Federal gun crimes in Howard County, Maryland, are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. §§ 922 and 924, carrying severe penalties including mandatory minimum sentences of 5 to 15 years for certain offenses. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in federal courts. As a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Howard County, the firm provides dedicated representation for those facing firearms charges.
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland
Federal gun crimes are governed by the Gun Control Act of 1968, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 922, which prohibits certain individuals from possessing firearms, including convicted felons, fugitives, and those convicted of domestic violence. Under 18 U.S.C. § 924, penalties for violations include mandatory minimum sentences of 5 years for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and up to 15 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm. A Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Howard County understands the complexity of these statutes and the federal sentencing guidelines that apply.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. The firm’s approach, “Advocacy Without Borders,” ensures clients receive full defense strategies case-specific to federal court proceedings.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 922
For official statutory text, consult 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII — official site) and 18 U.S.C. § 924 (Cornell LII — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) for defendants with prior violent felony convictions. We have observed that early engagement with a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Howard County before indictment can significantly affect charging decisions.
- Step 1: Immediately invoke your right to counsel and remain silent.
- Step 2: Contact a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Howard County at (888) 437-7747.
- Step 3: Do not consent to searches without a warrant.
- Step 4: Preserve all evidence and communications.
- Step 5: Attend all federal court hearings at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
- Step 6: Follow your attorney’s guidance on plea negotiations and trial strategy.
In Howard County, federal gun crimes carry severe penalties under 18 U.S.C. §§ 922 and 924, including mandatory minimum sentences and significant fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years (mandatory minimum 15 years under ACCA) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm license revoked | Supervised release, loss of voting rights, deportation for non-citizens |
| Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm license revoked | Supervised release, asset forfeiture, enhanced sentencing |
| Use of Firearm During Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 10 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm license revoked | Supervised release, no parole, enhanced penalties |
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County: 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 is approximately 20 miles from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt Division), with access via I-95 and Route 29. A gun charge defense lawyer Howard County is available to serve clients throughout the region.
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer near Howard County: Serving the communities of Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
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 Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. 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 Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). 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 Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Howard 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 Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard 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 Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). Felonies go to Howard 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 Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. 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 Howard 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.
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 Howard 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 Howard 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.
For more information, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Salisbury hub page. You may also be interested in our Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County or Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County pages. For related practice areas, see Criminal Defense Lawyer Charles County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 922