Federal gun crimes in Howard County, Maryland, are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and carry severe penalties including up to 10 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings extensive criminal defense experience to clients facing these charges. Our firm has handled numerous federal criminal cases across Maryland.
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Howard County, Maryland
Federal gun crimes, such as possession of a firearm by a prohibited person under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), are serious offenses prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. These charges apply to individuals with prior felony convictions, those under domestic violence restraining orders, or those with certain mental health adjudications. A conviction can result in up to 10 years of imprisonment, fines, and supervised release. The federal sentencing guidelines are advisory but strongly influence the final sentence. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (Cornell LII)
For official statutory text, visit the 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (Cornell LII) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland (justice.gov).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, federal prosecutors routinely seek indictments through grand juries for gun crimes. We have observed that early intervention before an indictment can sometimes lead to declination or reduced charges.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts, records, and communications.
- Request a federal public defender or retain private counsel immediately.
- Attend all court hearings and comply with pretrial conditions.
- Work with your attorney to negotiate a plea or prepare for trial.
- Review the federal sentencing guidelines with your lawyer to understand potential exposure.
In Howard County, federal gun crimes carry penalties including up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $250,000, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Firearm by Prohibited Person (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Supervised release, asset forfeiture |
| Use of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Supervised release, asset forfeiture |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, 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 federal gun crimes in Howard County and throughout Maryland.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County and across Maryland. 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, MD is approximately 20 miles from the District Court of MD for Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043), with access via I-95 and Route 29.
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
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 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?
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. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard 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 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.
Learn more about our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland services.
Explore related pages: Petit Larceny Lawyer Frederick County, Assault Lawyer Frederick County, and Assault Lawyer Caroline County.
Last verified: May 2026