Machine Gun Offense Lawyer Maryland, MD

Facing a machine gun charge in Maryland is a serious criminal matter. State law treats machine gun offenses—including illegal possession, use, transfer, or manufacturing—as grave violations that can lead to felony prosecution and severe penalties. These cases often involve nuanced statutory definitions, complex evidentiary questions, and the potential for overlapping federal charges under the National Firearms Act. If you are under investigation or have been arrested, you need a defense team that understands Maryland’s courts and the criminal process. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates on criminal defense and represents individuals charged with machine gun offenses throughout Maryland. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded the firm in 1997 and has spent his career handling serious criminal matters. Our team appears in District Courts and Circuit Courts across the state, including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Frederick County. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What a Machine Gun Offense Means in Maryland

In Maryland, a machine gun is broadly defined under the Criminal Law Article as any weapon capable of automatic fire—shooting more than one shot with a single trigger pull without manual reloading. The state generally prohibits the possession, sale, and transfer of machine guns except under narrow circumstances, such as for law enforcement or military purposes, or when the weapon is properly registered under federal law. Charges can range from simple possession to more serious offenses involving use during a violent felony or trafficking. A machine gun conviction carries the potential for significant prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that can affect firearm rights and professional licenses.

Machine gun cases are typically filed in the Maryland Circuit Court when charged as a felony, though certain related misdemeanor charges may be heard in the District Court. The State’s Attorney for the respective county prosecutes the case. Courts in Montgomery, Prince George’s, and other Maryland counties handle these matters according to the same state statutory framework, but local court practices and prosecutorial priorities can vary. Because these charges may also attract federal scrutiny, having an attorney who understands both the state and federal landscapes is important. Our firm’s Maryland location in Rockville serves clients from across the region. We are familiar with the procedures and expectations in Maryland courts and work to protect our clients’ rights at every stage.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Machine Gun Offense Cases

A machine gun defense starts with a thorough examination of the evidence and the circumstances of the arrest. Our team reviews whether the weapon meets the statutory definition of a machine gun, whether any exceptions apply, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the search and seizure. If a Fourth Amendment violation occurred, we may seek to suppress the evidence. We also investigate whether the charged individual had the required criminal intent or knowledge that the firearm was automatic. In some cases, the weapon may not actually be a machine gun but a semi-automatic firearm misclassified by authorities. Mr. Sris’s background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how the State builds its case, which helps us identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive experience to Maryland criminal defense. We represent clients at bail review hearings, engage in negotiations with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or dismissal, and prepare for trial when a favorable resolution cannot be reached through discussion. We also consider post-conviction options, such as expungement or sentence modification, where applicable. The timeline of a case depends on court scheduling and the complexity of the issues. Our goal in every matter is to provide a well-prepared defense and to work toward the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He has practiced criminal law since 1997 and is a former prosecutor. His firsthand trial experience informs his approach to defense. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Maryland location is in Rockville and serves clients by appointment.

Mr. Sris’s Of Counsel team consists of attorneys with substantial criminal litigation backgrounds. Together, they bring a depth of experience that allows the firm to handle complex weapon charges across multiple jurisdictions. When you work with our firm, your case is evaluated by practitioners who understand Maryland’s criminal statutes and the reality of courtroom practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes a machine gun under Maryland law?

A machine gun is any weapon that automatically shoots more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger. Maryland law broadly covers firearms designed for automatic fire, as well as parts or combinations of parts that can convert a semi-automatic weapon to automatic fire. Even if the weapon is not fully assembled, it may still be considered a machine gun if it can be readily restored to automatic operation. The definition is found in the Maryland Criminal Law Article and mirrors the federal definition under the National Firearms Act. If you are charged with a machine gun offense, the exact nature of the weapon is often a key issue in the defense. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the item in question meets the legal definition.

What are the possible defenses to a machine gun charge?

Defenses to a machine gun charge may include lack of knowledge, statutory exceptions, illegal search and seizure, or misidentification of the firearm. The prosecution must prove that the defendant knowingly possessed a weapon that meets the definition of a machine gun. If law enforcement obtained the weapon through an unlawful stop or warrantless search, the evidence may be suppressed. In some cases, the weapon may not actually be a machine gun but a legally owned semi-automatic firearm. Other defenses involve statutory exceptions for law enforcement, military personnel, or properly federally registered weapons. Each case is unique, and the available defense depends on the specific facts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate all potential avenues.

Can a machine gun charge be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, a machine gun charge can sometimes be reduced or dismissed depending on the evidence and the circumstances of the case. A dismissal may be possible if the weapon does not actually meet the legal definition of a machine gun or if the evidence was obtained in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights. In other situations, a prosecutor may agree to reduce the charge to a lesser offense through plea negotiations, especially if the accused has no prior criminal record or if the weapon was not used in furtherance of another crime. The availability of such outcomes varies by county and by the specific facts. Our team works to pursue the most favorable resolution the law and facts permit.

What should I do if I am under investigation for a machine gun offense?

If you are under investigation, you should immediately seek legal counsel and refrain from speaking with law enforcement without an attorney present. Do not consent to any search of your property and do not discuss the matter with anyone other than your lawyer. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, statements made to investigators can be used against you. Preserve any documentation or communications that may be relevant, but do not attempt to alter or destroy evidence. An attorney can intervene early to protect your rights, communicate with prosecutors, and possibly prevent formal charges from being filed. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

What is the difference between a state and federal machine gun charge?

A state charge is prosecuted under Maryland law in state courts, while a federal charge is brought under the National Firearms Act or other federal statutes and is heard in U.S. District Court. Maryland state law prohibits machine gun possession, transfer, and use. Federal law, enforced by agencies like the ATF, also regulates machine guns and imposes registration requirements and severe penalties. A person can face charges in both systems for the same incident, though jurisdictional boundaries often determine which sovereign prosecutes. Federal cases may carry mandatory minimum sentences and are generally prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Mr. Sris is familiar with both state and federal criminal practice and can guide you through the complexities of either forum.

Do I need a lawyer for a machine gun charge in Maryland?

Yes, retaining a defense lawyer is essential because a machine gun conviction can lead to incarceration and long-term consequences. Machine gun offenses are serious felonies. The criminal process involves technical legal arguments about the weapon’s classification, the legality of the search, and the interpretation of statutory exceptions. Without legal training, it is difficult to evaluate the strength of the State’s case or to navigate pretrial procedures effectively. An attorney can investigate, file motions, and negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have defended individuals charged with weapon offenses across Maryland. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Official Resources:
Maryland Courts |
Maryland Criminal Law Article

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