A felon in possession charge in Washington County, Maryland, is a serious offense under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying up to 15 years in prison; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Washington County, including handling felon with firearm defense cases at the District Court of MD for Washington County.
Felon in Possession Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland
Under Maryland law, a person convicted of a felony is prohibited from possessing a firearm. The statute, codified in the Criminal Law Article, makes it a felony for a prohibited person to own, possess, or control a firearm. A violation can result in up to 15 years of incarceration and significant fines. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing these charges. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor, the firm understands the prosecution’s strategies and how to counter them.
Last verified: May 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Maryland’s firearm possession laws, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures, visit Maryland Courts (courts.state.md.us — official site).
In the District Court of MD for Washington County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for felon in possession charges, especially when the defendant has a prior violent felony. We have observed that the State’s Attorney often relies on constructive possession theories, meaning they may argue you had control over the firearm even if it was not on your person.
- Contact a Felon in Possession Lawyer in Washington County immediately after arrest.
- Do not consent to any search of your home, vehicle, or person without a warrant.
- Document the circumstances of the arrest, including any statements made to police.
- Request a bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Work with your attorney to file a motion to suppress evidence if the search was illegal.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal where possible.
In Washington County, a felon in possession charge carries a penalty range of up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 under Maryland law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm | Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $10,000 | N/A | Loss of firearm rights; potential federal charges |
| Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | N/A | Mandatory firearm prohibition; impact on employment |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results in Maryland: numerous dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges across criminal practice areas. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 60 miles from the District Court of MD for Washington County, with access via I-70 and I-81. If you need a felon in possession lawyer near Washington County, we are available to help. Serving the communities of Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown. 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 Felon in Possession Charges in Washington County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). 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 Washington County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions.
Cases in Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Washington 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 Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington County: initial appearance, bail review, arraignment, and trial.
Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). Felonies go to Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against felon in possession of a firearm charges?
Defense strategies include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
An experienced Felon in Possession Lawyer in Washington County evaluates the specific facts under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article to build the strongest possible defense. This may include filing motions to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches.
What should I do if I am facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Maryland?
Contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
If facing felon in possession charges in Washington County, contact a Felon in Possession Lawyer in Washington County immediately. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Maryland law require prompt action.
Learn more about our Criminal Defense Lawyer Salisbury practice. We also serve Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County.
Page last updated: 2026-05-01. For the most current legal information, consult a qualified attorney.