It’s a federal law (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)) that mandates a 15-year minimum prison sentence for felons with three prior violent felony or serious drug convictions found in possession of a firearm.
Can I get bail in a federal firearms case?
It depends. A detention hearing before a U.S. Magistrate Judge determines release. The court considers flight risk, danger to the community, and the strength of the case. Firearms charges often weigh against release.
What are common defenses to federal gun charges?
Defenses may include challenging the legality of the search/seizure, proving you are not a “prohibited person,” attacking the firearm’s operability or interstate commerce link, or asserting lack of knowledge or possession.
Related Pages: New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer | Federal Criminal Lawyer Bergen County | Morris County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.