Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer Queen Anne’s County, MD

Federal charges for using a firearm during a crime of violence carry severe mandatory minimum prison terms, and they are prosecuted actively by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. If you are facing an allegation under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) in Queen Anne’s County—whether the underlying alleged offense occurred in Centreville, Queenstown, Stevensville, or anywhere on the Eastern Shore—you need defense counsel who understands federal sentencing guidelines and the procedures of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in federal criminal matters throughout Maryland, including Queen Anne’s County, and work to protect your rights from the initial investigation through trial and sentencing. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What a Federal Firearm Charge Means in Queen Anne’s County

A charge of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence—or possessing a firearm in furtherance of such a crime—is one of the most serious federal offenses a person can face. Because the alleged firearm offense is almost always charged alongside another federal felony, a conviction can result in a mandatory consecutive sentence that adds decades of imprisonment to whatever punishment the underlying offense carries. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland hears these cases, with proceedings typically taking place at the Baltimore or Greenbelt courthouses. Residents of Queen Anne’s County, including Centreville, Grasonville, Chester, and Church Hill, must travel across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge for court appearances, which adds a logistical burden that the firm’s attorneys account for in case preparation.

Queen Anne’s County sits on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and is served by major routes such as U.S. Route 50 and Maryland Route 213. Federal investigations in this region often involve multiple agencies—the FBI, DEA, ATF, or Homeland Security Investigations—and can span several counties. When a firearm is alleged to have been involved in a violent crime, federal prosecutors seek the highest possible penalties. The firm’s experience with federal criminal matters in Maryland means that Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with the practices of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in both the Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions and can evaluate whether the government’s evidence meets the statutory elements required under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).

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

Defending a federal charge under § 924(c) begins with a thorough review of the government’s case—how the firearm was discovered, whether law enforcement complied with constitutional standards, and whether the predicate “crime of violence” fits the statutory definition after recent Supreme Court decisions. The firm’s attorneys examine the charging documents, the criminal complaint affidavit, and the grand jury transcript to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory. Pre-trial motions may challenge the admissibility of the firearm or statements made by a defendant, while negotiation with the Assistant U.S. Attorney can explore whether a superseding indictment with a lesser included offense or a plea to the underlying crime without the firearm enhancement is achievable.

Federal sentencing for a § 924(c) conviction is governed by mandatory minimums. A first conviction carries a minimum of five years consecutive, and if the firearm was brandished or discharged, the minimum escalates significantly. There is no parole in the federal system, so every year of a sentence is served with only limited good-time credit. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to challenge the firearm’s connection to the alleged crime of violence, argue for safety-valve or substantial-assistance departures where applicable, and present a comprehensive sentencing memorandum that highlights mitigating factors to the court.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997 and is a former prosecutor. He is admitted to practice in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he brings that multi-jurisdictional insight to federal criminal defense. 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 include a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts, providing firsthand knowledge of how the government constructs its cases in this state. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and serves clients from its Maryland location in Rockville. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and are prepared to guide clients through the entire federal criminal process—from the initial appearance before a magistrate judge through trial and any appeal. Because every federal case is different, the firm takes a tailored approach to each matter, drawing on the collective experience of its attorneys to address the specific facts and legal issues presented.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for using a firearm during a crime of violence in Maryland?

A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum consecutive prison sentence, starting at five years for a first offense and increasing to seven years if the firearm was brandished and ten years if it was discharged. These sentences run consecutive to any punishment for the underlying violent crime, and the federal system does not offer parole. The actual sentence depends on the specific facts and the defendant’s criminal history. Because the penalties are so severe, it is critical to have an experienced defense attorney review the government’s evidence and explore all available challenges before trial.

How does a defense attorney challenge a federal firearm charge?

A defense attorney can challenge a federal firearm charge by scrutinizing the traffic stop or search that led to the discovery of the weapon, questioning whether the predicate offense qualifies as a “crime of violence” under the statute, and filing motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence. Additionally, the attorney may negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to reduce the charges or to seek a plea agreement that avoids the mandatory minimum consecutive sentence. The strategy depends on the specific facts of the arrest and the strength of the government’s case.

What should I do if I am under investigation for a federal firearm offense in Queen Anne’s County?

If you learn that you are under federal investigation—whether through a target letter, a grand jury subpoena, or a visit from federal agents—you should contact an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer immediately and refrain from speaking with investigators without counsel present. Anything you say can be used against you, and federal agents are skilled at gathering information during voluntary interviews. Early involvement by an attorney can sometimes persuade the government not to file charges or can shape the direction of the investigation. Preserve any documents or evidence that may be relevant, but do not share them with anyone other than your attorney.

How long does a federal criminal case take in Maryland?

The timeline for a federal criminal case in Maryland varies widely depending on the complexity of the charges, the number of defendants, and whether the case goes to trial. Under the Speedy Trial Act, the government generally must bring a case to trial within seventy days of the initial appearance, but many cases are resolved through plea negotiations that extend the timeline. Complex cases involving multiple counts or co-defendants can take a year or more. Your attorney can give you a better estimate once the charges and the discovery are reviewed.

Do I need a lawyer for a federal firearm charge, or can I handle it myself?

Federal firearm charges carry life-altering consequences, and the federal conviction rate exceeds ninety percent in contested cases; proceeding without an experienced attorney is extremely risky. Federal criminal procedure is governed by complex rules of evidence and sentencing guidelines, and prosecutors have extensive resources. An attorney can identify legal defenses that a layperson would not recognize, negotiate with the government, and ensure that your rights are protected at every stage. The decision to hire counsel is one of the most important choices you will make.

Which court handles federal firearm cases for Queen Anne’s County?

Federal firearm cases arising in Queen Anne’s County are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, typically in the Baltimore Division. Initial appearances and detention hearings may take place before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, and trials are held before a U.S. District Judge. While the courthouse is across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the firm’s attorneys appear there regularly and can assist clients with the travel and scheduling requirements that federal cases demand.

Can a federal firearm charge be dropped or dismissed?

A federal firearm charge can be dismissed if the government’s evidence is legally insufficient, if the indictment is defective, or if a motion to suppress results in the exclusion of the key evidence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office may also voluntarily dismiss a charge as part of a plea agreement or if continuing prosecution is not in the interest of justice. Each case is unique, and the likelihood of a dismissal depends on the specific facts and the quality of the defense investigation. Working with an attorney early in the process provides the trusted opportunity to identify grounds for dismissal.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Maryland Federal Criminal Defense Resources

Information about the federal court process can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland at www.mdd.uscourts.gov. The text of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) and related sentencing provisions is available through the Legal Information Institute at www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/924. For information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md.

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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.