Treason lawyer Howard County, MD

Treason is among the most serious charges in federal criminal law. Under 18 U.S.C. § 2381, levying war against the United States or adhering to its enemies is a federal crime with severe consequences, including the possibility of the death penalty. If you are facing such allegations in Howard County, Maryland, you need experienced legal representation from a federal criminal defense attorney familiar with the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., with a Rockville location serving Howard County, provides defense in federal treason matters. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor and founder of the firm, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to federal defense. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Federal Treason Defense Means in Howard County

Treason is defined by the U.S. Constitution and by federal statute as levying war against the United States or adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. A conviction requires the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or a confession in open court. Because few prosecutions for treason have been brought historically, each case presents unique legal and factual questions that demand careful analysis.

In Howard County, a federal treason charge would proceed through the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which has divisional courthouses in Baltimore and Greenbelt. The Baltimore division, roughly 20 minutes from Ellicott City, is the more common venue for Howard County‑connected federal matters. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland prosecutes the case; investigative agencies such as the FBI normally lead the underlying investigation. Unlike state court, the federal system operates without parole, and sentencing is guided by the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. An attorney who understands this distinct procedural framework is essential.

The firm’s Rockville location regularly serves clients from Howard County communities, including Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, and Savage. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and have experience with the pretrial, trial, and sentencing phases that govern federal criminal cases in this jurisdiction.

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

A federal treason investigation often begins with intelligence gathering by federal law enforcement—the FBI, the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, or counterintelligence units. Early engagement with defense counsel can influence whether charges are brought, what those charges are, and whether pretrial release is available. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to engage with investigators and prosecutors as early as possible, protecting a client’s Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights throughout the process.

If an indictment is returned, the case moves through the typical stages of a federal felony: initial appearance and arraignment in the U.S. District Court, detention hearings, pretrial motions, discovery (including classified information procedures if national-security material is involved), plea negotiations or trial, and sentencing. Federal treason trials are rare, so a defense must be built from the ground up, evaluating the sufficiency of the two‑witness requirement, scrutinizing the government’s evidence, and exploring all constitutional and statutory defenses. The firm’s attorneys work to challenge the prosecution’s case at every stage and to present mitigation that may affect a potential sentencing determination.

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

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he has practiced federal criminal defense since the firm’s founding in 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and has handled a wide range of federal matters across those jurisdictions. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional courtroom experience, including backgrounds that inform a thorough, well‑prepared defense. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys provide extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

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

Practicing since 1997

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between state and federal charges?

Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in federal court and generally carry harsher penalties than state charges, with no possibility of parole. In Maryland, state crimes are handled in the District or Circuit Courts, while federal crimes proceed under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Federal cases often involve investigative agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or IRS‑CI. If you face a federal charge in Howard County, you need an attorney experienced in federal criminal procedure. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

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

Federal criminal cases in Maryland are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and are governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which do not allow parole. The federal system moves at a different pace than Maryland’s state courts, often with longer investigative periods before an indictment. Grand jury proceedings are standard. The penalties can be severe, and mandatory minimums apply in many drug, firearm, and fraud cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense—call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.

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

Federal sentencing at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines—a points‑based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), the guidelines strongly influence the sentence. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many offenses. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety‑valve eligibility can materially reduce exposure. The court will consider the guidelines, the parties’ arguments, and the factors in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) before imposing sentence. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

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

Yes, immediately. Federal cases in the District of Maryland are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with federal investigative resources and carry federal sentencing guidelines that often include mandatory minimums. State‑court experience does not translate directly to federal practice—the rules, pretrial detention standards, and sentencing procedures are distinct. Early engagement before indictment can meaningfully affect the outcome. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides representation in federal criminal matters—call (888) 437‑7747, by appointment only.

What is the penalty for treason under federal law?

Under 18 U.S.C. § 2381, a person convicted of treason may be sentenced to death, or to imprisonment for not less than five years and a fine. The Constitution requires the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or a confession in open court, to support a conviction. Because the federal system does not permit parole, any term of imprisonment imposed is served for a substantial period. The sentencing judge retains discretion within the statutory range after considering the guidelines and other factors. Results may vary.

What should I do if I am under investigation for a federal crime in Howard County?

If you learn that you are under investigation for any federal crime, contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the matter with anyone else. Federal investigations can last months before charges are filed, and anything you say to agents can be used against you. Preserve all relevant documents but do not destroy anything. An attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf, help you understand the scope of the investigation, and begin preparing a defense. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437‑7747.

Official Primary Sources:
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland |
U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

Last reviewed: July 2026

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.