Machine Gun Offense Lawyer in Warren County, NJ — What Are Your Defense Options?
A machine gun offense in Warren County is a serious crime under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and New Jersey law, prosecuted as a second-degree indictable offense with severe penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these complex federal and state charges. Our machine gun offense lawyer Warren County team offers 24/7 consultations to protect your rights and future.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Warren Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Understanding Machine Gun Offenses in New Jersey
Machine gun offenses are governed by both federal and state statutes. Federally, the National Firearms Act (NFA) strictly regulates the possession, transfer, and manufacture of machine guns. In New Jersey, state law under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 makes possession of a machine gun a crime of the second degree, which is New Jersey’s equivalent of a felony. This means a conviction can result in a mandatory state prison sentence of 5 to 10 years, with a presumption of imprisonment. The charges are typically heard in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Warren Vicinage, located at 413 Second Street, Belvidere, NJ 07823.
Beyond the NFA, New Jersey’s Graves Act imposes mandatory minimum prison terms for certain firearms offenses, which can apply to machine gun cases. The law is designed to be severe, and prosecutors in Warren County pursue these charges aggressively. A conviction carries lifelong consequences, including the loss of the right to own any firearm and significant barriers to employment and housing.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s firearms statutes, you can review N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and information for the Warren Vicinage can be found at the Superior Court of NJ, Warren Vicinage website.
Local Defense Strategy for Warren County
In Warren County, machine gun cases are prosecuted by the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office in the Superior Court. A key local procedural fact is that New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017. For a serious second-degree charge like a machine gun offense, a detention hearing will be held shortly after arrest to determine if you will be released pretrial based on a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not your ability to pay. The prosecution must prove you knowingly possessed the firearm. Common defense strategies involve challenging the legality of the search and seizure, contesting knowledge and intent, and examining the firearm’s classification and functionality. An experienced machine gun offense lawyer near me Warren County can handle these complex arguments.
- Secure immediate legal representation after arrest or upon learning of an investigation.
- Your attorney will file for a detention hearing to argue for your pretrial release.
- Your lawyer will review all discovery, including police reports, search warrants, and forensic analysis of the firearm.
- File pretrial motions to suppress evidence obtained through an unlawful search.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a charge reduction or explore diversionary programs if eligible.
- Prepare for trial, focusing on challenging the state’s evidence regarding possession and intent.
Potential Penalties for a Machine Gun Conviction
In Warren County, a machine gun offense is a second-degree crime carrying 5 to 10 years in state prison, with a presumption of imprisonment and significant fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun | Second-Degree Crime (Indictable) | 5-10 years (Presumption of Imprisonment) | Up to $150,000 | Permanent loss of firearm purchaser ID card | Graves Act mandatory minimum; federal charges possible; felony record |
| Unlawful Transfer/Manufacture | Second-Degree Crime (Indictable) | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Permanent loss of firearm rights | Federal NFA violations; asset forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a machine gun charge and provide a case-specific defense strategy. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation.
Case Results in Warren County
While every case is unique, our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in Warren County. We have secured 5 documented results in the county, with 5 cases reduced or amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for those matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Warren County Machine Gun Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Warren County, including Belvidere, Phillipsburg, Washington Borough, Hackettstown, Blairstown, Oxford, and Lopatcong. We are accessible via I-80, Route 46, Route 57, and Route 31. If you need an affordable machine gun offense lawyer Warren County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a “machine gun” under New Jersey law?
It depends. New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1) defines a machine gun as any firearm that can fire more than one shot automatically, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. This includes converted semi-automatic weapons and parts designed to convert a firearm to automatic fire.
Can I go to prison for simply possessing a machine gun in Warren County?
Yes. Possession of a machine gun is a second-degree crime in NJ, carrying a sentence of 5 to 10 years in state prison with a presumption of imprisonment. The Graves Act may also impose a mandatory minimum term.
Are there any defenses to a machine gun charge?
Yes. Defenses can include challenging the legality of the search that discovered the firearm, arguing you lacked knowledge of the firearm’s automatic capability, proving the firearm is not functional as a machine gun, or asserting applicable federal licensing exemptions. An experienced machine gun offense lawyer Warren County can evaluate the best defense for your situation.
Will I face federal charges as well as state charges?
It depends. The possession of an unregistered machine gun violates the federal National Firearms Act (NFA). While state charges are more common for simple possession, federal prosecution is possible, especially in cases involving trafficking, manufacturing, or interstate commerce. You need a lawyer familiar with both state and federal systems.
Where can I find a machine gun offense lawyer near me Warren County?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients facing machine gun charges throughout Warren County. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and can meet by appointment. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to speak with an affordable machine gun offense lawyer Warren County about your case.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles New Jersey criminal defense. For cases in nearby areas, see our pages for Hunterdon County criminal defense and Somerset County criminal defense. For other legal needs in Warren County, we assist with DUI/DWI defense and divorce and family law.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current legal guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.