Felon in Possession Lawyer Near Me
Facing a felon-in-possession charge in New Jersey is a serious matter. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., practicing since 1997, provides experienced criminal defense representation across New Jersey for individuals accused of unlawfully possessing a firearm. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team understand the stakes—incarceration, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of firearm rights—and work to protect clients’ interests at every stage. If you are searching for a felon in possession lawyer near you, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What a Felon-in-Possession Charge Means in New Jersey
In New Jersey, a person convicted of a felony or certain other disqualifying offenses is prohibited from possessing a firearm. The criminal offense is codified under New Jersey law (Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons). This law applies not only to those with past felony convictions but also to individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, those subject to restraining orders, and those adjudicated as mentally ill or committed. The statute criminalizes the knowing possession of any firearm—including handguns, rifles, and shotguns—by a person who is ineligible to do so.
New Jersey treats these offenses as indictable crimes (the equivalent of felonies). The degree of the crime and the potential sentence depend on the individual’s disqualifying status and other factors. A conviction can result in state prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment opportunities, professional licensing, housing, and immigration status. Because the stakes are high, anyone facing such a charge needs immediate and thorough legal guidance.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Firearms-Possession Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach every felon-in-possession matter with a focus on building a well-prepared defense. The process begins with a careful review of the arrest circumstances: how the firearm was discovered, whether any search was lawful, and whether the prosecution can prove that the accused knowingly possessed the weapon. In many cases, the legality of a stop, a frisk, or a search warrant is a critical issue. The defense team also examines whether the client qualifies as a “certain person” under the statute; sometimes the disqualifying conviction is old, or the record is inaccurate, or the conviction was later expunged or pardoned.
From there, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to engage with the prosecutor’s office, explore pretrial diversion options where available, and, if necessary, prepare for trial. In New Jersey, prosecutors take firearms offenses seriously, but there are often opportunities to negotiate a reduced charge or a disposition that avoids a mandatory period of parole ineligibility under the Graves Act. Every case is different; the timeline and outcome depend on the facts, the court’s calendar, and the approach taken by the prosecuting agency. Clients can expect a strategic, informed defense from a team that understands New Jersey’s criminal justice system.
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 founded the firm in 1997. His background in accounting and information systems informs his analysis of financial and technology-related criminal matters. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to criminal defense. Because the firm has no associates or partners, each attorney is an independent Of Counsel engaged through Excella. They collectively handle investigations, negotiations, motion practice, and trials in New Jersey Superior Court, including the Law Division and the Appellate Division. Clients benefit from the collaborative attention of a multi-state team, with Mr. Sris accepting only a limited number of complex matters to maintain direct involvement in each case. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a convicted felon ever legally possess a firearm in New Jersey?
Generally no; a person convicted of a felony in New Jersey is prohibited from possessing a firearm under New Jersey law. The prohibition is permanent unless the conviction is expunged, set aside, or the person receives a pardon. Even out-of-state felony convictions trigger the same disability under New Jersey law. There are narrow exceptions, such as for certain antique firearms or black-powder guns, but those are fact-specific and rarely applicable. A person who possesses a firearm while disqualified faces serious criminal charges.
What is the difference between the general unlawful possession statute and the certain persons statute in New Jersey?
The general unlawful possession statute addresses unlawful possession of a weapon by the general public (such as carrying without a permit), while the certain persons statute specifically targets “certain persons”—those with disqualifying convictions or conditions—who possess any firearm. The “certain persons” statute carries more severe penalties because it involves an individual who is already legally barred from firearms possession. Both statutes are indictable offenses, but the “certain persons” charge is typically a second-degree crime when the weapon is a firearm.
Will I go to jail if convicted of a felon-in-possession charge in New Jersey?
A conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by a certain person can result in incarceration, but the exact sentence depends on the degree of the crime and the defendant’s prior record. Under the Graves Act, many firearm offenses carry mandatory minimum periods of parole ineligibility. A judge retains discretion in some cases, but a term of imprisonment is a real possibility. A lawyer can work to challenge the evidence, negotiate a downgraded charge, or present mitigating circumstances to seek the least restrictive outcome available.
How can a defense attorney challenge a felon-in-possession charge?
A defense can challenge the lawfulness of the search that uncovered the firearm, whether the prosecution can prove knowing possession, or whether the defendant is actually a “certain person” under the statute. If the stop, frisk, or search violated constitutional protections, the firearm may be suppressed. Another angle: sometimes the firearm belongs to someone else in the home or vehicle, and the defendant had no control over it. And if the disqualifying conviction is old, expunged, or does not meet the statutory criteria, the charge may be dismissed.
What should I do if I am arrested for a felon-in-possession offense?
Invoke your right to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not make any statements to police about the firearm or how you came into possession of it. Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible—early intervention can make a difference in the direction of the case. Preserve any evidence you may have, including documents showing that a disqualifying conviction has been expunged or that you were not in control of the firearm.
How do I find a felon-in-possession lawyer near me in New Jersey?
You can contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation with Mr. Sris or his Of Counsel, who handle firearms-possession defense in New Jersey. The firm serves clients in all 21 New Jersey counties and appears in Superior Court matters statewide. You can also check local bar association directories, review attorney profiles, and look for lawyers with experience in both criminal defense and firearms law. For personalized guidance, a direct call is the fastest way to discuss your situation.
Internal resources: New Jersey Criminal Defense Overview | Weapons Charges Defense | Felony Defense in NJ | Gun Possession Lawyer NJ | Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons
New Jersey primary sources: New Jersey Statutes | New Jersey Courts
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