Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer Baltimore County — Federal Gun Charge Defense
A federal charge for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) in Baltimore County carries severe mandatory minimum sentences, starting at 5 years and stacking with other charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these complex federal gun enhancement charges. Our team, led by former prosecutor Mr.
Federal Statute for Firearm Use in a Crime of Violence
The primary federal statute for these charges is 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). This law imposes severe, consecutive penalties for using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a federal crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. The definition of a “crime of violence” is a critical and often contested legal point, governed by 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(3). A conviction requires the government to prove a direct connection between the firearm and the predicate crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 924 (official U.S. Code)
Official Legal Resources
- 18 U.S.C. § 924 (Cornell Legal Information Institute)
- U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
Defending a 924c Charge in Baltimore County
Defending a 924c charge requires attacking both the firearm allegation and the underlying crime. In the Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions of the U.S. District Court, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland aggressively pursue these charges. A key defense strategy involves challenging whether the predicate offense qualifies as a “crime of violence” under the current, narrow legal definitions established by the Supreme Court. Success often hinges on pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the 924(c) count.
- Initial Investigation & Arrest: Case is typically investigated by federal agencies (FBI, ATF, DEA) and presented to a grand jury for indictment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: You will be arraigned in U.S. District Court. Your attorney will argue for pretrial release or favorable bail conditions.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your defense lawyer will file motions to challenge the evidence, the legality of the search, or the legal sufficiency of the 924(c) charge.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the strength of the motions, your attorney will negotiate with the Assistant U.S. Attorney for a favorable plea or prepare for a complex federal trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, with mandatory minimums strictly applied.
Potential Penalties for Federal Gun Enhancements
In federal court, a conviction for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries severe, mandatory prison time that must be served consecutively to any sentence for the underlying crime.
| Offense | Classification | Mandatory Incarceration | Potential Fine | Supervised Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 924(c) Conviction | Federal Felony | 5 years minimum | Up to $250,000 | Up to 5 years |
| Second/Subsequent 924(c) Conviction | Federal Felony | 25 years minimum | Up to $250,000 | Up to 5 years |
| Brandishing a Firearm | Enhancement | 7 years minimum | Up to $250,000 | Up to 5 years |
| Discharging a Firearm | Enhancement | 10 years minimum | Up to $250,000 | Up to 5 years |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Firearm Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With a combined 120+ years of legal experience, our firm has handled over 4,739 documented case results. Our approach to defending a 924c charge defense lawyer Baltimore County clients hire is grounded in a deep understanding of federal procedure and the nuances of the “crime of violence” definition. Mr. Sris, who is admitted to practice in multiple federal districts, personally oversees complex federal defenses, ensuring a strategic, detail-oriented approach to every gun enhancement case.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While every case is unique, our team’s aggressive motion practice and negotiation skills have led to dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements in complex cases. For instance, Mr. Sris has successfully challenged the government’s classification of predicate offenses in federal cases, a key tactic in defending against a gun enhancement defense lawyer Baltimore County residents may face.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Baltimore County Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Our Rockville location serves clients in Baltimore County and across Maryland. We provide 24/7 phone consultations for urgent federal charges. Meetings are held by appointment only at our Maryland office, which is accessible via major highways including I-695 and I-95. We are a federal criminal defense lawyer near Towson and the surrounding communities of Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium.
FAQs: Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence Charges
What is a “crime of violence” under federal law 924(c)?
It depends. The definition is narrow and legal. Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(3), a crime of violence is a felony that either has force as an element (the “elements clause”) or, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force may be used (the “residual clause”). The residual clause is no longer used, making the government’s burden higher. Your lawyer must analyze the specific predicate offense.
Can a 924c charge be dropped if the underlying crime is dismissed?
Not automatically. The 924(c) charge is a separate federal offense, not merely an enhancement. However, if the underlying “crime of violence” is invalidated or dismissed on legal grounds, the foundation for the 924(c) charge collapses. A skilled attorney will file motions to dismiss the 924(c) count if the predicate offense is deficient.
What is the mandatory minimum for a first-time 924(c) offense?
5 years. A first conviction for using or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in federal prison. This sentence must be served consecutively (back-to-back) with any sentence for the underlying crime, skilled to a much longer total term of imprisonment.
Do I need a different lawyer for a federal gun charge than a state gun charge?
Yes. Federal criminal procedure, sentencing guidelines, and the prosecutors (Assistant U.S. Attorneys) operate in a completely different system than Maryland state courts. You need an attorney like those at SRIS, P.C. who are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court and have specific experience with federal statutes, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and federal trial strategy.
What are common defenses to a 924c charge?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search that found the firearm (Fourth Amendment), arguing the firearm was not used “in furtherance of” the crime, contesting whether the underlying offense qualifies as a “crime of violence,” and attacking witness credibility. An experienced 924c charge defense lawyer Baltimore County clients trust will identify the strongest defense based on the case facts.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing related charges, explore our pages on Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Maryland Federal Criminal Lawyer. For charges in nearby areas, see our work as a Federal Criminal Lawyer in Anne Arundel County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Federal laws and interpretations can change. For the most current advice regarding a use of a firearm in crime of violence charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. directly.