Federal gun crimes in Howard County, Maryland, are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and carry severe penalties including up to 10 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland
Federal gun crimes under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) prohibit possession of a firearm by certain individuals, including convicted felons, fugitives, unlawful drug users, and those with domestic violence convictions. The statute also covers possession of firearms in drug trafficking crimes under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). A conviction can result in mandatory minimum sentences of 5 years for using a firearm during a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense, with consecutive sentencing required. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing these serious charges.
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 federal gun laws, visit the official U.S. Code: 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (Cornell LII). For federal sentencing guidelines, see the U.S. Sentencing Commission: U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (ussc.gov).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, federal prosecutors routinely seek indictments for gun possession cases, often relying on prior convictions or drug-related evidence. We have observed that early intervention before indictment can significantly affect outcomes.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence and do not tamper with any firearms.
- Contact a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Howard County immediately.
- Attend all court hearings and comply with pretrial conditions.
- Review discovery with your attorney to identify defense strategies.
- Negotiate or prepare for trial based on the evidence.
In Howard County, federal gun crimes carry severe penalties including mandatory minimum sentences, fines, and supervised release. The specific penalties depend on the offense and the defendant’s criminal history.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Loss of firearm rights, supervised release up to 3 years |
| Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Enhanced sentencing for brandishing or discharging |
| Possession of a Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Asset forfeiture, supervised release |
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County, with firm-wide documented results of 4,739+ across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. While specific case results for federal gun crimes in Howard County are not available, our firm has achieved favorable outcomes in numerous federal criminal matters, including dismissals, reductions, and probationary dispositions. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 20 miles from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt Division), with access via I-95 and Route 29. As a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Howard County, we serve clients throughout the area. Serving the communities of Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our location: 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 | (888) 437-7747. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Gun Crimes in Howard 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.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in MD?
Federal criminal cases in MD are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Howard County, Maryland?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many drug, firearm, and child exploitation offenses. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety-valve eligibility materially reduce exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes, immediately. Federal cases at U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with federal investigative resources (FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, ATF) and carry federal sentencing guidelines that often include mandatory minimums. State-court experience does not translate — federal practice has distinct rules, pretrial detention standards, and sentencing procedures. Early engagement before indictment materially affects outcomes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747, by appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Howard County). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard 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 Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court. Bail set by District Court commissioner at initial appearance; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release; bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours if detained; public defender eligibility based on income; court costs: approximately $22.50-$55. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard 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 Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
For more information about our firm’s practice in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland hub page. You may also be interested in our services in Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County or Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County. For related practice areas, see our Criminal Defense Lawyer Charles County page.
Last verified: May 2026. This page was generated on 2026-05-02.