A machine gun offense in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, is a serious criminal charge under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying severe penalties including up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in St. Mary’s County, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Machine Gun Offense Lawyer St Marys County in St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Under Maryland law, a machine gun offense is governed by Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, which prohibits the possession, sale, transfer, or use of a machine gun without proper authorization. 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. Violations of this statute are classified as felonies, carrying potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. The law applies to both actual possession and constructive possession, meaning you can be charged even if the weapon is not physically on your person but is under your control. 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 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Maryland’s machine gun laws, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures in St. Mary’s County, visit Maryland Courts — official site.
In the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for machine gun offenses due to the perceived danger of automatic weapons. We have observed that early intervention and negotiation can lead to reduced charges or alternative dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Contact a machine gun offense lawyer near me St. Mary’s County immediately.
- Preserve any documentation of lawful ownership or registration.
- Attend all court hearings at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
- Explore PBJ or Nolle Prosequi options with your attorney.
- File for expungement if eligible after case resolution.
In St. Mary’s County, a machine gun offense carries severe penalties including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000, with additional consequences such as loss of firearm rights and a permanent criminal record.
| 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, potential federal charges |
| Sale/Transfer of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record, potential federal charges |
| Use of a Machine Gun in a Crime | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $15,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record, federal charges likely |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, 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%. Our team includes Kristen M. Fisher, Former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, who brings firsthand prosecutorial knowledge to every case. We understand the local courts, prosecutors, and procedures in St. Mary’s County, giving you a strategic advantage.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in St. Mary’s County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate of over 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 60 miles from the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County, with access via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4. If you are searching for an affordable machine gun offense lawyer St. Mary’s County, we serve the communities of Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD). 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 About Machine Gun Offenses in St. Mary’s County
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). 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 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). 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 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. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What is the difference between state and federal charges for a machine gun offense?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical. State charges in St. Mary’s County are prosecuted by the State’s Attorney and may offer more lenient options like PBJ.
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Salisbury hub page. You may also find these related pages useful: Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County, and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County.
Last updated: 2026-05-01