Felon in Possession lawyer Charles County, MD

Federal law imposes severe restrictions on firearm possession by individuals with prior felony convictions. A charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) — commonly called “felon in possession” — exposes a person to federal prosecution in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which hears cases arising in Charles County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients facing federal firearm charges throughout Southern Maryland, including La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, and Hughesville. The firm’s lead attorney, Mr. Sris, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience in federal criminal defense and work to protect clients’ rights at every stage of the proceeding. Reach the firm’s Rockville location at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation in a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What a Federal Felon‑in‑Possession Charge Means in Charles County, Maryland

Although Charles County sits in Southern Maryland and maintains its own state court system, a charge of felon in possession is prosecuted exclusively in federal court. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland handles these cases in either the Baltimore or Greenbelt division of the U.S. District Court. The geographic distance between Charles County and the federal courthouses can add logistical complexities, but the legal stakes are the same: a conviction carries the potential for significant incarceration, fines, and a term of supervised release. Because federal authorities — including the ATF, FBI, and local task force officers — often build these cases through lengthy investigations, early legal guidance can be critical.

The legal theory under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) is straightforward: it is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year to possess a firearm or ammunition. However, the definition of “conviction” and “possession” can present nuanced legal questions, particularly when the underlying state adjudication involved a deferred sentence, a probation before judgment, or a restoration of rights. Federal courts in the Fourth Circuit apply an “actual or constructive possession” standard, and the government must prove the defendant knew he possessed the firearm and knew of his status as a person prohibited from possessing one. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who include former Maryland prosecutors, understand how the government constructs these prosecutions and identify possible defenses that may apply.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Federal Felon‑in‑Possession Cases

When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents a client charged with felon in possession, the legal team begins with a thorough review of the charging instrument and the underlying evidence. Federal indictments often follow grand jury proceedings, and the discovery produced by the government can include surveillance footage, forensic reports, witness statements, and law‑enforcement affidavits. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys scrutinize whether the government followed constitutional requirements when obtaining the firearm, whether the predicate felony qualifies under the statute, and whether the client’s civil rights were restored under state law before the possession.

If pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the indictment are viable, the firm pursues them vigorously. The firm also works closely with clients to explore pretrial release possibilities — federal detention hearings in the District of Maryland are contested matters where preparation matters enormously. If a negotiated resolution becomes the strategic choice, the firm focuses on achieving the most favorable possible terms under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The firm’s experience with the federal sentencing table, acceptance‑of‑responsibility reductions, and arguments for downward variances helps clients understand the realistic exposure they face and the steps they can take to mitigate it.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. As a former prosecutor, he brings insight into how prosecutors build and evaluate cases. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His multi‑state practice gives him a broad perspective on the interplay between state and federal law, which is particularly valuable in felon‑in‑possession matters where the predicate conviction often arises under state law.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorneys who have prosecuted cases in both District and Circuit Courts. This prosecutorial background, combined with extensive defense experience, helps the firm anticipate the government’s strategy and prepare a thorough defense. Every client’s case is handled collaboratively, with Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys working together to develop a defense strategy grounded in the facts and the law. The firm’s Rockville location serves clients throughout Charles County, and consultations are available by appointment. Reach the firm at (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between state and federal charges?

Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, generally carry more severe penalties than state charges, and are litigated in U.S. District Court rather than in Maryland state court. A federal felon‑in‑possession case is brought under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and is investigated by federal agencies such as the ATF or FBI. Unlike many state offenses, a federal conviction does not allow for parole. The procedural rules, sentencing guidelines, and detention standards are distinct from state practice. Having a defense attorney experienced in federal court is essential.

What is federal criminal court and how is it different in Maryland?

Federal criminal court in Maryland operates out of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, with courthouses in Baltimore and Greenbelt. Cases are heard by federal district judges or magistrate judges, and the government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys. The federal sentencing guidelines, which are advisory but highly influential, apply. Federal court procedures, including grand jury practice, discovery obligations under the Jencks Act, and the Speedy Trial Act, differ markedly from Maryland state court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in the District of Maryland and throughout the Fourth Circuit.

How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Charles County, Maryland?

Federal sentencing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate an advisory range based on the offense level and the defendant’s criminal history category. Although the guidelines are advisory since United States v. Booker, they remain the starting point for every sentence. For a felon‑in‑possession conviction, the base offense level and any enhancements — such as possession in connection with another felony — drive the calculation. Reductions for acceptance of responsibility and arguments for a downward variance under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) can materially affect the final sentence. The firm works to present a complete mitigation picture at sentencing.

Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer in Charles County, Maryland?

Yes, retaining a lawyer who practices in federal court is critical as soon as you become aware of a federal investigation or indictment. Federal prosecutors have substantial resources and can pursue charges based on investigations that have been underway for months. Early involvement of counsel can influence charging decisions, bail arguments, and preservation of evidence. Because the rules and strategic considerations in federal court differ from those in state court, an attorney admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland is essential. The firm offers consultations to discuss the specific facts of your case.

What does “felon in possession” mean under federal law?

“Felon in possession” refers to a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), which prohibits a person who has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The prohibition applies regardless of whether the firearm was purchased lawfully or was otherwise in a person’s home. Federal courts interpret “possession” to include actual possession as well as constructive possession — such as having the ability to exercise control over a firearm. The government must prove that the defendant knew of his status and that he knowingly possessed the firearm.

For more information, see our pages on federal criminal defense in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Howard County. Additional resources: U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, 18 U.S.C. § 922.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. The firm’s Rockville location serves Charles County clients by appointment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437‑7747.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.