Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, MD
A charge for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, is a serious federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) that carries severe mandatory minimum sentences.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Understanding 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) Charges
The federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) makes it a separate crime to use, carry, or possess a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. This is not a simple gun possession charge; it is an “enhancement” that adds a severe, mandatory prison sentence on top of the penalty for the underlying crime. The prosecution must prove you actively employed the firearm in connection with the predicate offense. Defenses often challenge whether the underlying crime qualifies as a “crime of violence” or whether the firearm was truly used “in furtherance” of that crime.
External Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 924 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local court procedures in St. Mary’s County, refer to the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County website.
Local Defense Strategy for St. Mary’s County
Federal gun charges in Maryland are typically prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. While the trial may be in a federal district court like the one in Greenbelt or Baltimore, your defense strategy begins locally. A 924c charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County must immediately secure all evidence from the initial local arrest and work to challenge the connection between the firearm and the alleged crime of violence. In St. Mary’s County, where cases may involve local law enforcement collaboration with federal agencies, early intervention is critical to protect your rights during questioning and evidence collection.
- Immediate Consultation: Contact a federal defense attorney the moment you are under investigation or charged. Do not speak to investigators without counsel.
- Case Analysis: Your attorney will review all evidence to determine if the government can prove the firearm was used “in furtherance” of a qualifying crime of violence.
- Motion Practice: File pretrial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or to challenge the legal definition of the “crime of violence.”
- Negotiation or Trial: Based on the strength of the evidence and motions, your lawyer will advise on pursuing a plea agreement or preparing for trial.
- Sentencing Mitigation: If a conviction occurs, your attorney will advocate at sentencing to argue for the lowest possible sentence within the mandatory range.
Penalties for Federal Firearm 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 minimum prison sentences that must run consecutively to any sentence for the underlying crime.
| Firearm Type / Circumstance | Mandatory Minimum Sentence | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First § 924(c) Conviction | 5 years | Sentence runs consecutively to the underlying crime. |
| Second or Subsequent § 924(c) Conviction | 25 years | Also consecutive; applies even if in the same case. |
| Firearm is a “short-barreled” rifle/shotgun or silencer | 10 years | Consecutive mandatory minimum. |
| Firearm is a machinegun or destructive device | 30 years | Consecutive mandatory minimum. |
| Brandishing the Firearm | 7 years (first offense) | Increased from the 5-year base. |
| Discharging the Firearm | 10 years (first offense) | Increased from the 5-year base. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Gun Charge Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a formidable combination of experience and resources to federal criminal defense. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented track record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide, we understand the high stakes of federal gun enhancement charges. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we aggressively defend clients in St. Mary’s County and throughout Maryland’s federal courts.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results for federal gun charges in St. Mary’s County are not listed here, our firm-wide record demonstrates our commitment to vigorous defense. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice, provides strategic oversight on complex federal matters. Our collaborative approach ensures every client benefits from deep legal experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our St. Mary’s County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland office in Rockville represents clients facing federal charges originating in St. Mary’s County. We serve communities including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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 subject to legal challenges. Generally, it is a felony that involves a substantial risk that physical force may be used. This includes offenses like robbery, carjacking, and certain assault and burglary statutes. A gun enhancement defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can analyze whether your underlying charge meets this complex legal definition.
Is the sentence for a § 924(c) charge really mandatory?
Yes. If convicted at trial, the judge must impose the mandatory minimum sentence and run it consecutively to any other sentence. However, a skilled attorney can work to get the charge dismissed or reduced before trial through pretrial motions or negotiations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Can I be charged in both state and federal court for the same gun crime?
Yes. This is known as “dual sovereignty.” You could face state charges in St. Mary’s County District or Circuit Court and separate federal charges for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence in U.S. District Court. An attorney experienced in both systems is crucial to handle this risk.
What are common defenses to a § 924(c) charge?
Defenses include challenging the link between the gun and the crime, arguing the underlying offense isn’t a “crime of violence,” suppressing evidence from an illegal search, or proving you did not “use” or “carry” the firearm in furtherance of the crime. Each case requires a detailed, evidence-based strategy.
How quickly should I hire a lawyer for a federal gun charge?
Immediately. Federal investigations are thorough, and early intervention allows your attorney to protect your rights during questioning, analyze the evidence as it’s gathered, and begin building your defense before formal charges are even filed by the grand jury.
Internal Resources
For more information on related legal issues in Maryland, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. You may also find our pages on Federal Criminal Lawyer in Anne Arundel County and DUI Lawyer in St. Mary’s County useful.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Federal statutes and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding a use of a firearm in crime of violence charge.