Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer Rockville, MD

You are facing a federal charge in Rockville, Maryland — the government alleges you used or carried a firearm during a crime of violence. The charge is brought under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), a statute that carries mandatory consecutive prison time with no possibility of parole. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland prosecutes these cases actively, often in tandem with underlying felony charges. You need experienced federal criminal defense counsel who understands the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and the local practices of the Greenbelt courthouse. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., practicing since 1997, represents clients in Rockville and throughout Montgomery County. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys defend individuals against federal firearm charges. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. The firm has documented case results across many practice areas; Results may vary. and prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What a Federal Use‑of‑a‑Firearm Charge Means in Rockville, Maryland

A federal charge for using a firearm during a crime of violence is not a stand‑alone state weapons offense. It is a separate federal count that enhances any underlying violent felony or drug trafficking crime. In Rockville, federal cases are heard in the Southern Division of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, located in Greenbelt. The government typically relies on investigations by the FBI, ATF, or DEA, and the prosecution is handled by experienced Assistant U.S. Attorneys. The federal system does not have parole, and sentences for § 924(c) convictions must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment — a person convicted of bank robbery who also brandished a firearm faces the robbery sentence plus a mandatory minimum firearms term stacked on top.

Because the Federal Sentencing Guidelines are advisory and mandatory minimum statutes override lower guideline ranges, mounting a defense early is critical. The Speedy Trial Act governs the pace of the prosecution, but the timeline varies by case complexity and court scheduling. The firm’s attorneys appear in the Greenbelt courthouse and are familiar with the pretrial detention practices, magistrate proceedings, and motion practice unique to the District of Maryland. The consequences of a conviction extend far beyond imprisonment: supervised release, fines, asset forfeiture, and a lifetime federal felony record all follow.

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

When a client faces a § 924(c) charge, the firm’s approach begins with an immediate case assessment. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review the indictment, discovery, and the investigative record — including search‑warrant affidavits, witness statements, and forensic reports — to identify procedural or factual weaknesses. If law enforcement violated the Fourth or Fifth Amendment, the firm moves to suppress evidence. The goal is to weaken the government’s proof at the earliest possible stage.

Throughout the case, the firm engages with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Where a trial is not in the client’s best interest, the attorneys negotiate to seek dismissal of the firearm count or to secure a plea to a lesser charge that avoids the mandatory minimum. If the matter proceeds to sentencing, the firm presents comprehensive mitigation — highlighting the client’s background, acceptance of responsibility, and any cooperation that may warrant a downward departure or reduction under USSG § 5K1.1. Every step, from detention hearing through sentencing, is handled with attention to the federal procedural rules that differ markedly from Maryland state court.

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 established the firm in 1997. He is admitted in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. 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 extensive combined legal experience to federal criminal defense. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A charge under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) makes it a separate federal crime to use, carry, or possess a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or a drug trafficking offense. The firearm count is added to any underlying felony and must be sentenced consecutively — meaning the prison time stacks on top of, not concurrent with, the base offense. A crime of violence is defined as a felony that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against another person or property. The government must prove that the firearm played some role in the crime, but the burden is heavily fact‑driven. An experienced federal defense lawyer examines whether the underlying offense even qualifies as a crime of violence under current Supreme Court precedent.

What are the potential penalties for a § 924(c) conviction in Maryland?

Penalties include mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment that increase if the firearm was brandished or discharged, and a conviction results in no eligibility for federal parole. The exact sentence depends on the specific subsection charged, whether it is a first or subsequent conviction, and the length of any underlying sentence. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines provide a points‑based advisory range, but the statutory mandatory minimum often drives the actual sentence. A knowledgeable federal criminal attorney can evaluate whether the charging document properly invokes the mandatory minimum and whether any statutory exceptions or constitutional challenges apply.

How does a federal firearm case proceed in the District of Maryland?

After an investigation by a federal agency and an indictment by a federal grand jury, the defendant is brought before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Greenbelt for an initial appearance and detention hearing. The magistrate decides whether the defendant remains detained pending trial or is released with conditions. The case is then assigned to a U.S. District Judge. Pretrial motions, including any motion to suppress, are filed under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Plea negotiations may occur at any stage, and if no agreement is reached, the matter proceeds to a jury trial. Sentencing follows a presentence investigation report and a hearing where both sides present argument on the advisory guideline range.

Do I need a lawyer for a federal firearm charge in Rockville?

Yes, you need a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately upon learning of a charge or investigation. Federal firearm charges under § 924(c) carry mandatory consecutive prison terms and are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with substantial resources. A lawyer can assess the strength of the government’s case, identify constitutional violations, and work to avoid or reduce the mandatory minimum. Early representation — before indictment if possible — often materially influences the outcome. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultations by appointment. Call (888) 437‑7747.

What should I do if I am under investigation for a firearm offense?

Do not speak with federal agents without an attorney present, and do not consent to any search. Preserve any documents, recordings, or communications that may be relevant. Contact an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer who practices in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The firm’s attorneys can advise you on how to respond to grand‑jury subpoenas, search warrants, or target letters. Prompt action is important because early counsel can sometimes persuade prosecutors not to bring charges or to bring lesser charges.

How do I find a federal criminal lawyer in Rockville, MD?

Look for a firm that has substantial experience in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, understands the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and employs attorneys with a background in federal criminal practice. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have represented clients in Rockville and Montgomery County since 1997. To discuss your situation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 for a consultation.

Relevant practice areas: Federal Criminal Lawyer Montgomery County | Federal Criminal Lawyer Prince George’s County | Federal Criminal Lawyer Howard County

Official sources: U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland — U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

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.