A machine gun offense in Washington County, Maryland, is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying severe penalties including up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Washington County, providing aggressive representation for clients facing these charges. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment only.
Machine Gun Offense Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland
Under Maryland law, a machine gun offense is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, which prohibits the possession, use, sale, or transfer of a machine gun without proper authorization. A machine gun is any firearm that can shoot more than one shot automatically, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. Violations are classified as felonies and carry mandatory minimum sentences in many cases. The District Court of MD for Washington County handles initial appearances and bail hearings, while Washington County Circuit Court presides over felony trials. 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 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland Judiciary
For the full text of Maryland’s machine gun laws, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 4-401 et seq. (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures, visit District Court of MD for Washington County (Maryland Courts — official site).
In District Court of MD for Washington County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for machine gun offenses due to the dangerous nature of the weapon. We have observed that early intervention and a strong defense strategy can lead to charge reductions or dismissals.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Contact a machine gun offense lawyer near me Washington County immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts or registration documents.
- Attend all court hearings; failure to appear can result in a bench warrant.
- Work with your attorney to explore defense strategies, such as challenging the legality of the search or the classification of the weapon.
- Consider negotiating for a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) if eligible.
In Washington County, a machine gun offense carries severe penalties under Maryland law, including significant prison time and fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | N/A | Loss of firearm rights; mandatory minimum sentencing |
| Sale or Transfer of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | N/A | Loss of firearm rights; federal charges possible |
| Use of a Machine Gun in a Crime | Felony | Up to 20 years (mandatory minimum) | Up to $10,000 | N/A | Enhanced sentencing; loss of firearm rights |
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 — our firm is committed to providing aggressive, knowledgeable representation for clients facing machine gun offenses in Washington County.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Washington County, including documented results in Maryland. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 50 miles from District Court of MD for Washington County, with access via I-70 and I-81. If you need a machine gun offense lawyer near me Washington County, we are here to help. 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 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 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.
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.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington 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 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.
Learn more about our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland services. For other localities, see our Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County pages.
Last updated: 2026-05-02. This page is regularly reviewed to ensure accuracy.