Use of a Fireman in Crime of Violence Lawyer Prince George’s County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A charge for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence in Prince George’s County is a severe federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) that carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these charges, which are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland legislature
Understanding the Statute and Penalties
The federal statute governing the use of a firearm in a crime of violence is 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). This law imposes severe, consecutive penalties for using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. The charges are separate from the underlying offense, meaning sentences are added on top of any penalty for the primary crime. In Prince George’s County, these cases are typically investigated by federal agencies like the FBI or ATF and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
The mandatory penalties escalate based on the specific circumstances of the firearm’s use:
In Prince George’s County, a conviction for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years in federal prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence.
| Firearm Circumstance | Mandatory Minimum Sentence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Use/Carry/Possession | 5 years | Consecutive to underlying crime sentence. |
| Brandishing the Firearm | 7 years | Displaying the weapon in a threatening manner. |
| Discharging the Firearm | 10 years | Firing the weapon, regardless of injury. |
| Second or Subsequent Conviction | 25 years | Also consecutive to all other sentences. |
| Machinegun or Destructive Device | 30 years | Enhanced penalty for specific weapon types. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
External Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal statute, refer to 18 U.S.C. § 924 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the local federal court where these cases are heard, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland website.
Insider Procedural Edge in Prince George’s County Federal Court
Federal gun charges in Prince George’s County follow a strict procedural path. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, particularly its Greenbelt division, aggressively pursues these cases. A critical early step is challenging the grand jury indictment, as the definition of a “crime of violence” under § 924(c) has been narrowed by recent Supreme Court decisions. Successfully arguing that the underlying offense does not qualify can lead to dismissal of the firearm charge.
- Initial Appearance & Detention Hearing: You will appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. The government will likely move for detention. Your attorney must argue for release or bond.
- Review Grand Jury Indictment: Your lawyer will scrutinize the indictment to challenge the legal sufficiency of the “crime of violence” predicate.
- File Pretrial Motions: Key motions may seek to suppress evidence (like the firearm) obtained through an unlawful search or challenge the admissibility of statements.
- Negotiate with AUSA: Engage in plea negotiations with the Assistant U.S. Attorney, potentially seeking to reduce the underlying charge to negate the § 924(c) enhancement.
- Trial Preparation or Sentencing Mitigation: If the case proceeds to trial, prepare a defense challenging the “in furtherance of” element. If pleading, build a mitigation case for the underlying offense to minimize the overall sentence.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 documented case results firm-wide, we bring substantial resources to complex federal defenses. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to defending clients across jurisdictions. For a 924c charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County residents can rely on, our team understands the interplay between federal law and local enforcement practices in Maryland.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our approach is grounded in thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy. We have successfully defended clients facing serious firearm-related allegations. For instance, Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney with a multi-state practice, provides strategic oversight on complex federal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Prince George’s County Firearm Charge Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland office in Rockville serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, and Hyattsville. We are accessible via I-495, I-95, and Route 301. If you need a gun enhancement defense lawyer Prince George’s County courts, contact us for a consultation.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
FAQs: Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Charges
What is a “crime of violence” under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)?
It depends. The definition has been contested. It generally includes felonies that involve a substantial risk of physical force, like robbery or carjacking. However, recent court decisions have narrowed the scope. A skilled lawyer can argue your underlying charge does not qualify, which may defeat the entire § 924(c) charge.
Can I get probation for a federal gun charge in Maryland?
No. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence that must be served. Probation is not an option for the firearm charge itself. The only way to avoid the mandatory time is to have the charge dismissed or be found not guilty.
What is the difference between a state and federal gun charge?
Federal charges, like § 924(c), are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in federal court, involve federal agencies, and follow the Federal Sentencing Guidelines with no parole. State gun charges are handled by county prosecutors like the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney. Penalties and procedures differ significantly, making experienced counsel critical.
What defenses are available against a § 924(c) charge?
Several defenses exist. These include challenging the legality of the search that found the gun, proving the firearm was not used “in furtherance of” the crime, arguing the underlying offense is not a “crime of violence,” or questioning the identification of the defendant. Each case requires a detailed, fact-specific analysis.
How long does a federal gun case take?
Typically, 1 to 2 years from indictment to resolution. The Federal Speedy Trial Act sets deadlines, but complex cases involving extensive evidence or co-defendants can take longer. Most federal defendants are held or released under strict conditions during this period.
Internal Resources: For more on Maryland criminal defense, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist with related issues like DUI charges in Prince George’s County.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome. Last updated: April 2026.
For the full picture beyond Prince George’s County, our page on use of a firearm in crime of violence cases in Maryland covers the process end to end.