Federal gun crimes in Kent County, Maryland, are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which prohibits firearm possession by convicted felons, fugitives, and certain other individuals. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in federal courts across Maryland, including the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer in Kent County, Maryland
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) makes it unlawful for certain categories of individuals to possess firearms or ammunition. These categories include persons convicted of a felony, those under indictment for a felony, fugitives from justice, unlawful users of controlled substances, individuals adjudicated as mentally defective, and persons subject to certain domestic violence protective orders. A violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(2). If the firearm is used in connection with a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence, enhanced penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) apply, with mandatory minimum sentences of 5 years to life.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to federal gun crime defense in Kent County.
For the full text of the federal statute prohibiting firearm possession by prohibited persons, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code). For the penalty provisions, see 18 U.S.C. § 924 (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, federal prosecutors routinely seek pretrial detention for defendants charged with federal gun crimes, particularly when the offense involves a prior felony conviction or drug trafficking.
We have observed that early engagement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office before indictment can materially affect the government’s position on bail and potential plea negotiations.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Contact a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Kent County immediately.
- Preserve all evidence and do not alter or destroy any records.
- Attend all court hearings and comply with all conditions of release.
- Work with your attorney to challenge the legality of any search or seizure.
- Explore all defense strategies, including motions to suppress evidence.
In Kent County, federal gun crimes under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, with enhanced penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) for use of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Supervised release, loss of firearm rights, potential deportation for non-citizens |
| Use of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years to life | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Consecutive sentence, no parole, supervised release |
| Possession of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Consecutive sentence, no parole, supervised release |
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 has handled numerous federal criminal cases, including federal gun crimes, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in federal courts across 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. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
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-95 and Route 50.
Federal gun crime lawyer near Kent County.
Serving the communities of Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
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 Kent County, MD
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.
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 Kent 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 Kent 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 Kent 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 Kent County (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620). 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 Kent 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 Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Kent 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 Kent County, Maryland?
After arrest in Kent 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 Kent County (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620). Felonies go to Kent 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.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent 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 Kent 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.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Salisbury — State-level hub for criminal defense in Maryland.
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County — Serving Howard County, MD.
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County — Serving Calvert County, MD.
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County — Serving Montgomery County, MD.
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Charles County — Serving Charles County, MD.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)