Felon in Possession Lawyer in Mercer County, NJ — What Are Your Defense Options?
A felon in possession charge in Mercer County is a second-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7, punishable by 5-10 years in state prison with a presumption of imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for prohibited persons facing these severe firearm charges. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results.
New Jersey Law on Felons Possessing Firearms
New Jersey strictly prohibits any person who has been convicted of a crime from possessing a firearm. This law, codified in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7, applies to anyone convicted of a crime, regardless of whether it was in New Jersey or another state. The statute is a key part of New Jersey’s full gun control framework and is aggressively prosecuted, especially in Mercer County where cases are heard in the Superior Court at 175 South Broad Street in Trenton.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the high stakes of these cases. A conviction carries severe, life-altering penalties and creates a permanent barrier to restoring your rights.
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7 (official New Jersey Legislature site)
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Mercer Vicinage
Mercer County Court Process for a Felon in Possession Charge
In Mercer County, all felon in possession charges are indictable crimes handled by the Superior Court, Criminal Division. New Jersey’s bail reform means your pretrial release is determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not cash. The prosecution must prove you knowingly possessed a firearm and have a prior conviction meeting the statutory definition.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be charged and have a detention hearing where a judge decides if you will be released pending trial based on a risk assessment.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case is presented to a grand jury. If indicted, it proceeds in Superior Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to challenge the legality of the search, seizure, or arrest that led to the discovery of the firearm.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The state may offer a plea to a lesser charge. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows state guidelines, with a second-degree conviction carrying a mandatory period of parole ineligibility.
Penalties for a Felon in Possession Conviction in Mercer County
In Mercer County, being a felon in possession of a firearm is a second-degree crime carrying 5 to 10 years in New Jersey state prison, with a presumption of imprisonment and a period of parole ineligibility.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years state prison | Up to $150,000 | Presumption of imprisonment; parole ineligibility; permanent felony record; loss of right to vote while incarcerated; firearm forfeiture. |
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Certain Prior Crimes) | First-Degree Crime | 10-20 years state prison | Up to $200,000 | Mandatory minimum term; Graves Act applies; extended parole ineligibility. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Felon in Possession Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds its cases. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in complex criminal matters. For a prohibited person gun charge lawyer in Mercer County, our team provides the aggressive, knowledgeable defense needed to challenge the state’s evidence and protect your future.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific case results are confidential, our firm-wide track record demonstrates our commitment to vigorous defense. SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our practice areas. In Mercer County, we actively defend clients facing serious indictable offenses like felon in possession. Every case is unique, but our systematic approach to challenging search warrants, witness credibility, and the state’s chain of evidence is applied to seek the best possible result.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felon in Possession Lawyer Near Mercer County
Our New Jersey location represents clients at Mercer County courts in Trenton. We serve clients throughout the region, including in Trenton, Princeton, Hamilton Township, Ewing, Lawrence, West Windsor, East Windsor, Hopewell, Robbinsville, and Hightstown.
24/7 Phone Consultations — Meetings By Appointment Only
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
Frequently Asked Questions: Felon in Possession Charges in Mercer County
Does New Jersey have cash bail for a felon in possession charge?
No. New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017. Your pretrial release for a felon in possession charge in Mercer County Superior Court is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) — a computerized risk score evaluating flight risk and danger, not your ability to pay money.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for a felon in possession charge?
It depends. PTI is a diversion program for first-time indictable offenders. For a serious second-degree crime like felon in possession, admission is discretionary and not guaranteed. A skilled felon with firearm defense lawyer Mercer County can advocate for PTI eligibility, arguing for rehabilitation over incarceration, but the court and prosecutor must approve.
Can a felon in possession charge be expunged in NJ?
No, not if convicted. A conviction for a second-degree felon in possession crime is generally not eligible for expungement in New Jersey. This underscores the critical importance of a strong defense to avoid a permanent conviction.
What if the firearm wasn’t on my person?
New Jersey law defines “possession” broadly as actual physical control or constructive possession (knowing the firearm is present and having the intention and capacity to exercise control over it). A prohibited person gun charge lawyer Mercer County can challenge whether the state can prove you knowingly possessed the firearm, especially if it was found in a common area or vehicle.
What are common defenses to a felon in possession charge?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search (Fourth Amendment violation), proving you did not knowingly possess the firearm, arguing mistaken identity, or contesting whether your prior conviction qualifies under the statute. An experienced attorney will scrutinize every step of the police investigation.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.