Felon in Possession lawyer Prince George’s County, MD
You’re driving on I-495 near Landover after a job interview when a routine traffic stop leads to a search of your vehicle and the discovery of an old handgun. With a decades-old felony on your record, a federal felon-in-possession charge turns your world upside down. Federal prosecutors at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland move quickly. You need a defense team that understands the Greenbelt courthouse, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and how to protect your rights from the earliest stages. Call (888) 437-7747 right now. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options for Federal Felon in Possession Cases
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, working with Mr. Sris, evaluate every angle of the government’s case. They examine how law enforcement obtained the firearm, whether the predicate felony qualifies under federal law, and whether any constitutional violations—like an unlawful search or a Miranda violation—can be raised. Many cases hinge on the legality of the stop or the search that produced the weapon.
In Prince George’s County, where the Greenbelt division of the U.S. District Court handles felony matters, the firm’s attorneys also assess charging decisions. U.S. Attorneys sometimes overcharge or misapply the status-of-person element—for example, whether the prior conviction still counts as a disqualifying felony. Motion practice often targets flaws in indictment language or grand jury presentation. If the evidence is strong, the firm pursues plea negotiations that aim to minimize sentencing exposure under the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
What to Expect in Federal Felon in Possession Proceedings
Federal firearm cases move along a predictable path. After arrest, an initial appearance before a magistrate judge in Greenbelt sets bail conditions, which can be stringent. The government frequently seeks detention, arguing that the defendant poses a danger. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys counter with a well-prepared detention hearing that highlights community ties in Prince George’s County, employment history, and absence of new violence.
Next comes a preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland presents evidence to a grand jury sitting in Greenbelt or Baltimore. If indicted, the case proceeds through arraignment, discovery, pretrial motions, and possibly trial before a district judge. The firm’s approach includes rigorously reviewing discovery, lodging appropriate motions to suppress or compel, and engaging in plea discussions when that path serves the client’s interests. Sentencing, if it occurs, is governed by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines; the attorneys argue for downward departures and variances based on the defendant’s characteristics and the nature of the offense.
Penalty Overview – Federal Felon in Possession
A conviction under the federal felon-in-possession statute exposes a defendant to significant incarceration. Federal law does not provide for parole, and sentences are typically determined by the advisory Sentencing Guidelines, which account for the defendant’s criminal history and any aggravating factors such as proximity of the firearm to drugs or evidence of trafficking. While the statutory maximum can be lengthy, the actual sentence varies widely based on the specific facts and the skill of the defense presentation. The firm focuses on reducing the guidelines calculation through arguments for acceptance-of-responsibility credits, safety-valve relief where applicable, and departures for over-representation of criminal history. Because the collateral consequences—including loss of firearm rights permanently, supervised release, and employment barriers—are severe, a vigorous defense is essential.
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 years of experience in criminal trial work. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he leads a multi-state defense practice that regularly appears in federal court.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys support every federal criminal matter. Their prior prosecutorial and law-enforcement backgrounds—including extensive experience in Maryland federal courts—strengthen the team’s ability to anticipate government strategy at every stage. When a client in Prince George’s County faces a felon-in-possession charge, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel assemble a coordinated defense tailored to the specific facts and the demands of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a federal felon-in-possession charge?
A federal felon-in-possession charge makes it a crime for a person convicted of a felony to possess any firearm or ammunition that has traveled in interstate commerce. Federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), prohibits such possession, and the offense is prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The government must prove the defendant’s prior felony conviction, knowing possession of the firearm, and a connection to interstate commerce. The cases are heard in U.S. District Court.
What is the difference between state and federal firearms charges in Maryland?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney and carry sentencing guidelines with no parole, while state charges are handled by the State’s Attorney in Maryland circuit courts. Federal felon-in-possession cases often result in longer prison sentences and are subject to federal detention rules. An experienced federal defense attorney can assess whether a case is more defensible in federal court or whether the government’s evidence meets the higher prosecution threshold.
Can the evidence be challenged if the police stopped me without a reason?
Yes, an unlawful traffic stop or warrantless search can lead to suppression of the firearm. In federal court, the defense files a motion to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment. If the stop was pretextual or lacked reasonable suspicion, the judge may exclude the gun and any statements. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys scrutinize every detail of the police encounter to identify constitutional violations.
How does a federal case in Prince George’s County differ from a state case?
Federal felon-in-possession cases are heard at the U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, not at the Prince George’s County Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro. The federal system operates under its own rules of criminal procedure, uses grand jury indictments, and imposes different detention standards. The prosecutors are Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and the sentencing guidelines control the ultimate penalty. An attorney familiar with both systems can best advise on potential outcomes.
How long does a federal criminal case take in Maryland?
The timeline varies widely; some cases resolve in a few months through plea, while those going to trial may take a year or longer. Factors include the complexity of discovery, the filing of pretrial motions, the court’s docket, and the defendant’s decision to accept a plea offer. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to move cases efficiently while building the strong $1.
What should I do if I am contacted by federal agents about a firearm?
Stay silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not answer questions, consent to any search, or discuss your prior record. Even seemingly innocent statements can be used to build a case. Contact a federal criminal defense attorney at (888) 437-7747 immediately. Early legal intervention can protect your rights and potentially limit the damage before charges are filed.
Can a federal felon-in-possession charge be dropped?
Charges can be dismissed if the government cannot prove every element, or if a motion to suppress is granted. For example, if the predicate felony does not qualify under the statute, or if the firearm was discovered during an illegal search, the U.S. Attorney may be forced to drop the case. In some instances, cooperation or other mitigating factors may lead to a reduction or non-prosecution agreement.
Do I need a lawyer for a federal felon-in-possession case in Prince George’s County?
Yes, federal charges carry severe consequences and require an attorney experienced in federal court in Maryland. Without legal representation, you risk making critical mistakes at the detention hearing, during plea negotiations, or at sentencing. The firm’s team has handled federal matters in Greenbelt and can guide you through each step.
Related Practice Areas and Locations:
For a consultation with Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, call (888) 437-7747. The firm’s Rockville location in Maryland serves clients throughout Prince George’s County and across the state. Appointments are by appointment only.
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