Federal gun crimes in Howard County, Maryland, are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g) and 924(c), carrying mandatory minimum sentences of 5 years to life imprisonment without parole. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive criminal defense experience in federal court. A Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Howard County is essential when facing these charges.
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland
Federal gun crimes encompass a range of offenses under Title 18 of the United States Code. The most common charges include possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)), which applies to individuals with prior felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanors, or certain mental health adjudications. Using or carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, consecutive to any other sentence. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)) also carries severe penalties. These federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, with cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore or Greenbelt divisions). A firearms offense defense lawyer Howard County must understand the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which are advisory but strongly influence sentencing outcomes. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 922
18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (Unlawful Acts) (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code).
18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Penalties for Firearms During Crimes of Violence or Drug Trafficking) (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, prosecutors routinely seek indictments for federal gun crimes based on evidence gathered by ATF, FBI, and local law enforcement task forces. We have observed that early intervention before an indictment is filed can sometimes lead to declination or reduced charges.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present. Invoke your right to remain silent.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documents, electronic devices, or communications related to the case.
- Contact a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Howard County immediately to discuss your case and begin building a defense.
- Attend all court hearings, including the initial appearance and arraignment at the U.S. District Court.
- Work with your attorney to file pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence if your constitutional rights were violated.
- Explore all defense strategies, including challenging the legality of the search, the validity of the firearm possession, or negotiating a plea agreement.
In Howard County, federal gun crimes carry severe penalties under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, including mandatory minimum sentences and no parole.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) | Felony | Up to 10 years (mandatory minimum may apply) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm license revoked; may affect professional licenses | Supervised release up to 3 years; loss of voting rights; immigration consequences |
| Use of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime or Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years, consecutive to any other sentence; up to life | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm license revoked; may affect professional licenses | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole; asset forfeiture; immigration consequences |
| Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years, consecutive; up to life | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm license revoked; may affect professional licenses | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole; asset forfeiture; immigration consequences |
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%. The firm, operating under the tagline “Advocacy Without Borders,” has extensive experience defending federal gun crime cases in Howard County and throughout Maryland. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, personally oversees complex federal criminal defense matters, ensuring that each client receives strategic, aggressive representation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County and throughout Maryland. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific case results for federal gun crimes in Howard County are not available, the firm’s track record demonstrates a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious federal charges.
Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 20 miles from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore Division) and 30 miles from the Greenbelt Division, with access via I-95, Route 29, and Route 32.
Federal gun crime lawyer near Howard County.
Serving the communities of Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
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 Federal Gun Crimes in Howard County
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 Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.); Federal Sentencing Guidelines; cases prosecuted by USAO District of Maryland (Baltimore/Greenbelt divisions). U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in MD?
Federal criminal cases in MD are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Howard County, Maryland?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many drug, firearm, and child exploitation offenses. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety-valve eligibility materially reduce exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes, immediately. Federal cases at U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with federal investigative resources (FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, ATF) and carry federal sentencing guidelines that often include mandatory minimums. State-court experience does not translate — federal practice has distinct rules, pretrial detention standards, and sentencing procedures. Early engagement before indictment materially affects outcomes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747, by appointment only.
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.
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Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 922