A machine gun offense in Maryland is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403, carrying up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience across Maryland. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment only.
Machine Gun Offense Lawyer Maryland
Understanding Machine Gun Offenses Under Maryland Law
Under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403, it is illegal in Maryland to possess, sell, offer for sale, transfer, purchase, or receive a machine gun. A machine gun is defined as any firearm that can shoot more than one shot automatically, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. This statute applies broadly to any weapon that fires multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. A conviction under this section is a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Cases are prosecuted in Maryland Circuit Courts, including the District Court of MD for Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Circuit Court. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing these serious charges.
Last verified: May 2026 | Maryland Circuit Courts | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal References
Review the official statute: Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403 (Maryland General Assembly — official site).
For court procedures: Maryland Judiciary (mdcourts.gov).
Insider Perspective on Machine Gun Offense Cases in Maryland
In Maryland Circuit Courts, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for machine gun offenses due to the severity of the charge.
We have observed that early intervention by an attorney can lead to charge reductions or dismissals.
Many cases involve illegal search and seizure issues that can be challenged.
- Contact a machine gun offense lawyer in Maryland immediately after arrest.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts and registration documents.
- Your attorney will review the search warrant or arrest for procedural errors.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a plea to a lesser charge.
- Prepare for trial if a favorable resolution is not possible.
In Maryland, a machine gun offense carries a penalty range of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record |
| Sale or Transfer of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary.
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Maryland. 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 and Service Area
Our location in Rockville is approximately 20 miles from the Montgomery County Circuit Court, with access via I-270 and I-495.
If you are searching for a machine gun offense lawyer near me Maryland, we serve clients throughout the state.
Serving the communities of Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
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
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Machine Gun Offenses in Maryland
What is a machine gun offense in Maryland?
Yes. A machine gun offense in Maryland is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403. It prohibits the possession, sale, or transfer of a machine gun. Conviction carries up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Cases are heard in Maryland Circuit Courts.
Can a machine gun charge be reduced in Maryland?
It depends. A machine gun charge under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403 may be reduced through plea negotiation if the facts support a lesser weapons offense. An attorney at the Maryland Circuit Court can argue for dismissal or reduction based on lack of intent or illegal search.
Do I need a lawyer for a machine gun offense in Maryland?
Yes. A machine gun offense in Maryland is a felony carrying up to 10 years in prison. An attorney at the Maryland Circuit Court can negotiate for a plea to a lesser charge or dismissal. SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience. Call (888) 437-7747.
What is the penalty for a machine gun offense in Maryland?
A machine gun offense in Maryland under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403 is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Additional consequences include loss of firearm rights and a permanent criminal record. Cases proceed in Maryland Circuit Courts.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against a machine gun offense charge?
Defense strategies for a machine gun offense in Maryland may include challenging the legality of the search, examining the chain of custody of evidence, negotiating with prosecutors for a plea to a lesser charge, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing a machine gun offense charge in Maryland?
If facing a machine gun offense charge 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.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
Learn more about our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland services.
Explore our criminal defense services in other Maryland counties: Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County, and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County.