Felon in Possession lawyer Maryland, MD
If you are facing a federal felon-in-possession charge in Maryland, the weight of the U.S. Government is mobilized against you. The case will likely proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, where career federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office handle these matters with the investigative support of agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)—commonly called “felon in possession”—arises when a person prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition is alleged to have done so. Because federal convictions carry no parole and prison terms can be substantial, the decisions made at the earliest stage of a case can have long-term consequences. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has represented individuals in federal criminal matters in Maryland. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to preserve rights, evaluate the government’s evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the facts of the case. If you or a loved one has been charged or is under investigation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
What Felon in Possession Means in Maryland
A federal felon-in-possession charge in Maryland is prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). The statute makes it a federal crime for certain categories of people—those with felony convictions, individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors, and others subject to protective orders, among them—to possess any firearm or ammunition. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland prosecutes these cases in the U.S. District Court, which has courthouses in Baltimore and Greenbelt. Federal investigative agencies, particularly the ATF, often conduct the underlying investigations, working with local law enforcement task forces.
The penalties for a conviction are serious and can include a significant prison sentence, fines, and a term of supervised release. The actual sentence depends on the defendant’s criminal history and the specific facts of the case. Unlike in the state system, there is no parole in the federal system. A person convicted of being a felon in possession will also likely face long-term restrictions on firearm ownership. Because the government tends to bring these charges when it believes it has strong evidence—typically a firearm recovered during a search, traffic stop, or other law-enforcement encounter—early legal guidance is critical. A knowledgeable defense can examine the legality of the search, whether the item meets the definition of a firearm, and whether the individual is properly classified as a prohibited person under the statute.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland handles all federal criminal matters arising within the state, including felon-in-possession cases. The Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions each have their own procedures, and the assigned prosecutor and judge will influence how a case proceeds. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in the District of Maryland and are familiar with the practices of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the expectations of the federal bench. They use that experience to build a defense that addresses both the legal and factual dimensions of the charge.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Felon in Possession Cases
Federal weapon-possession cases often begin with a law-enforcement encounter—a search, a traffic stop, or an investigation that leads to the discovery of a firearm. The government must prove that the defendant knowingly possessed the firearm, that the item meets the definition of a firearm or ammunition under federal law, and that the defendant falls within a prohibited class. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys focus on each of these elements. At the earliest stage—often before an indictment is returned—they work to communicate with the government, present mitigating information, and, where possible, seek to avoid charges entirely.
If the case proceeds to indictment, the firm files appropriate pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence if the search or seizure violated the Fourth Amendment. Discovery is reviewed to assess the strength of the government’s ballistic evidence, chain-of-custody records, and witness statements. The attorneys explore whether the prior conviction that triggered the prohibition has been expunged, set aside, or does not otherwise qualify under federal law. They also evaluate whether the defendant can argue that the possession was temporary, innocent, or justified. Throughout the process, the firm negotiates with the Assistant U.S. Attorney to seek a favorable plea agreement when that aligns with the client’s goals. If the case goes to trial, the attorneys prepare a defense aimed at reasonable doubt. At sentencing, they advocate for a variance or departure from the advisory guidelines, emphasizing the defendant’s background and the circumstances of the offense.
The firm’s approach is practical and informed by experience in federal court. The federal system moves on a different timeline and with different procedural rules than state court, and having counsel who understands those differences can make a meaningful difference at each stage.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal law since founding the firm in 1997. He is a former prosecutor. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Over more than two decades, he has represented clients in federal criminal cases, including those involving firearms offenses. His background as a prosecutor gives him insight into how the government builds its case, which he uses to challenge the evidence and develop a defense strategy.
Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The Of Counsel attorneys—independent, non-employee practitioners who contract with the firm—add additional depth in litigation and client advocacy. Together, they appear in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and handle the full range of federal criminal defense matters. The firm’s Rockville location, at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, serves clients throughout Maryland. Consultations are by appointment; call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
To discuss your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a felon-in-possession charge under federal law?
