Obstruction of Justice lawyer Maryland, MD
A federal obstruction of justice charge in Maryland means the U.S. Attorney’s Office is pursuing serious felony allegations under 18 U.S.C. § 1503, 18 U.S.C. § 1512, or related statutes. These cases are litigated in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland—with courtrooms in Baltimore and Greenbelt—and are investigated by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and IRS-Criminal Investigation. The stakes include federal imprisonment, supervised release, and significant fines. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, leads the federal criminal defense practice at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., working alongside the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys to defend individuals facing obstruction allegations throughout Maryland. If you are under investigation or have been indicted, an early, informed response is critical. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Federal Obstruction of Justice Means in Maryland
Federal obstruction of justice is defined by several statutes within Title 18 of the United States Code. The two most commonly charged are 18 U.S.C. § 1503, which broadly prohibits corruptly obstructing or impeding the due administration of justice, and 18 U.S.C. § 1512, which targets witness tampering and evidence destruction. The government must prove that a person acted with intent to interfere with a judicial proceeding or a federal investigation. Even an act like altering, destroying, or concealing documents with the intent to impair their availability in an official proceeding can support a charge.
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1503 carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, or up to 20 years if the obstruction involved the killing or attempted killing of a juror or officer.
Source: 18 U.S.C. § 1503(b). 18 U.S.C. § 1503 (Cornell LII)
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
In Maryland, federal obstruction cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. The District’s two main courthouses—at 101 W. Lombard Street in Baltimore and 6500 Cherrywood Lane in Greenbelt—handle arraignments, pretrial motions, and trials. Because the federal system has no parole, a prison term imposed under the advisory sentencing guidelines must be served substantially in full. Early involvement of defense counsel is often the single most important step a person can take. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and understand how the local federal practice operates.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Obstruction of Justice Cases
Defending a federal obstruction charge requires an approach that starts well before an indictment is returned. Many cases begin as grand jury investigations, and counsel can engage with the prosecutor early to present exculpatory information, clarify the client’s role, or negotiate a resolution that may avoid charges altogether. Mr. Sris, drawing on his background as a former prosecutor, evaluates the government’s theory of the case, identifies weaknesses in the evidence, and develops a strategy tailored to the client’s situation. He is supported by the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who collectively bring extensive experience in federal criminal defense across Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region.
Once a case is in the U.S. District Court, the defense may involve motions to suppress evidence, challenges to the sufficiency of the indictment, and thorough examination of the government’s discovery. Obstruction cases often turn on intent—whether the defendant acted “corruptly” and with the specific purpose of obstructing a proceeding. The firm works with forensic experts and investigators when needed to reconstruct timelines and challenge the prosecution’s narrative. Throughout the process, the goal is to achieve favorable outcomes, whether that is a dismissal, a favorable plea agreement, or an acquittal at trial. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor whose experience in the courtroom informs every defense he builds. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he handles federal criminal matters across multiple jurisdictions and personally leads the firm’s most complex federal cases. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include practitioners with deep Maryland experience—including a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney—and bring additional perspective from state and federal courtrooms. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys provide a multi-state, multi-background defense team for individuals facing federal obstruction charges. The firm’s Maryland location is at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, and consultations are available by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is federal obstruction of justice in Maryland?
Federal obstruction of justice is a crime under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1503 and 1512 that prohibits corruptly interfering with federal judicial proceedings, investigations, or witnesses. Charges may arise from actions such as witness intimidation, destroying evidence, or lying to federal agents. In Maryland, these cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Because federal sentencing guidelines often call for substantial prison time and there is no parole, the consequences of a conviction can be severe. An experienced federal criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges and build a defense.
Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation for obstruction of justice in Maryland?
Yes—you should immediately retain a federal criminal defense lawyer if you are under investigation for obstruction of justice. Federal investigations are conducted by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or IRS-CI, and early legal intervention can shape the direction of the case. An attorney can communicate with the prosecutor on your behalf, advise you on how to respond to subpoenas and interviews, and work to protect your legal rights. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients at all stages of a federal obstruction investigation in Maryland. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What are the potential penalties for obstruction of justice under federal law?
Penalties vary depending on the specific statute charged, but a conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1503 can result in up to 10 years of imprisonment, or up to 20 years if the obstruction involved the killing or attempted killing of a juror or officer. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1512 can carry a sentence of up to 20 years or, in some cases involving attempted murder, up to 30 years. The court will also consider the federal sentencing guidelines, which take into account factors such as the scope of the obstruction and the defendant’s criminal history. Fines and restitution may be imposed in addition to imprisonment. Results may vary. every case is unique.
How does a federal obstruction case move through the U.S. District Court in Maryland?
A federal obstruction case typically begins with a grand jury investigation and indictment, followed by an initial appearance and arraignment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The case then proceeds through pretrial motion practice, discovery, and possibly a plea negotiation. If no resolution is reached, the matter moves to trial. The timeline depends on the complexity of the case and the court’s calendar. Throughout, your attorney can challenge the government’s evidence, file motions to suppress, and argue for a fair disposition. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if federal agents contact me about an obstruction investigation?
If federal agents contact you, exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. Do not attempt to explain your side of the story or discuss the matter without counsel present, as anything you say can be used as evidence. Politely decline to be interviewed and immediately contact a federal criminal defense lawyer. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can advise you on how to handle interviews, subpoenas, and search warrants. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Why should I choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a federal obstruction defense in Maryland?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings together a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris, and Of Counsel attorneys who include a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney—giving the defense team practical insight into how the government builds and prosecutes federal obstruction cases. The firm has been serving clients since 1997 and is admitted in five jurisdictions, including Maryland. The firm’s Maryland location is in Rockville, and the team appears regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Consultations are by appointment. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.
For official information on federal obstruction statutes, visit 18 U.S.C. § 1503 at Cornell LII, 18 U.S.C. § 1512 at Cornell LII, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.