A machine gun offense in Howard County, Maryland, is a serious criminal charge under the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying severe penalties including lengthy incarceration and substantial fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County, providing representation at the District Court of MD for Howard County and Howard County Circuit Court.
Machine Gun Offense Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland
Under Maryland law, machine gun offenses are governed by the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article. Possessing, using, or transferring a machine gun without proper authorization is a felony offense. The statute defines a machine gun as any firearm that can fire more than one shot automatically by a single function of the trigger. Conviction carries penalties including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Maryland’s machine gun statutes, visit the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures, see the Maryland Judiciary — official site.
In the District Court of MD for Howard County, prosecutors routinely pursue machine gun charges aggressively, often seeking maximum penalties. We have observed that early intervention before charges are filed can significantly affect the outcome.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your lawyer present.
- Contact a machine gun offense lawyer in Howard County immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation related to the firearm.
- Attend all court hearings at the District Court of MD for Howard County.
- Follow your lawyer’s advice regarding plea negotiations or trial.
- Consider expungement options if charges are dismissed or reduced.
In Howard County, a machine gun offense carries severe penalties including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Firearm prohibition | Permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights |
| Use of a Machine Gun in a Crime | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $20,000 | Firearm prohibition | Mandatory minimum sentencing, federal charges possible |
| Transfer of a Machine Gun | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Firearm prohibition | Permanent criminal record, asset forfeiture |
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%. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County, providing dedicated representation for machine gun offense cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 20 miles from the District Court of MD for Howard County, with access via I-95 and Route 29. Machine gun offense lawyer near me Howard County: SRIS serves clients throughout Howard County. Serving the communities of Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial). 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 Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Howard County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Howard County). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard County: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court. Bail set by District Court commissioner at initial appearance; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release; bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours if detained; public defender eligibility based on income; court costs: approximately $22.50-$55. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
After arrest in Howard County, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, followed by a bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Yes, many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, and an attorney can negotiate PBJ or dismissal at District Court of MD for Howard County.
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical. Machine gun offenses can be prosecuted at both state and federal levels, depending on the circumstances.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the United States charges?
Defense strategies for conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the United States in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the United States charges in Virginia?
If facing conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the United States charges in Virginia, 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 Virginia law require prompt action.
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Learn more about our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland services. For other localities, see our Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County pages.
Last verified: May 2026