Federal gun crimes in Montgomery 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 in Montgomery County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings 120+ years combined legal experience to your defense.
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Montgomery County, Maryland
Federal law prohibits certain individuals from possessing firearms or ammunition. 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, has been adjudicated as mentally defective, is an illegal alien, or has been dishonorably discharged from the military to possess any firearm or ammunition. A violation of this statute carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Additional penalties apply if the firearm is used in connection with drug trafficking or a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). 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 the full text of federal firearms statutes, visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland (justice.gov) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (atf.gov).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, federal prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for gun crimes involving prior felony convictions or drug trafficking. We have observed that the government often relies on ATF trace reports and witness testimony to establish the interstate nexus required under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).
- Do not consent to any search of your person, vehicle, or home.
- Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately.
- Contact a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Montgomery County before speaking with law enforcement.
- Preserve all evidence, including any receipts, documents, or communications.
- Attend all court hearings in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
- Work with your attorney to evaluate potential defenses, including unlawful search and seizure or lack of interstate nexus.
In Montgomery County, federal gun crimes carry severe penalties including imprisonment, fines, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Loss of firearm rights permanently | Supervised release up to 3 years; asset forfeiture |
| Use of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Loss of firearm rights permanently | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole |
| Possession of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Loss of firearm rights permanently | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Montgomery County, including documented results in sex crimes cases at the Montgomery County Circuit Court. In one case, a charge of Distribution of Child Pornography resulted in 5 years probation and no incarceration. In another, all charges of Child Pornography/Distribution and Possession were dropped. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 2 miles from the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, with access via I-270 and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
Federal gun crime lawyer near Montgomery County.
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.
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 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.
Yes. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland and carry harsher penalties than state charges, including mandatory minimum sentences and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical. Cases are prosecuted under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.) and Federal Sentencing Guidelines, typically in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt or Baltimore divisions).
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery County, Maryland?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict.
Yes. 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 with a 3-year waiting period. Note that PBJ is a state court disposition and does not apply to federal charges.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ, and many non-violent convictions.
Yes. Maryland law permits 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, such as the District Court of MD for Montgomery County. Federal convictions generally cannot be expunged under Maryland law.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest, you will have an initial appearance, bail review, arraignment, and trial.
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. For federal charges, the process begins in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, so legal representation is strongly recommended.
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. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
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 in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.) to build the strongest possible defense.
For more information about our firm’s criminal defense services, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Salisbury page.
Explore our services in other Maryland localities: Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County, and Criminal Defense Lawyer Charles County.
Last verified: May 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-05-01.