Machine Gun Offense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
A machine gun offense in Montgomery County, Maryland is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying severe penalties including up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Montgomery County and can provide the representation you need. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding Machine Gun Offenses Under Maryland Law
Maryland law strictly regulates the possession, use, and transfer of machine guns. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, 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. Possessing a machine gun without a valid federal license is a felony. The statute prohibits not only possession but also the manufacture, sale, and transfer of machine guns. A conviction can result in up to 20 years of incarceration and fines up to $10,000. The law applies to any person who knowingly possesses a machine gun, regardless of whether the weapon is used in a crime. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings 120+ years of combined legal experience to defend clients facing these charges.
Last verified: May 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
Official Maryland Statutes and Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s machine gun laws, consult the official Maryland Code: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 4-401 (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For information on the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, visit Maryland Courts — Montgomery County District Court (official site).
Insider Knowledge: How Machine Gun Offense Cases Are Handled in Montgomery County
In the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for machine gun offenses due to the serious nature of the charge. In our experience defending these cases, we have observed that the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County often files charges under both state and federal statutes, increasing the stakes. The court at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850 handles initial appearances and bail hearings for these cases.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.
- Contact a machine gun offense lawyer near me Montgomery County immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including any paperwork from the arrest.
- Attend all court hearings at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
- Work with your attorney to explore defense strategies, including challenging the legality of the search.
- Consider negotiating a plea to a lesser charge if appropriate.
Penalties for Machine Gun Offenses in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, a machine gun offense under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article carries severe penalties including up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | N/A (criminal record) | Permanent criminal record, loss of firearm rights, potential federal charges |
| Manufacture or Sale of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | N/A (criminal record) | Permanent criminal record, loss of firearm rights, potential federal charges |
| Use of a Machine Gun in a Crime | Felony | Up to 20 years (mandatory minimum may apply) | Up to $10,000 | N/A (criminal record) | Permanent criminal record, loss of firearm rights, potential federal charges, enhanced sentencing |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Machine Gun Offense Defense?
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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 firm has extensive experience defending clients in Montgomery County against serious criminal charges, including machine gun offenses. We understand the local courts, the prosecutors, and the procedural nuances that can make a difference in your case. Advocacy Without Borders is not just our tagline — it reflects our commitment to providing aggressive, knowledgeable representation regardless of the complexity of your case.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Montgomery County. While specific case results for machine gun offenses are not publicly available, the firm has achieved favorable outcomes in numerous criminal cases across Maryland. Results may vary. The firm’s 4,739+ firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ demonstrate a track record of dedicated advocacy.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Rockville is approximately 2 miles from the District Court of MD for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street, with access via I-270 and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). We serve the communities of Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase. 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
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Machine Gun Offenses in Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
PBJ avoids a formal conviction and is available for many offenses at District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Montgomery County).
Yes, Maryland allows expungement for many dispositions after a waiting period.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
After arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a commissioner who sets bail.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
Yes, an attorney can help negotiate a PBJ or dismissal to avoid a conviction.
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.
Federal charges carry harsher penalties and no parole.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
For more information on criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Salisbury page. You may also find these pages useful: Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County, Criminal Defense Lawyer Charles County, and Criminal Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County.
Last verified: May 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-05-01.