Federal gun crimes in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which prohibits firearm possession by convicted felons, fugitives, and certain other individuals. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings extensive criminal defense experience to clients facing these serious charges.
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer St Marys County, Maryland
Federal gun crimes are governed primarily by 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which makes it unlawful for certain categories of individuals to possess firearms or ammunition. These categories include persons convicted of a felony, fugitives from justice, unlawful users of controlled substances, individuals adjudicated as mentally defective, and those subject to certain domestic violence protective orders. Violations carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland prosecutes these cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, with divisions in Baltimore and Greenbelt. 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, consult the 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines, see the U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines Manual (ussc.gov).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for defendants with prior criminal histories. We have observed that early intervention by a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer St Marys County can significantly impact the outcome.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence and do not destroy any documents.
- Contact a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer St Marys County immediately.
- Review the indictment with your attorney for procedural defects.
- Prepare for arraignment and pretrial motions.
- Explore plea negotiations or prepare for trial.
In St. Mary’s County, federal gun crimes carry penalties including up to 10 years imprisonment for a first offense under 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(2), with enhanced penalties for subsequent offenses or use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Supervised release, loss of firearm rights |
| Use of Firearm During Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Enhanced penalties for brandishing or discharging |
| Possession of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release |
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%. The firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects its commitment to providing experienced representation regardless of the complexity of the case. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, personally oversees federal criminal defense matters, ensuring that clients receive strategic guidance from an attorney who understands both sides of the courtroom.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in St. Mary’s County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 60 miles from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt Division), with access via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4. If you need a firearms offense defense lawyer St. Mary’s County, we serve the communities of Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD). 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
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Gun Crimes in St. Mary’s 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 Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County (23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650). 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 St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County (23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650). Felonies go to St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s 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.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against drug-related federal crimes charges?
Defense strategies for drug-related federal crimes in Maryland may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing drug-related federal crimes charges in Maryland?
If facing drug-related federal crimes charges 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 federal law require prompt action.
For more information, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Salisbury page. You may also find our Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County pages useful. If you need a gun charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County, contact us today.
Last verified: May 2026