Federal gun crimes in Washington County, Maryland are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) for felon in possession, carrying up to 10 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive criminal defense experience in Washington County. A Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Washington County can help you handle the complex federal system.
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland
Federal gun crimes are governed by Title 18 of the United States Code. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), it is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony, is under indictment, or is a fugitive from justice to possess a firearm or ammunition. Additional federal statutes cover the use of a firearm during a crime of violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)). These charges carry mandatory minimum sentences, often stacked consecutively, and there is no federal parole. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (Cornell LII)
For official statutory text, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (Cornell LII) and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland (justice.gov).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, federal prosecutors routinely seek mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes. We have observed that the government often relies on prior felony convictions to establish the elements of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). Challenging the validity of the predicate conviction or the legality of the search that uncovered the firearm can be a critical defense strategy.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney 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 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
- Review your defense options, including challenging the search or negotiating a plea.
In Washington County, federal gun crimes carry severe penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and § 924(c), including mandatory minimum sentences and no parole.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms license revoked | Supervised release up to 3 years; loss of voting rights in some states |
| Use of Firearm During Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms license revoked | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole |
| Possession of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms license revoked | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole |
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%. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled extensive criminal defense experience in Washington County. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the government builds federal gun cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Washington County. 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. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 50 miles from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore Division), with access via I-270 and I-70. A Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Washington County near Washington County can help. Serving 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
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.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. They carry mandatory minimum sentences, no parole, and are governed by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. A Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Washington County can explain the differences in your specific case.
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 after a 3-year waiting period under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220.
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, such as the District Court of MD for Washington County. A firearms offense defense lawyer Washington County can assist with the expungement process.
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. A gun charge defense lawyer Washington County can guide you through each step.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington County, Maryland?
Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years, and theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Washington County can negotiate PBJ, which avoids a formal conviction on your record. Contact a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Washington County at (888) 437-7747.
Learn more about our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland services. We also serve Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County.
Last verified: May 2026. This page was generated on 2026-05-02.