Treason lawyer Maryland, MD
The federal treason statute, 18 U.S.C. § 2381, defines treason as levying war against the United States or adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. In Maryland, a treason charge is not a state-law matter—it is a federal felony prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland by the United States Attorney’s Office. The penalties are severe: a person convicted of treason may be sentenced to death or to a minimum of five years imprisonment, a fine, and a lifetime prohibition from holding any office under the United States. The Constitution requires the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act or a confession in open court. Treason charges are rare, but when the federal government pursues them, the stakes are the highest imaginable. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. concentrates its practice on defending individuals facing serious federal charges in Maryland and consults with clients by appointment. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor and Owner and Founder of the firm, leads the federal criminal defense practice. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
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What Federal Treason Means in Maryland
Federal charges of treason are tried exclusively in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, which has divisions in Baltimore and Greenbelt. The United States Attorney for the District of Maryland prosecutes these cases with the full resources of federal investigative agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Because treason is a federal crime, it is not subject to the procedures or sentencing ranges of Maryland state courts. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 2381 carries the potential for a death sentence—a penalty that, while historically rare, places the matter under the most intense prosecutorial and judicial scrutiny.
The government must prove that the accused owed allegiance to the United States, committed an overt act of treason, and acted with the intent to betray. The two-witness requirement makes these cases uniquely challenging for both the prosecution and the defense; the evidence must be evaluated under a heightened standard. For someone under investigation or charged in Maryland, the immediate priority is to engage experienced federal defense counsel who understands the procedural and evidentiary rules specific to the U.S. District Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Regularly handles federal matters and consults with clients throughout the state, including in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and beyond.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Federal Treason Cases
When a federal treason investigation begins, the government often has built a case before the subject knows an investigation exists. The firm’s approach centers on early engagement—working to protect the client’s rights during the grand-jury phase, before an indictment is returned. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review every piece of evidence, scrutinize whether the prosecution has satisfied the constitutional two-witness requirement, and evaluate whether any statements made by the client can be challenged on Fifth or Sixth Amendment grounds.
Federal criminal practice is distinct from state court; sentencing guidelines, mandatory minimums, and the absence of parole all apply. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive experience with federal procedure, including pre-trial motions, discovery disputes, and the negotiation of any potential resolution with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Every defense strategy is tailored to the specific facts of the case, emphasizing thorough investigation and active pretrial litigation when warranted. The firm’s multi-state practice—covering Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York—gives Mr. Sris and the firm’s attorneys broad exposure to federal courtrooms and prosecutorial approaches, which can be a significant advantage in complex matters such as treason.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is a former prosecutor. 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 extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. All attorneys work collaboratively to represent clients in serious federal criminal matters, and the firm consults by appointment across its Maryland location and other locations.
Every attorney on the team is dedicated to client-centered representation. The firm’s attorneys are admitted in the federal courts of Maryland and have handled matters before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal crime of treason?
Treason under 18 U.S.C. § 2381 consists of levying war against the United States or adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort, as proven by two witnesses to the same overt act or a confession in open court. It is the only crime expressly defined in the U.S. Constitution. The element of “aid and comfort” requires an intentional act that provides assistance to an enemy, and the overt act must be established by the testimony of at least two witnesses. Treason cases are rare and procedurally complex because of these constitutional safeguards.
What are the penalties for treason in Maryland?
If convicted of treason in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, a defendant faces imprisonment for not less than five years and a fine; the maximum penalty is death. A conviction also carries a lifetime ban on holding any office of the United States. Because treason is a federal offense, there is no parole, and any sentence is governed by the federal sentencing guidelines. The court retains discretion within the statutory range, and the government’s pursuit of the death penalty is rare and subject to extensive procedural protections.
Do I need a lawyer if I am being investigated for treason?
Yes, immediately. Federal investigators move quickly in sensitive national-security cases, and anything you say can be used against you. A lawyer can intervene before charges are filed, advise you on whether to speak with agents, and protect your rights during the grand-jury process. The earlier legal counsel is involved, the more options may be available. If you believe you are under investigation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 without delay.
How can a federal criminal defense lawyer help with a treason charge?
An experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can challenge the sufficiency of the government’s evidence, enforce the constitutional two‑witness requirement, suppress unlawfully obtained statements, and negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In a treason case, the defense may focus on whether the alleged conduct truly constitutes levying war or adhering to an enemy, whether the required two witnesses exist for every overt act, and whether any confession meets the open-court standard. A defense attorney also works to mitigate potential penalties if a negotiated resolution is in the client’s best interest.
What should I do if I am contacted by the FBI about a treason investigation?
Invoke your right to remain silent and your right to have an attorney present before answering any questions. Do not discuss the matter with anyone other than your lawyer. Federal agents are trained to obtain statements, and anything you say can become evidence. After asserting your rights, contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in federal investigations across Maryland and can advise on next steps. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Primary Sources:
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
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18 U.S.C. § 2381
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