A machine gun offense in Maryland is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive criminal defense experience in Maryland, with 4,739+ firm-wide documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. Contact (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Machine Gun Offense Lawyer in Maryland
Understanding Machine Gun Offenses Under Maryland Law
Maryland law strictly regulates the possession, sale, transfer, and use of machine guns. A machine gun is defined as any firearm that can shoot more than one shot automatically, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, it is illegal to possess, sell, offer for sale, transfer, or use a machine gun in Maryland unless you are a licensed dealer or manufacturer. Violations are classified as felonies and carry severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. The District Court of MD for Montgomery County handles initial appearances and bail hearings for these cases, while the Maryland Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony trials.
Last verified: May 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Official Maryland Statutes and Resources
For the complete text of Maryland’s machine gun laws, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For information on Maryland court procedures, visit Maryland Courts (mdcourts.gov — official site).
Insider Perspective on Machine Gun Offense Cases in Maryland
In the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for machine gun offenses due to the serious nature of the charges. We have observed that early intervention and a strong defense strategy can significantly impact the outcome.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.
- Contact a machine gun offense lawyer in Maryland immediately.
- Preserve all evidence and document everything related to your case.
- Attend all court hearings at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County or the Maryland Circuit Court.
- Work with your attorney to build a defense, including challenging illegal searches or seizures.
In Maryland, a machine gun offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment |
| Sale or Transfer of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record, federal charges possible |
| Use of a Machine Gun in a Crime | Felony | Up to 20 years (plus underlying crime penalty) | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Enhanced penalties, mandatory minimum sentences may apply |
Results may vary.
Proven Results in Maryland Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Maryland. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Contact a Machine Gun Offense Lawyer Near Me in Maryland
Our location in Rockville, Maryland is accessible from the District Court of MD for Montgomery County and the Maryland Circuit Court via I-270, I-495, and Route 355. We serve the communities of Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase. 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 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Machine Gun Offenses in Maryland
What is a machine gun offense under Maryland law?
Yes. A machine gun offense in Maryland involves the possession, sale, transfer, or use of a machine gun as defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. It is a serious felony carrying severe penalties. The District Court of MD for Montgomery County handles initial appearances and bail hearings.
What are the penalties for a machine gun offense in Maryland?
Penalties for a machine gun offense in Maryland can include up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. The exact penalty depends on the specific charge and circumstances. The Maryland Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony machine gun cases.
Can a machine gun offense be reduced to a lesser charge in Maryland?
It depends. It is possible to negotiate a reduction of a machine gun offense to a lesser charge in Maryland, such as a misdemeanor weapons violation. This depends on the facts of your case and the prosecutor’s discretion. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County can assist.
Do I need a lawyer for a machine gun offense in Maryland?
Yes, you need a lawyer for a machine gun offense in Maryland. These are serious felony charges that carry mandatory minimum sentences in some cases. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and explore all defense options. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How does a machine gun offense lawyer near me Maryland defend against these charges?
Defense strategies for a machine gun offense in Maryland may include challenging the legality of the search and seizure, questioning the chain of custody of evidence, negotiating with prosecutors for a reduction in charges, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing a machine gun offense charge in Maryland?
If facing a machine gun offense charge in Maryland, 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 Maryland law require prompt action.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland — State hub for criminal defense
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County — Serving Howard County, Maryland
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County — Serving Montgomery County, Maryland
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County — Serving Calvert County, Maryland
Last verified: May 2026