Possession or Use of a Machine Gun lawyer Prince George’s County, MD
It begins with a knock at the door before dawn. ATF agents, often accompanied by local law enforcement, execute a federal search warrant at your home in Bowie, Upper Marlboro, or Laurel. They find a firearm. The government alleges it is a machine gun, or that you used or carried one during a drug transaction or violent encounter. Within hours, you are facing federal charges in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, sitting in a Greenbelt or Baltimore courtroom. The stakes are staggering: federal prison, no parole, and decades of your life at risk. In that moment, the most important step you can take is to secure an experienced federal defense attorney who understands the machinery of a machine-gun prosecution and who will fight for your rights from the very first appearance. Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to speak with a member of our firm—day or night. We serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, Maryland, including College Park, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Largo, Fort Washington, and the surrounding communities. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Understanding Federal Machine Gun Charges in Prince George’s County
Federal machine gun offenses are among the most actively prosecuted firearms violations. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland—through its Greenbelt Division—routinely charges individuals accused of possessing, using, or carrying a machine gun in connection with a drug trafficking crime or a crime of violence. These cases often arise from investigations by the ATF, FBI, or DEA, and they carry mandatory minimum sentences that can strip a defendant of decades of freedom.
In Prince George’s County, the federal courthouse in Greenbelt is the venue where these charges are litigated. Judges and prosecutors at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland apply the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and, where applicable, mandatory minimums dictated by statute. There is no parole in the federal system, and supervised release follows any prison term. Because machine gun prosecutions often involve complex technical issues—such as whether the firearm actually qualifies as a “machine gun” under the National Firearms Act—defense counsel must be prepared to challenge forensic reports, testimony from ATF firearms examiners, and the constitutionality of the government’s search and seizure.
How We Defend Federal Machine Gun Cases
At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys approach every federal machine gun case with a strategy built on careful investigation and active motion practice. We understand that the government’s case often hinges on the classification of the firearm and the legality of the search that uncovered it.
We thoroughly examine the search warrant affidavit for probable cause, scrutinize the chain of custody of the alleged machine gun, and consult with independent firearms attorneys to determine whether the weapon truly meets the statutory definition. In many instances, an item that law enforcement calls a “machine gun” may be a semi‑automatic firearm that was never capable of fully automatic fire. We also explore whether any statements made by the accused were obtained in violation of Miranda or the Fifth Amendment. If the evidence was obtained unlawfully, we file motions to suppress, which can lead to the exclusion of the government’s most critical proof and, often, a dismissal or substantial reduction of the charges.
When trial is the appropriate path, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys draw on decades of trial experience in federal court. We present our own attorneys, cross‑examine the government’s witnesses, and work to create reasonable doubt on every element. In cases where the evidence is overwhelming, we negotiate forcefully with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to obtain the most favorable plea agreement possible, arguing for downward departures, safety‑valve relief where applicable, and sentencing variances based on the individual circumstances of our client.
What to Expect in a Federal Machine Gun Prosecution
If you are under investigation or have been arrested for a machine gun offense that will be prosecuted in the District of Maryland, you can typically expect the following sequence:
An initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Greenbelt or Baltimore, where you are advised of the charges and the government may seek detention. Within a short period, a preliminary hearing is held unless the government obtains a grand jury indictment, which supersedes that hearing. At arraignment, you enter a plea of not guilty, and the court sets a schedule for discovery, motions, and trial. Discovery in federal machine gun cases often includes forensic reports, ATF trace data, lab analyses, and voluminous recordings.
Throughout the pretrial phase, your attorney will file appropriate motions—to suppress evidence, to compel discovery, or to dismiss on legal grounds. Plea negotiations may occur at any point, and many federal machine gun cases resolve short of trial. If the case proceeds to trial, it will be heard before a U.S. District Judge and a jury drawn from the Maryland community. Sentencing, if you are convicted or plead guilty, is governed by the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines, but statutory mandatory minimums often control the final sentence. The judge will consider factors such as the nature of the offense, your acceptance of responsibility, and your criminal history.
