Federal Firearms Lawyer Hudson County NJ | SRIS, P.C.
Federal Firearms Lawyer in Hudson County, New Jersey
Federal firearms charges in Hudson County, NJ, are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and carry severe mandatory minimum sentences. As a Federal Firearms Lawyer Hudson County NJ, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for charges like felon in possession and trafficking. Our firm has handled complex federal cases across multiple jurisdictions.
Federal Firearms Charges Under U.S. Law
Federal firearms offenses are governed by the Gun Control Act of 1968, codified in Title 18 of the U.S. Code. The most common charge is being a felon in possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). This statute makes it unlawful for certain prohibited persons—including convicted felons, individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders, and unlawful drug users—to ship, transport, possess, or receive any firearm or ammunition. Charges are typically brought after an investigation by federal agencies like the ATF, FBI, or DEA.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of federal firearms laws, refer to 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 (Firearms) via 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 Hudson County
Federal firearms cases in New Jersey are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, which has divisions in Newark, Camden, and Trenton. Hudson County defendants will typically appear in the Newark courthouse. The process begins with a federal grand jury indictment. Unlike state court, New Jersey’s bail reform does not apply; pretrial detention is governed by the federal Bail Reform Act, and release is not guaranteed.
- Initial Appearance & Detention Hearing: You will be brought before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for an initial appearance, where charges are read. A detention hearing may be held to determine if you will be released pending trial.
- Arraignment & Plea: You will be formally arraigned and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement.
- Discovery & Pretrial Motions: Your Federal Firearms Attorney Hudson County NJ will review all evidence (discovery) and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Your attorney will negotiate with the Assistant U.S. Attorney for a favorable plea deal. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider criminal history and specific offense characteristics.
Potential Penalties for Federal Firearms Crimes
In Hudson County, a federal 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 federal prison, but enhancements can increase this significantly.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Supervised Release | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years* | Up to $250,000 | Up to 3 years | Forfeiture of firearm, permanent loss of gun rights |
| Firearms Trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(1)(A)) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Up to 3 years | Forfeiture of assets |
| Using a Firearm in a Crime of Violence/Drug Trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | 5-year mandatory minimum consecutive to other sentences | Up to $250,000 | Up to 5 years | Enhanced penalties for brandishing or discharging |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
*A mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years to life applies under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) for defendants with three prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses.
Our Federal Defense Practice
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal cases. We understand the high-stakes nature of federal prosecutions and the severe penalties involved. Our approach is to build a defense from the earliest stages, often during the investigative phase before an indictment is secured.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific case results in Hudson County federal court 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%. In federal cases, favorable outcomes can include charges being dropped before indictment, favorable plea agreements that avoid mandatory minimums, or acquittals at trial. Every case is unique, and we draw on our extensive federal practice experience to advocate for the best possible result.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Federal Firearms Defense in Hudson County
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.
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal firearms charges in Hudson County. We are accessible to residents of Jersey City, Hoboken, North Bergen, Union City, West New York, Secaucus, Bayonne, Kearny, Harrison, Weehawken, and Guttenberg. As a Federal Firearms Law Firm Hudson County NJ, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings available by appointment at our Tinton Falls location.
Federal Firearms Lawyer FAQs
What is the most common federal firearms charge in New Jersey?
Yes. The most common charge is felon in possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). This applies to anyone with a prior felony conviction, regardless of the state where it occurred.
Can I get bail in a federal firearms case?
It depends. The federal Bail Reform Act presumes detention for defendants charged with crimes of violence, including many firearms offenses. Your Federal Firearms Lawyer Hudson County NJ can argue for release conditions at a detention hearing, but pretrial release is not guaranteed.
What is the difference between state and federal gun charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court, involve federal agencies, and follow the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines with no parole. State charges are prosecuted by county prosecutors in Superior Court under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2C:39). Penalties and procedures differ significantly.
What are the defenses to a federal felon in possession charge?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search (Fourth Amendment), arguing you were not in possession, contesting whether the item is a “firearm” under federal law, or challenging the validity of the predicate felony conviction used to prohibit possession.
Does New Jersey’s bail reform apply to federal cases?
No. New Jersey’s Criminal Justice Reform Act, which eliminated cash bail, applies only to state courts. Federal pretrial release is governed by the federal Bail Reform Act of 1984.