If you are a convicted felon charged with possessing a firearm in Charles County, you face a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying up to 15 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Charles County.
Felon in Possession Lawyer in Charles County, Maryland
Under Maryland law, it is illegal for a person convicted of a disqualifying crime to possess a regulated firearm, handgun, or ammunition. The relevant statute is found in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. A violation is a felony punishable by up to 15 years of incarceration. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knew you possessed the firearm and that you had a prior qualifying conviction. A Felon in Possession Lawyer Charles County understands the nuances of this statute and can build a defense based on lack of knowledge, illegal search, or constitutional violations.
Last verified: May 2026 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For the full text of Maryland’s firearm possession prohibitions, see: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures and filing information, visit: Maryland Courts (courts.state.md.us — official site).
In the District Court of MD for Charles County, prosecutors routinely rely on constructive possession theories in felon-in-possession cases. We have observed that many charges stem from joint occupancy of a vehicle or residence where the firearm was found.
Charles County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials for these charges, and the State’s Attorney for Charles County prosecutes these cases aggressively.
Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is not available for felon-in-possession charges because they are felonies with a mandatory minimum sentence in some circumstances.
- 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 Felon in Possession Lawyer Charles County before your initial appearance.
- Attend all bail review hearings with your attorney to argue for pretrial release.
- Preserve all evidence, including witness contact information and documentation of the alleged possession.
- Follow your attorney’s advice regarding plea negotiations or trial strategy.
In Charles County, felon in possession of a firearm carries a penalty range of up to 15 years in prison, fines, and mandatory supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm | Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $10,000 | N/A (criminal, not driving) | Loss of firearm rights, potential federal charges, difficulty with employment and housing |
| Possession of Ammunition by Prohibited Person | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | N/A | Same as above |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Charles 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.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 45 miles from the District Court of MD for Charles County, with access via Route 301 and Route 228. A Felon in Possession Lawyer Charles County near you can provide immediate assistance. Serving the communities of La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, and Hughesville. 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 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felon in Possession Charges in Charles County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Charles 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 Charles County (200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646). 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 Charles 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 Charles County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Charles 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 Charles County, Maryland?
After arrest in Charles 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 Charles County (200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646). Felonies go to Charles 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 Charles 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 Charles 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 felon in possession of a firearm charges?
Defense strategies for felon in possession of a firearm in Maryland may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, 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 felon in possession of a firearm charges in Maryland?
If facing felon in possession of a firearm 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 Maryland law require prompt action.
For more information, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Salisbury hub page. You may also be interested in our pages for Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County.
Last verified: May 2026 | Page generated: 2026-05-01