Penalties for Federal Machine Gun Offenses
Federal law imposes severe penalties for the possession, use, or carrying of a machine gun. When a machine gun is possessed unlawfully—such as an unregistered firearm or a firearm that was not lawfully manufactured—the sentencing exposure can include a lengthy prison term and significant fines. If a machine gun is used or carried during a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime, mandatory minimum sentences apply. These mandatory terms run consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the underlying offense, meaning a defendant can face decades of imprisonment with no possibility of parole.
In addition to incarceration, a conviction can result in a lifetime prohibition on possessing firearms, forfeiture of assets, and a federal felony record that affects employment, housing, and civil rights. Because the guidelines and statutory penalties are severe, an experienced defense attorney will explore every available avenue to challenge the government’s case and mitigate the punishment. Every case is different, and the outcome depends on the specific facts and the quality of the defense. Results may vary.
Why Choose Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has been practicing since 1997. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, is a former prosecutor who understands how federal firearms investigations are built—and where they can be attacked. His background provides him with insight into the government’s charging decisions and trial tactics. Mr. Sris has handled complex federal criminal matters across multiple jurisdictions and is admitted in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive trial experience and, where applicable, former law enforcement or prosecutorial backgrounds. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have the combined legal knowledge to thoroughly investigate the government’s evidence, challenge forensic conclusions, and advocate forcefully at every stage of a federal machine gun prosecution. Our firm’s Rockville location—conveniently accessible from Prince George’s County via the Capital Beltway and local highways—allows us to meet with clients and appear regularly in the Greenbelt federal courthouse. We are ready to answer your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a firearm a “machine gun” under federal law?
The term “machine gun” includes any weapon that shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. This definition also covers the frame or receiver of such a weapon, as well as any part or combination of parts designed to convert a semi‑automatic firearm into a fully automatic one. ATF examiners apply this standard using physical examination and test‑firing. In many cases, a firearm’s classification is a central point of dispute, and an experienced defense attorney will challenge the government’s experienced attorney analysis.
Can the police search my home for a machine gun without a warrant?
Law enforcement generally must obtain a search warrant based on probable cause before entering your home to look for a machine gun, unless a recognized exception applies. Exceptions include consent, exigent circumstances, or the plain‑view doctrine, but these are often actively litigated in federal court. If the warrant was based on false information or an insufficient showing of probable cause, your attorney can move to suppress any evidence seized. Challenging the search is one of the most powerful defensive strategies in a machine gun case.
What mandatory minimum sentences apply to using a machine gun during a crime?
Federal law imposes mandatory minimum prison terms for using, carrying, or possessing a machine gun during a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. These mandatory sentences must run consecutively to any other sentence and can extend to decades. Because the length of the mandatory minimum depends on how the firearm was used—for example, whether it was brandished or discharged—the specific facts of the case are critical. An experienced attorney will work to challenge the use allegation or negotiate an outcome that avoids the harshest mandatory floor.
How long does a federal machine gun case take in Maryland?
A federal machine gun case in Maryland typically takes several months to over a year from indictment to resolution, depending on its complexity and whether it goes to trial. The Speedy Trial Act sets statutory time limits, but pretrial motions, discovery disputes, and expert evaluations can extend the timeline. Cases that involve extensive forensic analysis or co‑defendants often take longer. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to move cases efficiently while preparing every possible defense.
Do I need a lawyer if I’m only being investigated and haven’t been charged?
Yes, you should retain counsel immediately if you believe you are under federal investigation for a machine gun offense. Federal agents often begin building their case long before an arrest, interviewing witnesses and seeking search warrants. An attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf, protect you from making incriminating statements, and begin gathering evidence that may prevent charges from being filed. Early intervention can make a decisive difference in the outcome of a federal firearms investigation.
What should I do if I am arrested on federal machine gun charges in Prince George’s County?
If you are arrested, remain silent except to ask for an attorney, and do not discuss your case with anyone else until you have spoken with your lawyer. Federal agents may attempt to question you; you have the right to stop the interview at any time. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 as soon as possible. We can appear with you at your initial appearance, argue for your release on conditions, and begin building your defense immediately. The actions you take in the first hours after an arrest can affect the entire case—do not wait.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Related Federal Criminal Defense Pages in Maryland:
For a comprehensive statutory analysis, visit our main firm article: Federal Criminal Defense Practice on srislawyer.com.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.