Felon in Possession Lawyer Salem County, NJ

Being charged as a felon in possession of a firearm in Salem County, New Jersey, is a serious matter. New Jersey law strictly prohibits anyone previously convicted of certain offenses from owning, possessing, or controlling a firearm. If you are facing this charge, the stakes are high. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team understand what is at risk. They represent individuals in Salem County Superior Court and work to protect their rights throughout the criminal process. From the moment you are charged, guidance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer can make a significant difference. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation and explore your options. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Understanding Felon in Possession Charges in Salem County

In New Jersey, the offense commonly called “felon in possession” falls under the state’s “certain persons not to have weapons” statute. The charge applies when someone who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is found to have one. The prohibition typically applies after a felony conviction, but certain disorderly persons offenses and domestic violence convictions can also trigger it. Cases are heard at the Superior Court of New Jersey, Salem Vicinage, located at 92 Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079.

The prosecution must prove that the accused was aware of possessing the weapon and knew that they were a prohibited person. Salem County’s courthouse handles all indictable offenses, including weapons charges like this. Because a conviction can lead to a state prison sentence, a well-prepared defense is essential. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine every aspect of the state’s case—scrutinizing the traffic stop, search procedures, and any statements made—to identify the strong $1 for each client.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Jersey have cash bail?

No. New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Salem County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA), a computerized risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in New Jersey. Cases are heard at Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) in Salem County, New Jersey?

PTI is a diversionary program for first-time indictable (felony) offenders in Salem County. Successful completion of a one- to three-year supervision period results in complete dismissal of charges. Applications are processed through Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage. If you are eligible, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can evaluate whether PTI is an appropriate option in your case. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged?

Yes. New Jersey allows expungement after statutory waiting periods. For indictable crimes, the waiting period is five years; for disorderly persons offenses, it is two years. New Jersey’s Clean Slate law expanded eligibility in some situations. Petitions are filed in Salem County Superior Court. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What is a disorderly persons offense in Salem County, NJ?

A disorderly persons offense is New Jersey’s equivalent of a misdemeanor. It carries a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine. Petty disorderly persons offenses are less severe. Indictable crimes, such as certain felon in possession charges, are heard in Salem County Superior Court. The legal distinction matters because it affects both the potential penalties and the long-term consequences of a conviction. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to understand how your charge is classified.

What must the state prove in a felon in possession case?

The prosecution must show that you knowingly possessed a firearm and that you were a prohibited person at the time. Prohibited status can arise from a prior felony conviction, a disorderly persons offense involving domestic violence, or other qualifying adjudications. The state also needs to establish that you knew the item was a firearm. An experienced lawyer examines whether the evidence was obtained lawfully and whether the state can meet its burden. Call (888) 437-7747 to speak with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel.

What defenses are available for a felon in possession charge?

Defenses often challenge the legality of the search, the defendant’s knowledge of the firearm’s presence, or the validity of the underlying prohibition. If the police stopped you without reasonable suspicion or searched without a warrant or valid exception, the evidence may be suppressed. Other defenses center on whether you actually knew about the weapon or whether the prior conviction truly triggers the prohibition. Every case is different; Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate the facts to craft the strong $1.

How does a felon in possession case proceed in Salem County?

The case starts with an arrest and filing of charges, followed by a detention hearing and, if the case is indictable, presentation to a grand jury. Because cash bail is eliminated in New Jersey, the court uses a risk-assessment tool to decide whether you will be released pending trial. The matter then moves through discovery, pretrial motions, and potential plea negotiations, before possibly going to trial. The timeline varies by case complexity and court scheduling. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 for an overview of what to expect.

Will a felon in possession conviction affect my gun rights permanently?

A conviction will result in a permanent prohibition on owning or possessing firearms under both New Jersey and federal law. New Jersey’s certain‑persons statute is unforgiving, and the federal equivalent under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) imposes a lifetime federal ban. Restoring firearm rights after such a conviction is extremely difficult. Because of the lifelong consequences, building a thorough defense from the outset is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel focus on protecting your rights at every stage.

What should I do if I am under investigation or have been arrested?

Exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not answer questions or consent to any searches without legal counsel present. Preserve any documentation, but avoid discussing the case with anyone except your lawyer. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. as soon as possible at (888) 437-7747. Early intervention often opens more avenues for defense.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted in New Jersey, as well as Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New York. Mr. Sris appears in Salem County Superior Court and works closely with a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive courtroom experience in criminal matters. Together, they serve clients in Salem County communities including Salem, Pennsville, Carneys Point, Woodstown, Pilesgrove, Alloway, Quinton, and Elsinboro. The firm is available during business hours to answer calls at (888) 437-7747.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.