Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer Anne Arundel County, MD

A federal charge for using or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence or a drug trafficking offense under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) brings the full weight of the United States Department of Justice into an individual’s life. In Anne Arundel County, these cases are not prosecuted by the local State’s Attorney; they are filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office handling the prosecution. The stakes are high: a conviction under § 924(c) carries a mandatory prison term that must run consecutively to any sentence for the underlying offense, and there is no parole in the federal system. An accusation alone can lead to pretrial detention and a cascade of collateral consequences. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s experienced Of Counsel attorneys concentrate on defending individuals facing federal firearm charges in Maryland. From the initial investigation through arraignment, pretrial motions, and trial, the team works to protect the rights of the accused. To discuss your situation with counsel, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Means in Anne Arundel County

Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) makes it a separate federal offense to use, carry, or possess a firearm during and in relation to any crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. This charge may be brought in addition to the underlying criminal count, and any sentence under § 924(c) must be consecutive—meaning a defendant’s prison term grows with each 924(c) count, even for a first conviction. The statute applies broadly, covering a wide range of federal offenses prosecuted in the District of Maryland, including narcotics conspiracy, Hobbs Act robbery, carjacking, and certain fraud-related crimes that involve force or threats.

Although Anne Arundel County itself has its own District and Circuit Courts for state-level matters, any charge under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) is a federal offense and is therefore handled in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The District of Maryland has two main courthouses: the Baltimore Division at 101 W. Lombard Street and the Greenbelt Division at 6500 Cherrywood Lane. Cases arising from Anne Arundel County are typically assigned to one of these divisions. Federal investigative agencies—such as the FBI, ATF, DEA, and the U.S. Secret Service—conduct the underlying investigations, often with the assistance of local law enforcement. Understanding the procedural distinctions between state and federal court, including the different discovery rules, pretrial release standards, and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, is critical to mounting a well-prepared defense.

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

Defending a § 924(c) charge requires early and methodical preparation. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by examining the government’s evidence, including the law enforcement reports, witness statements, forensic analysis, and any surveillance or body‑worn camera footage. The prosecution must establish each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt: that the defendant committed a qualifying crime of violence or drug trafficking offense, and that the defendant knowingly used, carried, or possessed a firearm during and in relation to that crime. Challenges may arise around the constitutionality of a search or seizure, the reliability of witness identifications, or the classification of the predicate offense as a “crime of violence” under recent Supreme Court decisions.

The firm also assesses whether the government’s charging decisions expose the client to mandatory minimum sentences that may be disproportionate to the conduct alleged. Negotiations with the Assistant U.S. Attorney, where appropriate, can seek a reduction or dismissal of the § 924(c) count, particularly if avenues such as substantial assistance or safety‑valve provisions may apply to the underlying charges. If the case proceeds to trial, the defense is prepared to challenge the government’s narrative through cross‑examination, expert testimony, and a presentation of the client’s account. Throughout the process, the team advises the client on the potential impact of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory mandatory minimum framework.

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 brings firsthand insight into how federal and state cases are built by the government. Admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, Mr. Sris has concentrated his practice on criminal defense since founding the firm in 1997. His legislative record includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Clients benefit from his experience analyzing complex statutory charges, including federal firearm offenses.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute a broad range of backgrounds—including former state prosecution experience—that strengthens the defense team. They are admitted across multiple jurisdictions and handle federal criminal cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work collaboratively on each matter, reviewing every angle of the government’s case and developing a strategy tailored to the client’s objectives. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a “crime of violence” under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)?

Under federal law, a “crime of violence” is a felony offense that either has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against another person or, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force may be used. This definition, drawn from 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(3), is frequently litigated. The Supreme Court has struck down the residual clause in some contexts, limiting the reach of the statute. Federal courts in the District of Maryland routinely apply the force clause, meaning the government must show that the predicate felony involved actual or threatened force. Common predicates include Hobbs Act robbery, carjacking, and certain drug trafficking conspiracies. The classification of an offense as a “crime of violence” can be a central issue in a § 924(c) defense.

How does a federal § 924(c) charge differ from a state gun charge in Maryland?

State gun charges in Maryland are prosecuted by a local State’s Attorney in the Circuit Court or District Court for the county where the offense occurred; a federal § 924(c) charge is prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Federal charges carry mandatory minimum consecutive sentences, while state penalties, though serious, do not follow the same stacking rule. Federal cases are investigated by agencies such as the FBI, ATF, and DEA, often with grand jury indictments, and there is no parole in the federal system. The procedural rules, discovery obligations, and sentencing guidelines are also fundamentally different. An attorney experienced in federal practice is essential to navigate these distinctions.

What should I do if I am being investigated for a federal firearm offense in Anne Arundel County?

If you are being investigated, contact a federal defense attorney immediately—do not speak with law enforcement without counsel present. Early legal guidance can protect your rights before an indictment is returned. Preserve any documents, electronic communications, or physical evidence that may be relevant, but do not destroy anything—obstruction of justice is a separate federal felony. Request that any conversations with investigators occur only when your attorney is present. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we advise individuals under investigation on how to proceed and, when appropriate, engage with federal authorities on the client’s behalf. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

How do the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines apply to a § 924(c) conviction?

A § 924(c) conviction carries a mandatory minimum prison term that is set by the statute itself and is not reduced by the advisory Guidelines range for the underlying offense. The sentence for the firearm count must be served consecutively to any other sentence. The Guidelines range for the predicate offense is calculated separately, and the court must impose the statutory minimum for the § 924(c) count on top of that. In some circumstances, cooperation with the government—known as substantial assistance—can lead to a motion for a sentence below the mandatory minimum. No parole is available in the federal system; good‑time credit is limited. Each case’s exposure depends on the specific charges, the defendant’s criminal history, and any applicable statutory enhancements.

Can a § 924(c) charge be challenged before trial?

Yes, a § 924(c) charge can be challenged through pretrial motions that seek to dismiss the count or suppress evidence on constitutional grounds. For example, a motion may argue that the predicate offense does not qualify as a “crime of violence” under binding precedent, or that the firearm was discovered through an illegal search and seizure in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Additionally, motions for a bill of particulars or to compel discovery can clarify the government’s theory and help reveal weaknesses in its case. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review each case to identify viable pretrial challenges that can narrow the charges or lead to a more favorable posture for plea negotiations or trial.

Do I need a lawyer if I have been indicted on a federal firearm charge in Maryland?

Yes—after an indictment, the stakes are high, and having experienced federal defense counsel is critical at every stage of the proceedings. An indictment means a grand jury has found probable cause, and the case will proceed in U.S. District Court. At the initial appearance and arraignment, a lawyer can argue for pretrial release or bond conditions. Throughout discovery, counsel identifies exculpatory evidence, prepares motions, and engages in plea discussions with the Assistant U.S. Attorney. If the case goes to trial, a well‑prepared defense team cross‑examines witnesses and presents a compelling case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals charged in the District of Maryland. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Additional Maryland Federal Defense Resources
Federal Criminal Lawyer Montgomery County ·
Prince George’s County ·
Howard County ·
Frederick County ·
Baltimore County

Official primary-source authority:
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland ·
U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

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