Treason lawyer Carroll County, MD

Federal treason charges are among the most serious accusations the government can bring. Under 18 U.S.C. § 2381, a person who levies war against the United States or adheres to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort, faces severe penalties—including a maximum punishment of death. The U.S. Constitution requires the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or a confession in open court, for a conviction. When the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland initiates a treason investigation, the full weight of federal investigative resources—including the FBI, Justice Department counterintelligence sections, and other agencies—may be brought to bear. For an individual in Westminster, Sykesville, Eldersburg, or any community in Carroll County, responding effectively requires immediate engagement with experienced federal defense counsel. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., leads the firm’s federal criminal practice. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys add substantial experience in complex federal matters. To discuss a treason investigation or charge, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

What Treason Means in Carroll County

Treason is a federal offense prosecuted exclusively in U.S. District Court. For Carroll County residents, any federal criminal case—including treason—would proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, either at the Baltimore Division (101 W Lombard St, Baltimore) or the Greenbelt Division (6500 Cherrywood Ln, Greenbelt). The U.S. Attorney’s Office brings charges after a grand jury indictment. Federal sentencing guidelines, which operate on an advisory basis, heavily influence any potential sentence. Because treason is a capital-eligible offense, the procedural path differs markedly from other federal crimes: special rules govern the indictment, the government must meet the two-witness requirement, and the case may be handled by the Justice Department’s National Security Division in coordination with the local U.S. Attorney.

Carroll County is within the court’s vicinage, and anyone charged in a federal case will appear before a magistrate judge for initial proceedings, then before a district judge. While the court is not physically located in Carroll County, defense counsel regularly travel to Baltimore or Greenbelt for appearances. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with these venues and the practices of the district. Early involvement of counsel—even during investigation—can materially shape the direction of the case, including whether charges are filed at all.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Treason Cases

Federal treason defense is multi-faceted. The firm’s approach begins with an immediate assessment of the government’s evidence, focusing on the constitutional two-witness requirement, the scope of any alleged overt act, and whether the conduct meets the statutory definition of levying war or adhering to enemies with aid and comfort. Mr. Sris works with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys to challenge the sufficiency of the indictment and to examine whether any statements were obtained in violation of the Fifth or Sixth Amendments. Discovery in federal cases is governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, including the government’s disclosure obligations under Rule 16, Brady, Giglio, and the Jencks Act. The defense also evaluates whether classified information procedures apply under the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA), which can significantly impact case strategy.

Because treason can involve national security implications, the firm engages with prosecutors and, if necessary, the court to protect the client’s rights while navigating sensitive information. Sentencing exposure under the advisory guidelines depends on offense-level calculations, potential adjustments, and the judge’s consideration of the factors in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). In capital-eligible cases, separate penalty-phase proceedings and heightened procedural safeguards apply. The goal is always to work toward the most favorable resolution possible—whether that is dismissal of charges, a plea to a lesser offense, or a full defense at trial. Results may vary.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced federal criminal defense since founding the firm in 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. As a former prosecutor, he brings insight into how the government builds and presents its case. 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 matters investigated by federal agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and IRS Criminal Investigation.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute additional experience in federal criminal defense. Collectively, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to complex federal matters. The team includes attorneys with backgrounds in prosecution and trial advocacy. All work from the firm’s Maryland location, with meetings by appointment at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between state and federal treason charges?

Treason is exclusively a federal crime; no state can charge treason against the United States. Some states have their own treason statutes addressing levying war against the state itself, but a charge of levying war against the United States or adhering to its enemies is prosecuted in U.S. District Court. Federal charges carry the possibility of punishment under the federal sentencing guidelines and, in the case of treason, the maximum penalty is death. Federal cases are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys with significant investigative resources, and there is no parole in the federal system. For anyone facing a federal treason investigation in Carroll County, immediate engagement with an experienced federal defense attorney is critical.

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

Federal criminal cases in Maryland are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Unlike Maryland state courts, where the District Attorney or State’s Attorney prosecutes, federal prosecutors bring charges after grand jury indictment. The rules of procedure, evidence, and sentencing differ substantially. There is no parole in the federal system, and mandatory minimum sentences apply to many offenses. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced in federal district court practice, including cases in the Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions that handle Carroll County matters. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How do federal sentencing guidelines apply to a treason charge?

Treason is a capital offense with a statutory maximum of death; if not capitally prosecuted, a conviction results in at least five years’ imprisonment and a fine under 18 U.S.C. § 2381. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines provide an advisory sentencing range calculated from the offense level and criminal history category. For treason, the offense level is extremely high, and the guidelines often recommend life imprisonment. The judge must consider the advisory range along with the factors in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). Downward departures are rare in national security cases, but arguments based on acceptance of responsibility, cooperation, or substantial assistance to the government may reduce exposure. Because no parole exists, any sentence has lifelong consequences. To discuss potential exposure, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer if I am approached by the FBI about treason?

Yes—you should immediately retain experienced federal defense counsel before providing any statement to law enforcement. Federal agents often begin investigations with interviews long before an arrest. Anything you say can be used against you. An attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf, protect your rights, and begin assessing the strength of the government’s case. In Carroll County, the FBI and other federal agencies may conduct interviews at your home or workplace. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys provide representation from the earliest stage. Early legal guidance can make a significant difference in whether charges are filed. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What constitutional protections apply in a treason case?

The Constitution imposes special evidentiary requirements for treason: conviction requires the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or a confession in open court. Article III, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution defines treason narrowly and provides these heightened protections. Additionally, all standard constitutional rights apply—the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the right to a fair trial by jury. In cases involving classified information, the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA) governs how sensitive material is handled, which can affect the defense’s ability to present evidence. An attorney experienced in federal constitutional litigation is essential. For guidance, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Primary Legal Resources:
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland |
18 U.S.C. § 2381 – Treason |
U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. Engagement of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Requires a signed engagement agreement.