Felon in Possession lawyer Kent County, MD
When a convicted felon is accused of possessing a firearm in Kent County, Maryland, the federal government can bring charges under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland prosecutes these cases, and convictions carry significant consequences. If you or someone you know is facing a federal felon-in-possession investigation or indictment, having an attorney who understands how these cases unfold in Maryland’s federal court system is important. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals in Kent County and throughout Maryland who are confronting federal firearm charges. Our firm’s attorneys work to protect clients’ rights at every stage—from initial investigation through trial and sentencing. To discuss your situation with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Federal Felon-in-Possession Charges Mean in Kent County
Federal law makes it a crime for anyone previously convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or ammunition. Unlike state-level gun offenses, federal felon-in-possession cases are investigated by agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, and they are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. For a person arrested in Kent County, court proceedings typically take place at the federal courthouses in Baltimore or Greenbelt.
Kent County is part of Maryland’s Eastern Shore and includes communities such as Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton. While local law enforcement may initially respond to an incident, once the case becomes federal, it operates under a different set of rules—the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and the practices of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Grand jury indictments are common, and pretrial detention is often sought in firearm-involved matters. The firm’s familiarity with federal court procedures in Maryland helps clients navigate these early critical stages.
Because felon-in-possession cases can also involve questions about the validity of the underlying felony conviction, the legality of the search that led to the firearm’s discovery, and the defendant’s knowledge of the weapon’s presence, a thorough review of the evidence is essential. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine every aspect of the government’s case to identify potential constitutional challenges, procedural defects, and avenues for negotiation.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Federal Firearm Cases
Every federal felon-in-possession case begins with a careful assessment of the charges and the evidence. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys start by reviewing the indictment, the criminal complaint, and the discovery materials produced by the government. They look at the circumstances of the arrest, the basis for any search warrant, whether Miranda rights were honored, and the chain of custody for the firearm. The goal is to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can be raised through pretrial motions or at trial.
The next phase involves evaluating the client’s background, including the nature of the predicate felony. Not every prior offense automatically qualifies as a predicate under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and in some instances a prior conviction may have been expunged or may fall outside the statutory definition. The firm’s attorneys also coordinate with forensic experts when needed—for example, to challenge fingerprint or DNA evidence linking the client to the weapon. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys maintain open communication with clients, explaining the likely trajectory of the case and the options available at each stage.
When plea negotiations are appropriate, the firm works with federal prosecutors to seek reduced charges or a favorable plea agreement that minimizes exposure under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. When trial is the chosen path, the firm prepares meticulously, developing a theory of the case, preparing witnesses, and crafting a persuasive narrative for the jury. Because federal sentencing procedures are complex and often involve arguments about the application of Guidelines enhancements or the availability of downward departures, the firm also devotes substantial attention to the sentencing phase, presenting mitigation evidence and advocating for a sentence that reflects the client’s individual circumstances.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor with extensive experience handling criminal matters in federal and state courts. Admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, Mr. Sris has built a multi-state practice since founding the firm in 1997. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background as a prosecutor gives him an informed perspective on how the government constructs and pursues a federal firearm case.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional depth to federal criminal defense. They include practitioners with prior prosecutorial and law enforcement experience who understand the investigative techniques used by federal agents and the procedural rules that govern federal court proceedings. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys provide clients with a comprehensive defense that addresses both the factual and the legal dimensions of a felon-in-possession charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in Maryland?
Federal criminal cases in Maryland are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry sentencing guidelines that are often more severe than those under Maryland state law. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland has divisions in Baltimore and Greenbelt. Federal procedures, including the rules on indictment, discovery, and pretrial release, differ from the procedures followed in Maryland’s state district and circuit courts. Having an attorney who is familiar with federal practice in this district can affect how a case is handled from the beginning.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in a felon-in-possession case?
Federal sentencing for firearm offenses follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate a recommended range based on the offense level and the defendant’s criminal history. While the Guidelines are advisory after the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Booker, they strongly influence the sentence imposed. Specific characteristics of the offense—such as whether the firearm was used in connection with another felony—can increase the offense level. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to present facts that support a lower sentencing range and, when available, argue for departures or variances from the Guidelines.
Can a felon-in-possession charge be dismissed if the search was illegal?
Yes. If the firearm was discovered through an unlawful search or seizure, the evidence may be suppressed under the Fourth Amendment. A successful motion to suppress can lead to dismissal of the charges if the government cannot otherwise prove its case. The firm’s attorneys carefully review the circumstances of the search—whether it was conducted pursuant to a warrant, the scope of the warrant, and whether any exceptions to the warrant requirement applied—to determine whether a constitutional challenge is viable.
Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer in Kent County?
Anyone charged with a federal crime should have representation from a defense attorney who practices in federal court. Federal cases involve different procedural rules, more formidable investigative resources, and sentencing structures that are unlike those in Maryland state courts. From the moment of arrest or indictment, decisions made by the defendant can affect the outcome. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys provide representation at all stages, including initial appearance, detention hearing, pretrial motions, plea discussions, trial, and sentencing.
What should I do if I am under investigation for felon in possession in Maryland?
If you become aware of a federal investigation, you should contact an attorney immediately and refrain from discussing the matter with law enforcement until you have obtained legal advice. Agents may attempt to interview you before an arrest, and anything you say can be used against you. An attorney can communicate with the investigating agency on your behalf, help you understand the scope of the investigation, and begin developing a defense strategy before formal charges are filed.
How does a Maryland attorney defend against federal felon-in-possession charges?
Defense strategies in federal felon-in-possession cases may include challenging the legality of the search, contesting the defendant’s knowing possession of the firearm, and attacking the validity of the predicate felony conviction. The firm examines whether the government can prove that the defendant actually possessed the weapon—mere presence near a firearm is not enough. Other approaches involve negotiating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a dismissal or reduction of charges in exchange for cooperation, or preparing for trial when the evidence cannot be excluded.
Other Maryland counties we serve:
Montgomery County federal criminal defense |
Prince George’s County federal criminal defense |
Howard County federal criminal defense |
Anne Arundel County federal criminal defense |
Frederick County federal criminal defense
Additional resource:
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
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