Felon in Possession lawyer Baltimore County, MD
A federal felon in possession charge—prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)—can bring severe consequences, including a mandatory minimum prison sentence and no possibility of parole. If you are facing such a charge in Baltimore County, the matter will most likely be heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division. The U.S. Attorney’s Office pursues these cases actively, often relying on federal agencies such as the ATF and FBI. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals charged with federal firearm offenses. With a practice that traces its founding to 1997, the firm brings decades of combined courtroom experience—and includes a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney—to every representation. To discuss your situation with a Felon in Possession lawyer serving Baltimore County, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Federal Felon in Possession Means in Baltimore County
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), it is a federal crime for certain categories of people to possess a firearm or ammunition. These categories include individuals convicted of a felony, those subject to a qualifying domestic‑violence protective order, and persons with a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence conviction, among others. Because the offense is charged in federal court, it carries distinct procedural rules and sentencing exposure that differ markedly from state‑level firearm charges.
In Baltimore County, a federal felon in possession case will proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The court’s Northern Division sits in Baltimore, and its docket includes cases from communities such as Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium. Federal prosecutors are not bound by the same charging or plea‑bargaining practices as state prosecutors, and the federal sentencing guidelines often result in longer terms of imprisonment than a comparable state conviction. Moreover, federal law does not provide for parole; an individual convicted under § 922(g) will serve the vast majority of any prison term imposed. For these reasons, obtaining federal defense counsel who is familiar with the District of Maryland is critical.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Felon in Possession Cases
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., approaches each federal felon in possession matter by first examining the government’s evidence—often obtained through search warrants, traffic stops, or witness interviews—for any constitutional or procedural defects. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who include practitioners with prior prosecutorial experience, bring valuable insight into how federal agencies build a case and where weaknesses are most likely to exist. Together, they look for grounds to challenge the admissibility of the firearm itself, the lawfulness of the stop or search, and the accuracy of the government’s claim that the client falls within a prohibited category.
If the evidence supports it, the firm explores pretrial motions to suppress, negotiations with the Assistant U.S. Attorney regarding a possible plea to a lesser charge, or, where appropriate, preparations for trial. Because federal sentencing is driven by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines—a complex formula that accounts for offense level, criminal history, and any applicable mandatory minimums—significant attention is devoted to sentencing advocacy. The firm works to identify mitigating factors, such as acceptance of responsibility, and, where eligible, to argue for a sentence below the guideline range under the safety‑valve or substantial‑assistance provisions. Throughout the process, every effort is made to keep the client informed and to pursue the most favorable resolution available under the specific facts.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. His practice concentrates on criminal defense, including federal matters, across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, giving the team a direct understanding of how the prosecution develops a federal felon in possession case from indictment through trial.
Collectively, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have handled a wide range of federal criminal matters. Their combined experience allows them to assess complex evidentiary issues and to craft defense strategies that are tailored to the procedural demands of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Clients in Baltimore County and the surrounding communities can reach the firm at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a felon in possession charge under federal law?
A federal felon in possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) makes it illegal for certain individuals to possess a firearm or ammunition, typically those with a prior felony conviction, a domestic‑violence misdemeanor, or a qualifying protective order. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases in federal court, and a conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years—or longer if an armed‑career‑criminal enhancement applies. Because federal law does not provide for parole, any prison term imposed is served almost in full. The government must prove that the defendant knowingly possessed the firearm and that he fell within a prohibited category at the time of possession.
What is the difference between state and federal charges for gun possession by a prohibited person?
State charges are prosecuted by a local district attorney in a county court, while federal felon in possession charges are brought by the U.S. Attorney in U.S. District Court and are subject to the federal sentencing guidelines, which often produce longer sentences and have no parole. State firearm prohibitions vary by jurisdiction; federal law under § 922(g) applies uniformly across the country. Federal cases also typically involve federal investigative agencies such as the ATF or FBI, and procedural rules—including grand‑jury indictment and pretrial detention—differ from state practice. An attorney experienced in federal court is essential to navigate these differences.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in a Baltimore County felon in possession case?
Federal sentencing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate a recommended sentence based on the offense level and the defendant’s criminal history category. For a § 922(g) offense, the base offense level can increase if the firearm was stolen, possessed in connection with another felony, or if the defendant has a prior conviction for a crime of violence or a controlled‑substance offense. The Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) imposes a mandatory minimum 15‑year sentence for defendants with three such prior convictions. The guidelines are advisory, but the court must consider them. Downward departures are possible through acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance to the government, or safety‑valve eligibility, though safety‑valve relief generally does not apply to § 922(g) offenses.
Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Yes—anyone under investigation for, or charged with, a federal felon in possession offense in Baltimore County should immediately retain counsel who practices in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Federal cases move quickly, and investigators may already be building a case before an arrest. Early engagement allows an attorney to potentially intervene before an indictment, challenge search warrants, or negotiate a resolution that minimizes exposure. Federal sentencing is complex, and a misstep can result in a substantially longer prison term. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can be reached at (888) 437‑7747.
What should I do if I am under investigation for a federal felon in possession charge?
If you believe you are under federal investigation for a firearm offense, do not speak with law enforcement without an attorney present, preserve any potential evidence that may be helpful, and contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. Federal agents may attempt to question you before charges are filed. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you think it is helpful. An attorney can communicate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on your behalf, assess whether charges are likely, and begin building a defense. The firm’s attorneys are available to discuss your situation and advise you on the steps to take.
Can a felon in possession charge be dismissed?
While every case is unique, a federal felon in possession charge may be dismissed or reduced if the government’s evidence is insufficient, the search or seizure was unlawful, or the client does not actually fall within a prohibited category. Motions to suppress evidence are common when a firearm was discovered during a warrantless search that violated the Fourth Amendment. The prosecution may also be challenged on the element of knowing possession or on whether the predicate conviction qualifies as a felony under federal law. No outcome can be past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, but a thorough review of the facts by an experienced defense team can identify an appropriate path forward.
If you need a federal criminal lawyer in another Maryland county, the firm also represents clients in:
Montgomery County,
Prince George’s County,
Howard County,
Anne Arundel County, and
Frederick County.
For more detailed information on the federal statute, visit
18 U.S.C. § 922(g).
Information about the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland can be found at
the court’s official website.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.