Gun Possession Lawyer Adams Morgan, DC

Last reviewed: July 2026

You were stopped by Metropolitan Police Department officers while walking along 18th Street in Adams Morgan after a late dinner. They found a firearm in your bag and now you face a gun possession charge in D.C. Superior Court. Because D.C. Is a federal territory, the United States Attorney’s Office prosecutes these offenses—not a local district attorney. A conviction can mean incarceration and a lasting criminal record. For experienced defense counsel in the District, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Strategies for Defending a Gun Possession Charge in Adams Morgan

If you are charged with unlawful possession of a firearm in Washington, D.C., an experienced defense attorney will examine every aspect of the stop and the arrest. In Adams Morgan, MPD patrols are frequent, and many gun cases begin with a street encounter. Common defense approaches include challenging the legality of the stop or search, contesting whether the defendant actually possessed the weapon (constructive possession arguments), or asserting that the firearm was registered or licensed under applicable law. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the arrest reports, body‑worn camera footage, and witness statements to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. While no outcome can be promised, a thorough investigation can often reveal grounds to seek a dismissal, reduction, or favorable resolution.

What to Expect After a Gun Arrest in Washington, D.C.

When someone is arrested on a gun charge in D.C., they are typically transported to a police district for booking. The D.C. Pretrial Services Agency (PSA)—a federal agency—conducts a risk assessment and makes a release recommendation to the court. D.C. Does not use traditional cash bail; most defendants are released pending trial with conditions set by the judge. The case is filed in the D.C. Superior Court, Criminal Division, at 500 Indiana Avenue NW. An initial appearance and arraignment follow shortly after arrest. During the pretrial phase, discovery is exchanged, and the attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charges. The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case, court scheduling, and whether a plea agreement is reached. Trials are heard by a judge or jury in the Superior Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel guide clients through every stage and work to achieve a favorable resolution.

Penalties for Gun Possession in Washington, D.C.

D.C. Law strictly regulates firearms. Carrying a pistol without a license is one of the most commonly charged gun offenses in Adams Morgan.

Other firearm offenses—such as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of an unregistered firearm, or possession of a machine gun—carry their own penalty ranges and may involve mandatory minimum sentences. The United States Sentencing Guidelines can apply in federal cases prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The exact penalty in any case depends on the defendant’s criminal history, the nature of the weapon, and the circumstances of the arrest. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to mitigate exposure by advocating for dismissal, charge reduction, or alternative dispositions wherever possible. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he founded the firm in 1997 and has practiced in the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Mr. Sris is joined by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel. Together, they represent individuals facing criminal charges in the D.C. Superior Court and throughout the metropolitan area. The firm’s approach is grounded in careful case evaluation, thorough preparation, and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes under the specific facts of each case. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for carrying a pistol without a license in D.C.?

Carrying a pistol without a license in Washington, D.C. Is a felony offense punishable by up to five years in prison. The court may also impose fines, supervised release, and a period of probation. For a first offense, the judge has discretion, but a conviction creates a permanent criminal record and can affect employment, housing, and firearm rights. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate whether the stop, search, or seizure complied with constitutional standards and may seek suppression of the evidence or a reduction of the charge. Results may vary.

Do I need a lawyer for a gun possession charge in Adams Morgan?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but the risks of representing yourself on a gun charge are substantial. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia prosecutes these cases actively. An experienced defense attorney can investigate the facts, challenge procedural defects, negotiate with the prosecutor, and present mitigating evidence at sentencing. Without counsel, you may not be aware of defenses that could lead to a dismissal or acquittal. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does the court process work after a gun arrest in Washington, D.C.?

After a gun arrest in D.C., you will be processed, and a PSA risk assessment will determine your release conditions. You will have an initial appearance in D.C. Superior Court, where the judge advises you of the charges and sets any release terms. Discovery is then exchanged, and your attorney may file pretrial motions. If the case is not resolved by plea, it proceeds to trial before a judge or jury. The timeline from arrest to resolution varies depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s calendar. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel guide clients through each stage and work to achieve a favorable resolution.

Can a gun possession charge be dropped?

Yes, gun possession charges in D.C. Can be dropped before trial if the evidence is weak or was obtained unlawfully. A motion to suppress evidence—for example, if the police stopped you without reasonable suspicion or conducted a search without a warrant or probable cause—can result in the exclusion of the firearm and the dismissal of the case. The prosecutor may also drop charges after reviewing the facts and the defense’s pretrial motions. Results may vary.

How much does a gun possession defense lawyer cost?

Legal fees for a gun possession defense vary based on the complexity of the charge, the stage of the proceedings, and the attorney’s experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultations by appointment to discuss the details of your case and the anticipated costs. There are no upfront promises about total fees, as each case is unique. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a confidential consultation.

What should I do if I’m arrested for a gun in D.C.?

If you are arrested for a gun in D.C., exercise your right to remain silent and immediately ask to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts of the case with the police. After booking, you will be processed by the Pretrial Services Agency and appear before a judge. Contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible so that your legal rights can be protected from the earliest stage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is available at (888) 437-7747 to respond to your inquiry.

Contact the Firm

To discuss your gun possession case in Adams Morgan, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. The firm serves clients from its Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209, by appointment only. Request a consultation to speak with Mr. Sris or a member of the team.

Related pages:
Washington, D.C. Criminal defense |
Georgetown criminal lawyer |
Spring Valley criminal attorney |
Cleveland Park criminal defense

For a full statutory breakdown of D.C. Gun possession laws, visit the firm’s comprehensive analysis on srislawyer.com.

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Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.