Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer Maryland, MD
Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)—using or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence—are prosecuted actively in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, with cases venued in Baltimore and Greenbelt. A conviction carries severe mandatory minimum prison terms that run consecutively to any sentence for the underlying offense, and there is no parole in the federal system. From the moment of a federal indictment, every procedural step—grand jury proceedings, detention hearings, pretrial motions, and sentencing under the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines—requires thorough preparation. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring multi-state experience and a former prosecutor’s insight to representing individuals facing § 924(c) charges. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Means in Maryland
Section 924(c) of Title 18 criminalizes the use, carrying, or possession of a firearm during and in relation to a “crime of violence” or a drug trafficking crime. The charge is a standalone federal felony that is almost always brought alongside an underlying offense such as robbery, assault, extortion, or a drug conspiracy. Federal prosecutors in the District of Maryland—through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland—routinely file these charges when a firearm was allegedly involved in the predicate offense.
All § 924(c) cases are litigated in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which has two divisions serving the state: the Northern Division in Baltimore and the Southern Division in Greenbelt. Residents of Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Frederick County, and communities throughout Maryland will have their cases heard at one of these federal courthouses. The same federal procedural rules—the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Bail Reform Act, and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines—govern the case regardless of the particular division. The firm’s Maryland location in Rockville is positioned to serve individuals in all Maryland counties who face federal firearm allegations.
How the Firm’s Federal Criminal Attorneys Approach Firearm Cases
Early intervention in a § 924(c) matter is critical. The government often seeks pretrial detention, and a persuasive argument at the detention hearing can affect the entire trajectory of the case. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by analyzing the grand jury indictment, scrutinizing the government’s evidence, and identifying issues such as whether the predicate offense indeed qualifies as a “crime of violence” under the categorical approach required by Supreme Court precedent. The firm’s approach emphasizes thorough review of discovery, examination of law enforcement investigative methods (often involving the FBI, ATF, DEA, or other federal agencies), and evaluation of any potential violations of constitutional protections.
Pretrial motion practice is a central stage. Motions to suppress evidence, to dismiss the indictment on legal grounds, or to sever the firearm count from other charges are presented to the federal magistrate or district judge as warranted. In negotiations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the firm works to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and to explore avenues for a favorable resolution, including the possibility of dismissing the § 924(c) count or securing a plea to a lesser-included offense. If the matter proceeds to trial, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys draw on decades of combined courtroom experience to present a prepared defense before a federal jury. Sentencing advocacy focuses on the advisory guidelines, arguments for variances or departures, and any cooperation that may support a motion for a reduced sentence. Throughout the case, the firm keeps communication open so the client understands each choice.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris is Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., which has served individuals across multiple states since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings insight into how the government builds and prosecutes federal criminal cases. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he concentrates his practice on complex criminal defense matters. He 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 additional federal litigation experience, with backgrounds that include prior service as state prosecutors and substantial trial work. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work together on federal firearm cases, leveraging their collective knowledge to address every phase of the proceeding. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a “crime of violence” under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)?
A crime of violence is an offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, or that by its nature involves a substantial risk that such force may be used. Federal courts apply a categorical analysis to the elements of the predicate offense, and not all state‑law felonies qualify. A federal criminal defense attorney can examine whether the charged underlying crime meets the statutory definition, which may affect the validity of the § 924(c) count itself.
What are the penalties for a § 924(c) conviction in Maryland?
Conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries mandatory minimum prison sentences that must run consecutively to any penalty for the underlying offense, and there is no parole in the federal system. The length of the mandatory minimum depends on factors such as the type of firearm used and whether it was brandished or discharged. The advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines also influence the final term, and a defendant’s acceptance of responsibility can affect the calculation.
How does the federal court process work for a § 924(c) charge in Maryland?
A federal firearm case begins with an indictment returned by a grand jury, followed by an initial appearance and detention hearing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The process includes pretrial motions and discovery, possible plea negotiations, and trial or a plea. Sentencing occurs before a federal district judge under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to learn how we assist at each stage.
Can the firearm charge be dismissed if the underlying crime is dropped?
It is possible for the § 924(c) count to be challenged or dismissed even if the government also discontinues the predicate offense, but the two are legally distinct. The firearm charge requires proof of the underlying crime, so a weakness in the predicate case can undermine the § 924(c) prosecution. An experienced attorney can evaluate both counts and present arguments to the court.
Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer if I am charged under § 924(c)?
Yes, representation by a federal criminal defense lawyer is essential when facing a § 924(c) charge. Federal practice differs from state court in rules, sentencing, and the resources invested by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Early attorney involvement—before indictment if possible—can help protect constitutional rights and influence the course of the investigation. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
What defense strategies are used in § 924(c) cases?
Defense strategies may include disputing whether the predicate offense is a crime of violence, challenging the firearm’s connection to the alleged offense, and scrutinizing law enforcement’s investigative conduct. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine search‑and‑seizure issues, review witness statements, and litigate suppression motions where appropriate. Every case is evaluated on its own facts to build a defense that addresses the specific vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case.
Other federal criminal resources in Maryland:
Federal criminal defense in Montgomery County | Federal criminal defense in Prince George’s County | Federal criminal defense in Howard County | Federal criminal defense in Anne Arundel County
Official primary sources:
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 924
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Results may vary.
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