Machine Gun Offense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
A machine gun offense in Montgomery County, Maryland, is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying severe penalties including up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Montgomery County. You need a dedicated machine gun offense lawyer Montgomery County to protect your rights.
Understanding Machine Gun Offenses Under Maryland Law
Maryland law strictly regulates the possession, use, and transfer of machine guns. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, a machine gun is defined as any weapon that shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot automatically more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger. Possessing a machine gun without proper federal and state licensing is a felony. The penalties for a machine gun offense in Montgomery County can include up to 20 years of incarceration and fines up to $10,000. A conviction also results in a permanent criminal record, loss of firearm rights, and potential federal charges. 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 allegations.
Last verified: May 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Maryland Statutes and Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s machine gun laws, refer to the official state resources:
Insider Knowledge: How Montgomery County Prosecutors Handle Machine Gun Cases
In the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for machine gun offenses due to the perceived threat to public safety. We have observed that the State’s Attorney’s office often files charges under both state and federal statutes, increasing the stakes for defendants.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation related to the firearm.
- Request a bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Work with your lawyer to explore all defense strategies, including challenging the legality of the search.
- Attend all court appearances at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County or Montgomery County Circuit Court.
- Consider expungement options if charges are dismissed or reduced.
Penalties for Machine Gun Offenses in Montgomery County, Maryland
In Montgomery County, a machine gun offense carries severe penalties including 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; potential federal charges |
| Use of a Machine Gun in a Crime | Felony | Up to 20 years (mandatory minimum may apply) | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Enhanced sentencing; potential federal prosecution |
| Transfer of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Federal charges for unlicensed transfer |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Machine Gun Offense Case?
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%. Our team, including Kristen M. Fisher, Former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, Of Counsel (independent attorney working with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.), has deep familiarity with the Montgomery County court system. We understand the local procedures, the judges, and the prosecutors, allowing us to build a strong defense for our clients.
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Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Montgomery County. While specific case results for machine gun offenses are not listed, our firm has achieved favorable outcomes in numerous criminal cases across Maryland. For example, in Montgomery County Circuit Court, we secured a 5-year probation with no incarceration for a distribution of child pornography charge, and all charges were dropped in a child pornography case. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Rockville is approximately 2 miles from the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, with access via I-270 and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
If you are searching for a machine gun offense lawyer near me Montgomery County, we are conveniently located to serve you.
Serving 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.
Our Location: 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 | (888) 437-7747
Frequently Asked Questions About Machine Gun Offenses in Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. 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 Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many offenses at District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Montgomery County).
Expungement is available for many dispositions at District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). Felonies go to Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. 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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
An attorney can negotiate PBJ or dismissal at District Court of MD for Montgomery 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.
Federal charges carry harsher penalties and no parole.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against machine gun offense charges?
Defense strategies for machine gun offenses in Maryland may include challenging the legality of the search and seizure, examining the chain of custody of the weapon, negotiating with prosecutors for reduced 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 machine gun offense charges in Montgomery County?
If facing machine gun offense charges in Montgomery County, 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
For more information about our services, please explore the following pages:
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland (State Hub)
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County (Sibling Page)
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County (Sibling Page)
Last verified: May 2026
By appointment only.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.