A machine gun offense in Maryland is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403, carrying up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Maryland courts.
Machine Gun Offense Lawyer Maryland
Under Maryland law, a machine gun offense is defined by Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403. This statute prohibits the possession, sale, transfer, or use of a machine gun — defined as a firearm capable of firing more than one shot automatically without manual reloading. A conviction under this section is a felony, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The law applies to any person who knowingly possesses, sells, or transfers a machine gun within the state. Cases are prosecuted in both the District Court of MD for Montgomery County and the Maryland Circuit Courts, depending on the severity and circumstances of the charge. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the machine gun offense statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403 (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For procedural rules in Maryland courts, see Maryland Judiciary — mdcourts.gov.
In the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for machine gun offenses due to the public safety implications. We have observed that early intervention — before charges are formally filed — can significantly improve outcomes.
- Contact a machine gun offense lawyer near me Maryland immediately upon learning of an investigation.
- Do not consent to any search of your home, vehicle, or electronic devices without a warrant.
- Preserve all documentation related to the firearm, including purchase receipts and registration.
- Attend all court dates at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County or Circuit Court.
- Work with your lawyer to identify any procedural errors or constitutional violations.
- Consider all defense strategies, including challenging the legality of the search or seizure.
In Maryland, a machine gun offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record; federal charges possible |
| Sale or Transfer of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record; federal charges possible |
| Use of a Machine Gun in a Crime | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record; federal charges possible |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled numerous criminal defense cases in Maryland, including machine gun offenses, with a focus on achieving dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results in Maryland criminal defense cases, including dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges. Firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, the firm has 4,739+ documented results with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 20 miles from the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, with access via I-270 and I-495. If you are searching for a machine gun offense lawyer near me Maryland, we serve all communities including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Machine Gun Offenses in Maryland
What is a machine gun offense in Maryland?
A machine gun offense in Maryland involves the possession, sale, transfer, or use of a machine gun under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403. It is a felony carrying severe penalties including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Cases are heard in Maryland District Court or Circuit Court.
Yes, a machine gun offense in Maryland is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403, carrying up to 10 years in prison.
Can a machine gun charge be reduced in Maryland?
Yes, a machine gun charge in Maryland may be reduced through negotiation with the State’s Attorney, potentially to a lesser weapons offense or a probation before judgment (PBJ) disposition. The outcome depends on the facts, criminal history, and the specific court — District Court of MD for Montgomery County or Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a machine gun offense in Maryland?
Yes, you need a lawyer for a machine gun offense in Maryland. It is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403, carrying up to 10 years in prison. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County or Circuit Court can negotiate a PBJ or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Yes, you need a lawyer for a machine gun offense in Maryland. It is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403.
What is the penalty for a machine gun offense in Maryland?
The penalty for a machine gun offense in Maryland under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403 includes up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, and a permanent criminal record. Additional consequences may include loss of firearm rights and federal charges. Cases are heard in Maryland District Court or Circuit Court.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against a machine gun offense charge?
Defense strategies for a machine gun offense in Maryland may include challenging the legality of the search or seizure, examining the chain of custody of evidence, negotiating with prosecutors for a reduction, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-403 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing a machine gun offense charge in Maryland?
If facing a machine gun offense charge in Maryland, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Maryland law require prompt action.
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland hub page. You may also be interested in our pages for Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County.
Last verified: May 2026