A machine gun offense in Washington County, Maryland, is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying severe penalties including up to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Washington County, with 4,739+ firm-wide documented results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Machine Gun Offense Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland
Under Maryland law, a machine gun offense is governed by Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, which prohibits the possession, sale, transfer, or use of a machine gun without proper authorization. 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. Violations are classified as felonies and carry severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 20 years and significant fines. The statute applies to both state and federal charges, and a conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, loss of firearm rights, and other collateral consequences.
Last verified: May 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For the full text of the relevant statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 4-101 (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For information on the District Court of MD for Washington County, visit courts.state.md.us (Maryland Courts — official site).
In the District Court of MD for Washington County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for machine gun offenses due to the serious nature of the charge. We have observed that early intervention and a strong defense strategy can significantly impact the outcome.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation related to the firearm.
- Contact a machine gun offense lawyer near me Washington County immediately.
- Attend all court hearings at the District Court of MD for Washington County.
- Work with your attorney to explore all defense options, including challenging the legality of the search or seizure.
- Consider negotiating a plea agreement or pursuing a trial if the evidence is weak.
In Washington County, a machine gun offense carries severe penalties under Maryland law, including up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record, potential federal charges |
| Sale or Transfer of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record, potential federal charges |
| Use of a Machine Gun in a Crime | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record, potential federal charges |
Results may vary.
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 team includes former prosecutors and experienced defense attorneys who understand the details of machine gun offense cases in Washington County.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Washington County, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, including numerous dismissals, reductions, and favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 50 miles from the District Court of MD for Washington County, with access via I-70 and I-81. If you are searching for a machine gun offense lawyer near me Washington County, we serve the communities of Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown. 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
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 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?
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 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: (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 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?
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.
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.
For more information, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Salisbury page. You may also find our Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County pages useful.
Last updated: 2026-05-02