Federal gun crimes in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which prohibits firearm possession by convicted felons, fugitives, drug users, and certain other individuals. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings extensive criminal defense experience to clients facing federal firearms charges in St. Mary’s County.
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer St Marys County, Maryland
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) makes it unlawful for certain categories of individuals to possess, ship, transport, or receive firearms or ammunition. These categories include persons convicted of a felony, those under indictment for a felony, fugitives, unlawful drug users, individuals adjudicated as mentally defective, and persons subject to certain domestic violence restraining orders. Violations carry penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 924, including imprisonment up to 10 years for most offenses, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders or when the firearm is used in connection with drug trafficking or crimes of violence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt Division) prosecutes these cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (Cornell LII)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For the full text of federal firearms statutes, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code) and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland (justice.gov).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt Division), federal prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) when a firearm is used in connection with drug trafficking or crimes of violence. We have observed that the government often relies on constructive possession theories in St. Mary’s County cases, where the firearm is not found on the defendant’s person but in a vehicle or residence the defendant controls.
- Do not consent to any search of your vehicle, home, or person without a warrant.
- Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts, phone records, and witness contact information.
- Contact a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer St Marys County before discussing your case with anyone.
- Document the circumstances of the search and seizure in writing as soon as possible.
- Do not post about your case on social media — federal prosecutors monitor public posts.
In St. Mary’s County, federal gun crimes carry severe penalties including mandatory minimum sentences under 18 U.S.C. § 924.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition | Supervised release up to 3 years; loss of voting rights in some states |
| Use of Firearm in Drug Trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole |
| Possession of Firearm by Drug User (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition | Supervised release up to 3 years; mandatory drug testing |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in St. Mary’s 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. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 60 miles from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt Division), with access via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4.
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer St Marys County near St. Mary’s County.
Serving the communities of Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
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
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Gun Crimes in St. Mary’s County
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Yes. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical. Cases are prosecuted by the USAO District of Maryland (Baltimore/Greenbelt divisions) under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.) and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County (23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County).
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County (23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650). Felonies go to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
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Last verified: May 2026