Arson Bombing of Federal Property Lawyer in Montgomery County, MD
Arson or bombing of federal property under 18 U.S.C. § 844(f) is a federal felony prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to life imprisonment.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | Maryland legislature
Federal Law on Arson and Bombing of Government Property
The federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 844(f) makes it a crime to maliciously damage or destroy, or attempt to damage or destroy, by fire or explosive, any building, vehicle, or other real or personal property owned, possessed, or used by the United States or any department or agency of the United States. This includes post offices, federal courthouses, military installations, and other government facilities. The law applies regardless of whether the property is occupied at the time. An experienced arson charge defense lawyer Montgomery County is essential to challenge the government’s evidence of intent and malice.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal arson statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 844 (official U.S. Code). For information on the federal court where these cases are heard, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland website.
Local Federal Court Process in Montgomery County
Federal arson and bombing cases from Montgomery County are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt Division) and heard at the U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. These cases typically begin with an investigation by federal agencies like the ATF or FBI, followed by a grand jury indictment. The process is governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Speedy Trial Act.
- Initial federal investigation by the ATF, FBI, or other agency.
- Presentation of evidence to a federal grand jury for indictment.
- Arraignment and plea entry in U.S. District Court.
- Extensive discovery and pretrial motion practice.
- Plea negotiations or preparation for a jury trial.
- Sentencing under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines if convicted.
Potential Penalties for Arson Bombing of Federal Property
In Montgomery County, a conviction for arson or bombing of federal property under 18 U.S.C. § 844(f) carries severe mandatory penalties, including lengthy imprisonment and substantial fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson/Bombing of Federal Property (No Death) | Federal Felony | 5-20 years | Up to $250,000 | Mandatory restitution, supervised release |
| Arson/Bombing of Federal Property (Death Results) | Federal Felony | Any term of years or life; death penalty eligible | Up to $250,000 | Mandatory restitution, supervised release |
| Attempt or Conspiracy | Federal Felony | Same as substantive offense | Up to $250,000 | Mandatory restitution, supervised release |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Arson Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal cases. We understand the high stakes of federal charges and the specific strategies needed in the District of Maryland. Our firm has a documented record of handling serious federal allegations.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm’s approach to federal defense is collaborative. For complex federal charges like arson bombing of federal property, primary attorney Kristen Fisher works closely with firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with multi-state federal experience. Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on cases involving intricate evidence and high-level negotiations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area (by appointment)
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Our Maryland location serves clients in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355. If you need a fire-related criminal charge lawyer Montgomery County for a federal case, contact us immediately.
FAQs: Arson Bombing of Federal Property Charges
What is the federal law for arson of government property?
Yes. 18 U.S.C. § 844(f) prohibits maliciously damaging or destroying U.S. property by fire or explosive. It is a separate federal crime from state arson charges and carries much harsher penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences.
What agencies investigate federal arson cases in Maryland?
Federal arson and bombing cases are typically investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). These agencies have forensic labs and specialized units that build the technical case for prosecution.
Can I be charged in both state and federal court for the same act?
It depends. While the Double Jeopardy Clause generally prohibits dual prosecutions, the “dual sovereignty” doctrine allows separate prosecutions by state and federal governments for the same act if it violates both state and federal laws. This is a risk in high-profile property crimes.
What are the key defenses to 18 U.S.C. § 844(f)?
Key defenses include challenging the evidence of malice or intent, disputing the federal government’s ownership or use of the property, attacking the forensic science behind the origin and cause determination, and proving mistaken identity or alibi. An Arson Bombing of Federal Property lawyer Montgomery County can identify the best defense strategy.
Where are federal arson cases heard for Montgomery County?
These cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, typically at the Greenbelt courthouse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland handles the prosecution, not the Montgomery County State’s Attorney.
If you are facing allegations of arson or bombing of federal property, immediate action is critical. Contact an Arson Bombing of Federal Property lawyer Montgomery County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential consultation. Call (888) 437-7747. We are available 24/7.
Internal Resources: For more on our federal practice, see our Maryland Federal Criminal Defense hub page. For related local charges, see our Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.