Treason lawyer Prince George’s County, MD
Treason under 18 U.S.C. § 2381 is among the most grave federal charges, carrying a possible sentence of death or imprisonment for a minimum of five years. For anyone in Prince George’s County, Maryland, who is under investigation or has been indicted for treason, the matter is prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense representation in federal criminal cases throughout the state. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have extensive experience protecting the rights of individuals facing federal accusations. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
What Treason Means in Prince George’s County
Federal treason, defined by 18 U.S.C. § 2381, occurs when a person levies war against the United States or adheres to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. The Constitution requires the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or a confession in open court, before a conviction may be entered. If convicted, a defendant faces death, or imprisonment of not less than five years, a fine of not less than $10,000, and permanent disqualification from holding any office of trust or profit under the United States. There is no parole in the federal system; any term of incarceration is followed by a period of supervised release.
In Prince George’s County, a treason prosecution moves through the Greenbelt Division of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland brings the case, and investigations are commonly conducted by the FBI or other federal agencies. Because of the severity of the charge and the constitutional overlay, pretrial litigation often focuses on the sufficiency of the two‑witness evidence, the admissibility of statements, and the scope of discovery. The federal sentencing guidelines, while advisory, significantly shape any penalty imposed. Early, informed defense counsel is critical from the moment an investigation becomes known.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Treason Cases
When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Accepts a federal treason matter, the defense begins with a thorough evaluation of the government’s evidence. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys scrutinize whether the prosecution can satisfy the demanding two‑witness rule and whether any statements obtained from the client violate constitutional protections. The firm works with investigators and forensic experts to challenge the factual basis of the charge and to identify weaknesses in the government’s case.
The defense may involve motion practice to suppress evidence, to dismiss the indictment, or to compel discovery. Where appropriate, counsel negotiates with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to pursue a resolution that avoids the extreme penalties of a trial conviction. If the case proceeds to trial, the defense team draws on its extensive federal courtroom experience to present a well‑prepared case before the jury. Every step is taken with the goal of protecting the client’s rights and pursuing the most favorable outcome possible under the law.
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 law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has guided the firm’s federal criminal defense practice for nearly three decades. 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 are experienced litigators who appear regularly in federal court. Several come from prosecutorial backgrounds and offer a practiced understanding of how the government builds its cases. The firm’s Rockville location, situated at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, and Largo. Meetings are by appointment. To discuss a treason matter, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for treason under federal law?
A conviction for treason under 18 U.S.C. § 2381 may result in a death sentence or imprisonment for not less than five years, a fine of at least $10,000, and disqualification from holding any federal office. Because there is no parole in the federal system, any prison term is served at approximately 85 percent of the sentence imposed. The statute also requires the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act or a confession in open court, a constitutional safeguard that makes these cases rare and legally complex.
What must the prosecution prove in a federal treason case?
The government must prove that the defendant levied war against the United States or gave aid and comfort to its enemies, and the Constitution demands the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act or a confession in open court. These elevated evidentiary requirements mean that a treason prosecution is exceptionally difficult to bring. Defense counsel examines whether the witnesses can meet the constitutional standard and whether any confession was obtained legally.
Which court hears treason cases in Prince George’s County?
Treason charges arising in Prince George’s County are filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, typically in the Greenbelt Division at 6500 Cherrywood Lane. The Greenbelt courthouse handles federal criminal matters for the county and the surrounding area. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland prosecutes the case, and federal magistrate judges often preside over initial appearances, bail hearings, and pretrial motions.
How long does a federal treason case take?
The timeline for a federal treason case varies considerably; the Speedy Trial Act sets statutory limits, but the complexity of the constitutional issues often extends pretrial proceedings. Some federal cases resolve within six to eighteen months, while matters involving voluminous classified evidence or multiple defendants can take two years or longer. The court’s docket and the extent of motion practice also influence the schedule.
Should I speak to law enforcement if I am being investigated for treason?
No. You have the right to remain silent and to consult with an attorney before answering any questions. Anything you say to federal agents can be used against you in court. Politely decline to speak and immediately contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. Early legal guidance helps protect your rights and ensures that you do not unintentionally provide evidence that could be used to support a charge.
How do I arrange a consultation about a treason charge in Prince George’s County?
Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 or use the firm’s contact form to request a consultation. A member of the team will listen to your circumstances and explain how the firm may be able to help. Consultations are by appointment, and phones are answered responsive. The firm’s Rockville location is conveniently accessible to clients throughout Prince George’s County.
Related Federal Criminal Defense Pages: Federal Criminal Lawyer Montgomery County, MD · Federal Criminal Lawyer Howard County, MD · Federal Criminal Lawyer Anne Arundel County, MD
Primary Sources: 18 U.S.C. § 2381 (U.S. House of Representatives) · U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
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