Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer Baltimore County, MD

You were driving on I-695 near Towson when federal agents pulled you over. Now you’re facing a federal indictment for using a firearm during a crime of violence in Baltimore County. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is prosecuting. The stakes are high: federal mandatory minimums, consecutive sentences, and no parole. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have the experience to help. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Defense Strategies for Federal Firearm Charges in Baltimore County

A federal use‑of‑a‑firearm charge under 18 U.S.C. Often demands a multi‑pronged defense. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by examining the lawfulness of the stop, the search, and the chain of custody. They scrutinize whether the government can prove the underlying crime of violence and the nexus to interstate commerce. Even when the evidence appears strong, effective counsel negotiates with federal prosecutors to seek a favorable plea or, where appropriate, prepares for trial. The firm’s approach is tailored to the unique facts of each case and the local practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Every defense is built on a thorough investigation and a clear understanding of the federal sentencing guidelines as applied in the Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions.

For clients facing a 924(c) charge in Baltimore County, time matters. The firm engages early to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and challenge the government’s case at the pretrial stage. Mr. Sris draws on his background as a former prosecutor to anticipate the U.S. Attorney’s strategy. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, including those with prior prosecutorial experience in Maryland state courts, add valuable insight into how the case may unfold. Whether the charge involves an alleged armed robbery, a drug trafficking crime, or another offense, the team works to protect the client’s rights at every stage.

What to Expect in Federal Court in Baltimore County

Initial appearance and arraignment. A person charged with a federal firearms offense is typically brought before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the federal courthouse in Baltimore. The judge will advise you of the charges, determine whether you will be detained pending trial, and schedule further proceedings. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can represent you at this critical first appearance and argue for release conditions that allow you to continue working and supporting your family.

Pretrial motions and discovery. Federal discovery rules are different from state court. The government must turn over evidence, including witness statements, forensic reports, and any exculpatory material. The defense may file motions to suppress evidence obtained through an illegal search or to dismiss charges based on jurisdictional defects. At the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, pretrial practice is governed by local rules that the firm’s attorneys know well.

Trial or plea. Federal trials are complex. Juries are selected from a wide geographic area, and the government will present witnesses, physical evidence, and often expert testimony. The defense may present its own witnesses and challenge the government’s proof. Alternatively, the defense may negotiate a plea agreement that reduces exposure. Whatever path the case takes, the client receives candid guidance about the likely sentencing range and the risks of going to trial.

Sentencing. If convicted, a defendant faces a sentencing hearing before a U.S. District Judge. The court calculates the advisory guideline range and considers statutory mandatory minimums. Because a 924(c) conviction carries mandatory consecutive time, the total sentence can be severe. The defense can present mitigating evidence and argue for a sentence at the low end of the range. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare thoroughly for sentencing, often working with family members, employers, and treatment providers to present a complete picture of the defendant’s life.

Penalties for Using a Firearm in a Crime of Violence

Federal law punishes the use, carrying, or possession of a firearm during a crime of violence with mandatory imprisonment. The penalty is served consecutively to any sentence for the underlying offense, and there is no parole in the federal system. A conviction also exposes you to supervised release, fines, restitution, and asset forfeiture. The exact sentence depends on the specific subsection charged, the defendant’s criminal history, and any applicable sentencing enhancements. Because the consequences are so serious, anyone facing such a charge needs experienced federal defense counsel. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to seek a favorable outcome through negotiation, motion practice, and trial when necessary. Results may vary.

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

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who brings firsthand insight into how the government builds its cases. He is admitted to practice in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris takes a hands‑on approach to every federal criminal defense matter; he works closely with the client and with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys to develop a coordinated defense.

The firm’s Of Counsel team includes litigators who have served as former prosecutors in Maryland state courts. Their prosecutorial experience and deep familiarity with Maryland’s court system add a strategic dimension to the defense. Together, Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel attorneys provide extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal charge for using a firearm in a crime of violence?

A federal firearms charge under 18 U.S.C. Makes it a separate crime to use, carry, or possess a firearm during any crime of violence or drug trafficking offense. The charge is often brought alongside the underlying offense, and it carries a mandatory consecutive prison term. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland prosecutes these cases in the federal courthouse in Baltimore. Because federal law does not permit parole, a person convicted of this offense will serve the full mandatory sentence imposed. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can explain the specific allegations in your case and help you understand your options.

How does a federal firearms charge differ from a state gun charge in Baltimore County?

Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney, not by the Baltimore County State’s Attorney, and are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland rather than the Baltimore County Circuit Court. Federal investigation agencies such as the FBI, ATF, or DEA typically build the case using grand jury subpoenas and extensive surveillance. The penalties are far more severe: federal sentencing guidelines apply, mandatory minimums often attach, and parole has been abolished. State court experience does not directly translate to federal practice; if you are facing federal firearm charges in Baltimore County, you need an attorney who regularly appears in federal court.

What defense strategies can be used against a 924(c) charge?

Common defenses include challenging the constitutionality of the search or seizure, contesting whether the underlying offense qualifies as a “crime of violence,” and raising factual disputes about whether you actually used or carried the firearm. In some cases, the government may overcharge; a thorough review of the evidence can lead to dismissal of the 924(c) count or a reduction to a lesser offense. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate every avenue of defense, from motion practice to plea negotiations, tailoring the strategy to the specific facts of your case and the temperament of the assigned Assistant U.S. Attorney.

Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation for a federal firearms offense?

Yes. Federal investigations move quickly, and statements you make to agents can be used against you in court. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Engaging counsel early—before you are arrested or indicted—can significantly affect the outcome. An experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can communicate with investigators on your behalf, preserve evidence, and begin building a defense. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are available during business hours; contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 as soon as you become aware of an investigation.

How does a federal sentencing hearing work in Baltimore?

A federal sentencing hearing at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland is conducted by a U.S. District Judge following a presentence investigation report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. The judge calculates the advisory guideline range, considers any mandatory minimum sentences, and reviews information about the defendant’s background and the nature of the offense. Both the government and the defense have an opportunity to argue for a specific sentence. The defense may present mitigating evidence, including letters of support, employment history, and medical or mental health records. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare thoroughly for sentencing to present the strong case for leniency.

What should I do immediately after being charged?

First, remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone else—including family—until you have consulted counsel. Preserve any documents, messages, or other evidence that may be relevant to your defense. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. The attorney will review the charges, explain the potential penalties, and outline a path forward. Prompt action is essential because evidence can disappear, and the government is already building its case.

Nearby Federal Criminal Defense Resources: Federal Criminal Lawyer Montgomery County | Federal Criminal Lawyer Prince George’s County | Federal Criminal Lawyer Howard County

Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland Location
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only. Phones answered during business hours.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.