Felon in Possession lawyer Garrett County, MD
Facing a federal felon in possession charge in Garrett County, Maryland, means the United States Attorney’s Office is prosecuting you under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). This statute makes it unlawful for certain categories of people—including those with prior felony convictions—to possess firearms or ammunition. Federal charges carry harsh potential consequences, including significant prison time, steep fines, and a lasting criminal record. Investigations often involve the ATF, FBI, or local task forces, and the case is filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Although Garrett County is in western Maryland, court proceedings take place in Baltimore or Greenbelt, requiring an attorney familiar with federal court procedures and the local practices of those divisions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, provides federal criminal defense representation. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, is a former prosecutor who understands how the government builds felon‑in‑possession cases and how to counter them. Together with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, he brings decades of courtroom experience to defending individuals in Maryland federal court. Early intervention can be critical—from securing pretrial release to filing motions to suppress evidence. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
What Felon in Possession Charges Mean in Garrett County
A felon in possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) arises when the government alleges that a person prohibited from possessing firearms—often due to a prior felony conviction—knowingly possessed a gun or ammunition that traveled in interstate commerce. Federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland bring these cases after an investigation by agencies such as the ATF or FBI, which may cooperate with local Garrett County law enforcement. The case is indicted by a federal grand jury and proceeds in the U.S. District Court within the Baltimore or Greenbelt division, regardless of where in Garrett County the alleged conduct occurred.
Garrett County, Maryland’s westernmost county, includes communities such as Oakland, Deep Creek Lake, Accident, Grantsville, Mountain Lake Park, and Friendsville. While the county has its own state courts, federal felon‑in‑possession matters are resolved in the federal system, where sentencing is guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Because there is no parole in the federal system, an early and thorough defense is essential. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear on behalf of clients from Garrett County and throughout Maryland. The firm’s Rockville location makes it possible to meet with counsel and prepare for federal proceedings, even when the courthouse is hours away. Individuals accused of federal firearm offenses need a defense team that understands both the substantive law and the procedural nuances of federal practice in Maryland.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Felon in Possession Cases
Defending a federal felon in possession charge starts with a rigorous examination of the government’s evidence. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review the circumstances of the alleged possession, the chain of custody of the firearm or ammunition, and the basis for any search or seizure. They also examine whether the predicate felony qualifies as a “crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year” under the federal definition, and whether any constitutional violations can support a motion to suppress. If a plea is appropriate, the defense works to negotiate a resolution that minimizes exposure under the Sentencing Guidelines, including arguing for downward departures based on acceptance of responsibility or other mitigating factors. When trial is necessary, the team presents a strategic defense aimed at raising reasonable doubt, cross‑examining ATF and FBI agents, and challenging forensic evidence.
Because federal sentencing involves advisory Guideline calculations, criminal history points, and sometimes mandatory minimums under the Armed Career Criminal Act, early preparation matters. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin working on the sentencing picture from the outset, preserving issues for any necessary appeal. Throughout the case, clients are kept informed of developments and the realistic range of outcomes, so they can make knowing decisions about their defense.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has concentrated his practice on criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background as a former prosecutor provides insight into how federal prosecutors build cases and where weaknesses can be exploited. Mr. Sris 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 bring additional depth to federal criminal defense. The team includes professionals with prior prosecutorial and law enforcement experience, allowing the firm to approach felon‑in‑possession cases from multiple angles. Collectively, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle federal matters throughout Maryland, including Garrett County, and appear regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Results may vary. in any particular case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felon in Possession in Garrett County
What is a felon in possession charge under federal law?
A felon in possession charge under federal law is the accusation that a person prohibited from having firearms knowingly possessed a gun or ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). The statute covers several categories of prohibited persons, but the most common is someone previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. The government must prove that the firearm traveled in interstate commerce and that the defendant had knowledge of the possession. These cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the federal district where the alleged possession occurred.
What are the potential consequences of a felon in possession conviction?
A conviction can lead to a federal prison sentence, supervised release, fines, and a permanent felony record. Under the advisory Sentencing Guidelines, the offense level is calculated based on the defendant’s criminal history and the type of firearm. Certain prior convictions may trigger enhanced penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act. There is no parole in the federal system, and the sentence must be served in federal prison. Consulting an experienced federal defense attorney helps you understand the exposure in your specific case.
How can a lawyer defend against a federal felon in possession charge?
Defense strategies may involve challenging the legality of the search or seizure, questioning whether the item meets the definition of a firearm, or contesting the element of knowing possession. Other approaches examine whether the prior conviction qualifies as a predicate offense, whether any exceptions apply, or whether a statement made by the accused can be suppressed. Each defense is built on the specific facts of the case. Early engagement with counsel increases the opportunity to shape the outcome.
Do I need a lawyer for a felon in possession charge in Garrett County?
Yes—federal charges are serious, and representing yourself is extremely risky. Federal court procedures differ from state court, and prosecutors have substantial resources. A defense attorney can help you understand the charges, evaluate the evidence, seek pretrial release, and develop a strategy tailored to your circumstances. If you are facing a felon in possession charge in Garrett County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
What should I do if I am being investigated for felon in possession?
If you believe you are under investigation, do not speak with law enforcement without an attorney present and preserve all potential evidence. Even casual statements can be used against you. An attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf and help protect your rights during the investigation. Acting quickly may prevent charges from being filed altogether. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 for guidance.
How does the federal court process work for a felon in possession case in Maryland?
The process typically begins with a grand jury indictment, followed by an initial appearance and arraignment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Pretrial motions, such as motions to suppress or for discovery, are litigated before trial. If the case does not resolve through a plea agreement, it proceeds to trial before a federal district judge. Sentencing occurs after conviction and is governed by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The timeline varies with case complexity and the court’s calendar.
For more information on federal criminal defense in adjacent areas, see our pages:
Montgomery County federal criminal lawyer |
Prince George’s County federal criminal lawyer |
Howard County federal criminal lawyer |
Anne Arundel County federal criminal lawyer |
Frederick County federal criminal lawyer
Additional Resources
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
18 U.S.C. § 922 – Unlawful acts (such as felon in possession)
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Results may vary.
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