Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, MD
Possession or use of a machine gun in Maryland is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-401, carrying a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence. In St. Mary’s County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively by the State’s Attorney’s Office and investigated by local and federal agencies. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Maryland Law on Machine Guns and Automatic Weapons
Maryland law strictly prohibits the possession, use, sale, or transfer of a machine gun. A machine gun is defined as any weapon that shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. This includes parts designed and intended for converting a weapon into a machine gun.
Last verified: March 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting and information systems provides an advantage in cases involving technical evidence.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s firearm laws, see Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-401 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures in St. Mary’s County, visit the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County website.
Defending Machine Gun Charges in St. Mary’s County
In St. Mary’s County, machine gun possession cases often involve joint investigations with federal agencies like the ATF. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases vigorously. A key defense strategy often involves challenging the legality of the search and seizure that led to the discovery of the weapon, as well as examining whether the weapon meets the strict legal definition of a machine gun.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: We immediately analyze the charges, police reports, and evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Investigation & Motion Filing: Our team investigates the circumstances of the arrest and files pre-trial motions, such as motions to suppress evidence obtained through an unlawful search.
- Negotiation & Strategy: We engage with prosecutors to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges, while preparing a full trial strategy.
- Trial Defense: If a fair plea cannot be reached, we provide an aggressive defense at trial in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Machine Gun Charges in Maryland
In St. Mary’s County, possession or use of a machine gun is a felony carrying a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession/Use of a Machine Gun | Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years, up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Permanent loss of right to possess firearms | Federal charges possible, permanent felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Complex Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience handling complex criminal matters, including weapons charges. We understand the severe consequences of a machine gun conviction and work to protect your rights and future.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific case results for machine gun charges in St. Mary’s County are not listed, our firm-wide record demonstrates our commitment to vigorous defense. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes (dismissed, not guilty, or reduced).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our lead attorney for federal and complex criminal matters, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice. His strategic approach is crucial for cases that may involve overlapping state and federal jurisdiction.
Local Defense for St. Mary’s County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area (by appointment)
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
By appointment only.
Our Maryland office represents clients at St. Mary’s County courts. We serve clients in Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. If you need a machine gun possession lawyer St. Mary’s County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for having a machine gun in Maryland?
It is a felony with a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000, plus a permanent loss of firearm rights.
Can I be charged federally for a machine gun in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. Possession of a machine gun violates both Maryland state law (Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4-401) and federal law (26 U.S.C. § 5861). Cases are often investigated jointly, and you can be prosecuted in both state and federal court.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
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 St. Mary’s County (23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Do I need a lawyer for an automatic weapon charge in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. Given the severe mandatory penalties, an experienced automatic weapon charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County is essential to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights at trial.
What defenses are available for machine gun possession?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search that found the weapon, arguing the item does not meet the legal definition of a machine gun, lack of knowledge or possession, and entrapment. The specific defense depends on the facts of your case.
Related Legal Help in St. Mary’s County
If you are facing criminal charges in St. Mary’s County, you may also find information on our pages for Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer, Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer, and St. Mary’s County DUI/DWI Lawyer.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.