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Federal gun crimes in Washington County, Maryland, are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and carry up to 10 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Washington County. A Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Washington County can help you handle these serious charges.
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland
Federal gun crimes are defined under Title 18 of the United States Code. The most common charge is 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which prohibits possession of a firearm by certain individuals, including convicted felons, fugitives, and those convicted of domestic violence. A conviction under this statute carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. 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. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, 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, visit the 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines, see the U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines (ussc.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced sentences under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) for defendants with prior violent felony convictions. We have observed that early intervention — before an indictment is returned — can significantly impact the outcome.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Contact a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Washington County immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including digital records and communications.
- Attend all court hearings at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
- Work with your attorney to review discovery and build a defense.
- Consider plea negotiations or trial based on the evidence.
In Washington County, federal gun crimes carry penalties including up to 10 years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms license revoked | Supervised release up to 3 years; loss of voting rights; difficulty finding employment |
| Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms license revoked | Supervised release up to 5 years; asset forfeiture |
| Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 10 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms license revoked | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole |
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%. Advocacy Without Borders. The firm has handled numerous federal gun crime cases in Washington County and throughout Maryland.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results in federal criminal cases across Maryland, including dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 50 miles from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore Division), with access via I-270 and I-70. Serving the communities of Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our location: 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 | (888) 437-7747
Frequently Asked Questions
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. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). 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. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Washington County). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Yes, Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington 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 Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). Felonies go to Washington 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. After arrest in Washington County, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington 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 Washington 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. Yes, many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, and an attorney can negotiate PBJ or dismissal.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against drug related federal crimes charges?
Defense strategies for drug related federal crimes in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under See Criminal general statutes — verify specific section for Drug Related Federal Crimes to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing drug related federal crimes charges in Virginia?
If facing drug related federal crimes charges in Virginia, 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 Virginia law require prompt action.
For more information, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland hub page. You may also be interested in our Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County pages.
Page Last verified: May 2026. Content reviewed for accuracy.
