Machine Gun Offense Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland
A machine gun offense in Howard County is a serious felony under Maryland Code CR § 4-403, carrying up to 10 years in prison and significant fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment only.
Understanding Machine Gun Offenses Under Maryland Law
Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article § 4-403 prohibits the possession, sale, transfer, or use of a machine gun in Howard County and throughout the state. 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. This includes any part or combination of parts designed to convert a weapon into a machine gun. A violation of § 4-403 is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The law applies to both actual possession and constructive possession, meaning you can be charged even if the weapon is not physically on your person but is under your control. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
Official Legal References
Insider Knowledge: How Machine Gun Offense Cases Are Handled in Howard County
In the District Court of MD for Howard County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for machine gun offenses due to the serious nature of the charge. We have observed that the State’s Attorney for Howard County often files these cases directly in the Circuit Court for Howard County, where felony jury trials are held.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Contact a machine gun offense lawyer near me Howard County immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation related to the weapon.
- Attend all court hearings at the District Court of MD for Howard County or Howard County Circuit Court.
- Review your legal options with your attorney, including potential defenses and plea negotiations.
- Consider the possibility of expungement if the case is resolved favorably.
Penalties for Machine Gun Offenses in Howard County, Maryland
In Howard County, a machine gun offense under Maryland Code CR § 4-403 carries severe penalties including incarceration, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | N/A (criminal record) | Loss of firearm rights, potential federal charges |
| Sale or Transfer of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | N/A (criminal record) | Loss of firearm rights, potential federal charges |
| Use of a Machine Gun in a Crime | Felony | Up to 10 years (plus underlying offense) | Up to $10,000 | N/A (criminal record) | Enhanced penalties, mandatory minimums may apply |
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 firm, operating under the tagline “Advocacy Without Borders,” has handled numerous criminal defense cases in Howard County, including machine gun offenses. We understand the local court system, the State’s Attorney’s office, and the procedural nuances that can make a difference in your case.
Your Legal Team
Case Results in Howard County and Beyond
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard 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%. While specific case results for machine gun offenses in Howard County are not listed, our firm has achieved dismissals, reductions, and favorable dispositions in similar serious felony cases throughout Maryland.
Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Rockville is approximately 20 miles from the District Court of MD for Howard County, with access via I-95 and Route 29. We serve the communities of Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
If you are searching for a machine gun offense lawyer near me Howard County, SRIS, P.C. is here to help. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Maryland Location: 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 | (888) 437-7747 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Machine Gun Offenses in Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). 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 Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Howard 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 Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard 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 Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). Felonies go to Howard 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 Howard 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 Howard 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.
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.
Related Legal Resources
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- Criminal Defense Lawyer Charles County — Serving clients in Charles County.
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Last updated: 2026-05-02
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.
By appointment only.