Felon in Possession lawyer Queen Anne’s County, MD

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

A federal felon‑in‑possession charge can carry life‑altering consequences. These cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and are heard in the U.S. District Court in Baltimore or Greenbelt. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals in Queen Anne’s County and across the Eastern Shore who are facing federal firearms charges. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have substantial experience navigating the federal criminal system, from early intervention through trial and sentencing. If you are under investigation or have been indicted, a promptly arranged consultation can help you understand what lies ahead and the defense options available in your situation. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.

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What Federal Felon in Possession Means in Queen Anne’s County

A federal felon‑in‑possession charge arises under 18 U.S.C. § 922. It is illegal for a person convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison to possess a firearm or ammunition. Because the offense is federal, it is investigated by agencies such as the FBI, ATF, and DEA, and is prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Queen Anne’s County matters fall within this district, with proceedings held at the courthouses in Baltimore or Greenbelt. The U.S. Attorney’s Office typically presents the case to a federal grand jury, which may return an indictment.

Federal cases move under the Speedy Trial Act and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. After an initial appearance before a magistrate judge, detention and bond issues are addressed. Discovery and motions follow, and counsel may negotiate with the government or prepare for trial. If convicted, sentencing is governed by the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Federal sentences are served in the Bureau of Prisons, and there is no parole; supervised release may follow incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves the communities of Centreville, Queenstown, Grasonville, Stevensville, Chester, and Church Hill out of its Rockville location. The firm’s attorneys are familiar with the practices of the District of Maryland and the expectations of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the federal bench.

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

Representation often begins before an indictment is returned. If you receive a target letter, a subpoena, or a visit from federal agents, having counsel in place can influence whether charges are filed and what conditions of release may be set. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine the government’s evidence for weaknesses, including whether the search that uncovered the firearm complied with the Fourth Amendment, whether the item meets the statutory definition of a firearm, and whether the predicate felony conviction triggers the prohibition under § 922(g).

In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, counsel files appropriate pretrial motions, engages in discovery, and evaluates any plea offer against the likely sentencing exposure. The firm’s attorneys have experience with the Sentencing Guidelines applicable to firearms offenses and can present mitigating factors to the court. If trial is in the client’s best interest, the firm prepares thoroughly, knowing that the government bears the burden of proving every element beyond a reasonable doubt. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to protect the client’s rights while pursuing a resolution that minimizes the long‑term impact of the charges.

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 who has practiced since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His experience includes representing clients in federal criminal matters across multiple jurisdictions.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring a breadth of practical insight. Among them are a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney and a former Virginia State Trooper, each contributing a thorough understanding of how law enforcement and prosecution build their cases. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case results across multiple practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is felon in possession under federal law?

A felon in possession charge makes it a federal crime for anyone convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in prison to possess a firearm or ammunition. The statute, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), applies regardless of whether the predicate felony was state or federal. The government must prove the defendant knew he or she possessed the item, that the item was a firearm, and that the defendant had the prior conviction. Because federal authorities often investigate these offenses, a case can arise even from a routine traffic stop if a firearm is discovered.

What are the penalties for a felon in possession conviction in Maryland?

A person convicted of federal felon in possession faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, though the actual penalty depends on the Sentencing Guidelines and any mandatory minimums. The court may also impose a term of supervised release and order forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition. Because there is no parole in the federal system, a defendant serves the full sentence imposed, less good‑time credit. Ancillary consequences often include a permanent felony record and restrictions on future firearm ownership. An experienced federal defense attorney can advise on how the Guidelines apply to a specific case.

How can a lawyer defend against federal felon in possession charges?

Defense strategies can include challenging the legality of the search or seizure that uncovered the firearm, disputing whether the item qualifies as a firearm under federal law, and attacking the validity of the predicate felony conviction. In some cases, counsel may argue that the defendant did not knowingly possess the firearm or that the government cannot prove the nexus to interstate commerce as required by § 922(g). Negotiations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office may lead to a plea to a lesser charge or a favorable sentencing recommendation. Early representation is critical to preserve these options.

What should I do if I am being investigated for felon in possession in Queen Anne’s County?

If federal agents contact you or you receive a target letter, do not answer questions without an attorney present. Politely state that you wish to remain silent and ask to speak with a lawyer. Even casual statements can be used against you in a grand jury proceeding or at trial. Promptly retaining experienced counsel allows your attorney to contact the investigating authorities, preserve evidence, and work to prevent charges from being filed. Early intervention often makes a meaningful difference in the course of a federal case.

Do I need a lawyer for a federal felon in possession case?

Yes, because federal criminal cases involve complex procedures and high stakes, including the prospect of significant prison time and a lasting felony record. Federal prosecutors have extensive resources, and the Sentencing Guidelines impose a structured framework that can be difficult to navigate without knowledgeable counsel. An attorney can evaluate the strength of the government’s evidence, negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and present a compelling case at sentencing. Defending yourself or relying on a lawyer without federal experience can put your future at unnecessary risk.

How long does a federal criminal case take in Queen Anne’s County?

The timeline varies considerably; straightforward felon‑in‑possession cases may resolve in a few months, while those involving contested motions or trial can take over a year. The Speedy Trial Act imposes deadlines, but many factors affect the pace, including the volume of discovery, the number of co‑defendants, and the court’s docket. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys keep clients informed at each stage and work to move the matter efficiently while preserving all available options. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

For readers in nearby counties, the firm also makes its federal defense experience available in:

Primary‑source information about the federal court system and the applicable statute can be found at these official sites:

Last reviewed: July 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Results may vary.

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