Misprision of a Felony lawyer Kent County, MD
You became aware that a serious federal felony was committed, and you didn’t report it. Maybe you told no one, or maybe you helped someone hide what happened. Now you are facing a misprision of a felony charge under 18 U.S.C. § 4, prosecuted in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The United States Attorney’s Office alleges you knew about a completed felony and took affirmative steps to conceal it—and you are being treated as an accessory to the underlying crime. A conviction can mean up to three years in federal prison and a permanent felony record. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defend individuals charged with misprision of a felony in Kent County and across Maryland. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Misprision of a Felony Means in Kent County, Maryland
Federal misprision of a felony is a standalone criminal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 4. To secure a conviction, federal prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had actual knowledge of the commission of a federal felony, that you did not notify authorities about it as soon as reasonably possible, and that you took some affirmative step to conceal the crime. The statute does not require you to have participated in the underlying felony—only that you knew of it and acted to hide it. A person who learns about a crime and simply remains silent, without an affirmative act of concealment, generally cannot be convicted under § 4.
In Kent County, Maryland—a small, close-knit community on the Eastern Shore—federal charges can stem from events that did not start locally. Because federal jurisdiction in the District of Maryland covers the entire state, a case investigated by the FBI, DEA, or other federal agency and prosecuted in Baltimore or Greenbelt may involve a Kent County resident or conduct that crossed county lines. Our attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understand how federal cases in the District of Maryland proceed from investigation through grand jury and into the U.S. District Court. Whether your contact with the case began in Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, or anywhere in Kent County, the federal process is uniform and demanding, and early engagement with experienced counsel is critical.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Misprision of a Felony Cases
When our team is contacted, we first work to determine the stage of the case—whether you have been contacted by federal agents, received a target letter, or have already been indicted. Because misprision of a felony often turns on the precise nature of the underlying felony and the accused’s knowledge, we scrutinize the government’s evidence for proof of each element. We challenge assertions of knowledge that are based on hearsay or ambiguous circumstances, and we highlight the absence of an affirmative act of concealment. In many situations, early advocacy with the Assistant U.S. Attorney can shape charging decisions and influence whether a case is presented to a grand jury.
If the matter advances to indictment, we engage in motion practice under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, including motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment or to dismiss a deficient indictment. Throughout the case, we prepare a thorough defense—interviewing witnesses, consulting with forensic experts where necessary, and constructing a factual narrative that undermines the concealment element. At sentencing, we emphasize relevant factors under the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, such as acceptance of responsibility and lack of criminal history, to pursue a sentence below the statutory maximum of three years. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal criminal defense. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he understands how the government builds its cases and how to identify weaknesses in a federal prosecution. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he appears regularly before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), reflecting his commitment to legal reform.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute deep trial and legal experience, including backgrounds as former Maryland prosecutors and law enforcement professionals. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented over 4,739 case results since 1997. Results may vary. They concentrate on building a well-prepared defense for each client, always mindful of the high stakes in federal criminal matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is misprision of a felony under federal law?
Misprision of a felony is a federal crime that punishes a person who knows about a completed federal felony, fails to report it, and takes an affirmative step to conceal it. Codified at 18 U.S.C. § 4, the offense carries a maximum penalty of three years in federal custody. The government must prove actual knowledge—mere suspicion or negligence is insufficient—and an active act of concealment, such as hiding evidence or lying to investigators. Passive failure to report alone does not constitute misprision. An experienced federal criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether the government’s evidence satisfies each element. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How do federal sentencing guidelines apply to a misprision charge in Maryland?
Misprision of a felony is sentenced under the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which base the guideline range on the nature of the underlying felony and the defendant’s criminal history. Although a conviction under § 4 carries a statutory maximum of three years, the guidelines often result in a lower recommended range, especially for first-time offenders who show acceptance of responsibility. Factors such as substantial assistance to authorities (§ 5K1.1) or the absence of an aggravating role can further reduce exposure. Because the guidelines are advisory, the judge at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland may impose a sentence outside the range after considering all individual circumstances. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer if I’m charged with misprision of a felony in Kent County?
Yes—retaining an attorney as soon as you suspect you are under investigation is essential to protect your rights and build an effective defense. Federal misprision charges often start with a visit or call from an FBI or DEA agent. Anything you say can be used against you, and attempting to explain yourself without counsel is dangerous. A lawyer can communicate with prosecutors, negotiate scope of cooperation if you choose to assist, and work to avoid indictment altogether. In Kent County, federal cases are handled in Baltimore or Greenbelt, and having local access to counsel familiar with the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland matters. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between misprision of a felony and being an accessory after the fact?
Misprision of a felony requires knowledge of a crime and an act of concealment, while accessory after the fact involves active assistance to the offender to hinder apprehension or prosecution. Under 18 U.S.C. § 3, accessory after the fact carries a penalty of up to one-half the maximum term for the principal offense, which can be far longer than the three-year limit under § 4. Federal prosecutors may charge both offenses, but the elements differ: accessory liability requires specific intent to aid the felon, whereas misprision liability focuses on knowingly concealing the crime. A skilled defense lawyer can examine whether the government’s proof actually satisfies each distinct charge. To discuss how these offenses apply to your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am contacted by a federal agent about a crime someone else committed?
Politely decline to answer questions, state that you want an attorney present, and contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. Federal agents are trained to gather evidence, and even innocent statements can be misinterpreted as concealment or obstruction. Misprision charges can arise from interactions where a person lies to protect a friend or family member, or where a person disposes of records or property connected to a known offense. By invoking your right to counsel before any interview, you preserve your ability to avoid missteps that could lead to charges. Our firm can step in at the earliest stage, communicate with agents on your behalf, and guide you through the investigation. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
How do federal criminal cases proceed in the District of Maryland?
Federal cases typically begin with an investigation by a federal agency, followed by a grand jury indictment, arraignment, pretrial motions and discovery, plea negotiations or trial, and finally sentencing. In the District of Maryland, cases are tried in Baltimore or Greenbelt before a U.S. District Judge. The Speedy Trial Act sets a general deadline of 70 days from indictment or initial appearance to trial, but many cases take longer because of motions and plea negotiations. Our firm has extensive experience navigating federal procedure in Maryland, including filing motions to suppress evidence, seeking pretrial release, and negotiating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. For guidance specific to your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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Primary sources: 18 U.S.C. § 4 – Misprision of Felony · U.S. Sentencing Guidelines · U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
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