Federal gun crimes in Washington County, Maryland, are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which prohibits firearm possession by convicted felons, fugitives, and certain other individuals. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in federal court, including documented results in Maryland. You need a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Washington County who understands federal sentencing guidelines.
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), it is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony, is under indictment for a felony, is a fugitive from justice, is an unlawful user of controlled substances, or has been adjudicated as a mental defective to possess a firearm or ammunition. A violation of § 922(g) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(2). If the firearm is used in connection with a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence, mandatory minimum sentences apply under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to federal gun crime defense in Washington County.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (Cornell LII)
For the full text of the federal statute prohibiting firearm possession by prohibited persons, visit the 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines applicable to gun crimes, see the U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines (ussc.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, federal prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) when a firearm is possessed in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence. We have observed that the government often relies on constructive possession theories, which can be challenged with the right defense strategy.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without counsel present.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts and records related to the firearm.
- Contact a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Washington County immediately.
- Attend all court appearances; failure to appear can result in additional charges.
- Review discovery and build a defense strategy with your attorney.
- Consider pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
In Washington County, federal gun crimes carry severe penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 924, including mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Supervised release, loss of firearm rights |
| Possession of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release |
| Use of Firearm in Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm’s “Advocacy Without Borders” approach ensures clients receive dedicated representation regardless of case complexity. Mr. Sris personally handles complex federal criminal defense matters, including federal gun crimes.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Maryland, including documented results in sex crimes cases. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 60 miles from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore Division), with access via I-70 and I-81. If you need a firearms offense defense lawyer Washington County, we serve the communities of Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Gun Crimes in Washington County
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland handles all federal gun crime cases in Washington County.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington County, Maryland?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington County, Maryland?
Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Washington County).
Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ, and many non-violent convictions.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington County: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). Felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court.
After arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington County, Maryland?
Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
An attorney can negotiate PBJ or dismissal for many misdemeanors.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against possession of firearm in drug trafficking crime charges?
Defense strategies for possession of firearm in drug trafficking crime may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors.
What should I do if I am facing drug related federal crimes charges in Virginia?
If facing drug related federal crimes charges, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under federal law require prompt action.
Contact a criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
Learn more about our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland practice. We also serve clients in Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County.
Last verified: May 2026. This page was updated to reflect current federal statutes and local court information.