A felon-in-possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) makes it a federal crime for a prohibited person—including a convicted felon, a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or someone subject to a qualifying protective order—to receive, possess, or transport a firearm or ammunition. The charge does not require that the firearm was used in another crime; the simple act of possession is enough. Federal prosecution means the case is handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in federal court, and conviction can lead to incarceration, fines, and supervised release. The specific penalty depends on the defendant’s criminal history and other factors. Because these cases often involve search-and-seizure issues and potential defenses to the prohibited-person element, early legal guidance is important.
Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation for felon-in-possession in Maryland?
Yes—you should contact a federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as you learn you are under investigation for a felon-in-possession offense in Maryland, because what you say or do before charges are filed can affect the outcome of your case. During an investigation, federal agents may attempt to interview you, execute a search warrant, or obtain a grand jury subpoena. An attorney can help protect your rights, advise you on whether to speak with investigators, and work to shape the government’s view of the case before an indictment is sought. Early intervention sometimes allows a defense lawyer to present evidence or legal arguments that persuade the prosecutor not to bring charges or to bring reduced charges. For guidance, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does the federal sentencing process work for a felon-in-possession conviction?
After a conviction, the federal court imposes a sentence based on the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate a guideline range by examining the offense conduct and the defendant’s criminal history, but the judge retains discretion to vary from that range after considering the statutory factors. The guidelines for § 922(g) offenses start with a base offense level that can increase if the firearm was connected to another felony or if the defendant has prior serious convictions. The court also considers the mandatory minimum and maximum penalties set by statute. The judge will review a presentence investigation report, hear arguments from both sides, and may impose a sentence that includes imprisonment, supervised release, and special conditions such as firearm-possession prohibitions. Because the guidelines are complex, having an attorney who understands federal sentencing is essential. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
What are some possible defenses to a felon-in-possession charge?
A defense to a felon-in-possession charge may challenge the legality of the search that uncovered the firearm, dispute whether the defendant knowingly possessed the item, or argue that the defendant does not fall within a prohibited category under the statute. If the police stopped or searched the person without reasonable suspicion or probable cause, the resulting evidence may be suppressed. Knowledge is also an element: the defendant must have known that he possessed the firearm; momentary or accidental possession might not meet the standard. Additionally, if the prior conviction that triggers the prohibition has been expunged, set aside, or was not a qualifying offense under federal law, the government cannot prove the status element. Every case is fact-specific, and an experienced federal defense attorney can evaluate the strength of these and other defenses based on the discovery.
What should I do if I have been indicted for a felon-in-possession offense in Maryland?
If you have been indicted for a felon-in-possession charge in Maryland, you should immediately retain a federal criminal defense attorney and not discuss the allegations with anyone—including family—without legal guidance. An indictment means a grand jury has found probable cause, and the case is now proceeding in U.S. District Court. You will be arraigned, and bail conditions will be set. Your attorney can represent you at the arraignment, begin reviewing the government’s evidence, and file pretrial motions. The period after indictment is critical for developing a defense strategy, identifying potential weaknesses in the government’s case, and negotiating with the prosecutor. Because federal cases move on a different procedural track than state cases, having counsel who regularly practices in the District of Maryland is important. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How can I find a federal criminal defense attorney in Maryland for a felon-in-possession case?
You can find a federal criminal defense attorney in Maryland by contacting Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation, where Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle federal weapon-possession cases across the state. When selecting counsel, look for experience specifically in federal court—the procedural rules, sentencing guidelines, and prosecution practices differ from those in Maryland state courts. The firm’s attorneys are familiar with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the federal judiciary in Baltimore and Greenbelt. They can discuss the facts of your case, explain what to expect, and begin building a defense plan. Consultations are by appointment, and the firm serves clients throughout Maryland from its Rockville location.
For additional information about the federal court system and the statute involved, consult the following official sources: U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, and 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). These sources open in a new tab.
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