Gun Possession Lawyer Georgetown, DC
You were stopped by law enforcement near Georgetown’s M Street corridor and now face a gun possession charge in Washington, D.C. The accusation can feel overwhelming—but you do have options. Gun possession charges in the District of Columbia are serious, with potential prison time, fines, and permanent consequences. The decisions you make in the next few days can affect how your case unfolds. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring decades of combined legal experience to defend your rights. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Approaches to Gun Possession Defense in Georgetown
Every gun possession case is unique, but experienced defense counsel looks for several common areas of challenge. One of the most effective is contesting the legality of the stop and search that led to the charge. If the arresting officer lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, the evidence obtained may be suppressed. This alone can lead to a dismissal.
Another avenue involves questioning whether you actually possessed the firearm. In D.C., possession can be actual or constructive—meaning the government must prove you knew the firearm was present and had the ability and intent to exercise control over it. If you were merely a passenger in a vehicle or present in a location where a firearm was found, a well-prepared defense can raise reasonable doubt.
Finally, valid permitting or licensing can serve as a complete defense. The firm’s attorneys examine whether you held a lawful carry permit or whether a statutory exception applies. In the District, because gun laws are strict, even a small oversight in law enforcement’s handling of the case can be exploited to your advantage. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate these factors to build the most effective defense for your situation.
What to Expect in a Georgetown Gun Possession Case
Gun possession charges in Georgetown are handled in the Criminal Division of D.C. Superior Court, located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC. Unlike most state courts, the District of Columbia is a unique federal enclave where local criminal offenses are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia—not a local district attorney.
After an arrest, you will typically be presented before a magistrate judge within 24 hours. D.C. Does not use a traditional cash bail system. Instead, the Pretrial Services Agency (a federal agency) will assess your background and ties to the community and recommend release conditions—such as supervised release, drug testing, or stay-away orders. Most defendants are released without posting money, but the process moves quickly, and having an attorney present at this stage is critical to securing the least restrictive conditions.
From there, your case proceeds through status hearings and, if necessary, trial. Misdemeanor gun charges often resolve within a few months; felony-level charges involving prior convictions or illegal weapon types can take longer. Discovery, motions, and plea negotiations all occur under the local rules of the D.C. Superior Court. Our firm appears regularly in this court and understands its procedures and personalities.
Penalties for Gun Possession Under D.C. Law
The District of Columbia imposes severe penalties for unlawful gun possession. Carrying a pistol without a license (CPWL) in violation of D.C. Code § 22-4504 is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries similar felony exposure, often with additional sentencing enhancements. Unregistered firearm possession is also a criminal offense.
Beyond incarceration, a conviction carries long-term consequences: loss of the right to possess firearms, potential employment barriers, and a permanent criminal record. The firm works to minimize these impacts—whether through negotiation to a lesser offense, diversion where available, or a vigorous defense at trial. For a full statutory analysis, see our comprehensive overview at srislawyer.com.
Each case is fact-dependent, and the penalties ultimately depend on the specific charge, your criminal history, and the circumstances of the offense. An experienced attorney can explain the realistic exposure
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor and has practiced since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He collaborates with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys—seasoned litigators with decades of combined courtroom experience in federal and local criminal matters.
Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel have documented over 4,739 case results across all practice areas since 1997, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. The team brings extensive combined legal experience to every Georgetown gun possession case, from initial bail hearings through trial. We appear regularly in D.C. Superior Court and know the prosecutors and judges who will handle your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for gun possession in DC?
Carrying a pistol without a license in Washington, D.C., is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Additional charges, such as possession by a convicted felon, unregistered firearm, or possession of prohibited weapons, can add more time. Conviction also results in a permanent criminal record, loss of firearm rights, and lasting personal and professional repercussions. The specific sentence depends on the defendant’s criminal history and the circumstances of the offense. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Who prosecutes gun possession cases in Georgetown?
Criminal cases in the District of Columbia, including gun possession charges, are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC)—not a local district attorney. Because DC is a federal territory, local crimes under the D.C. Code are handled by federal prosecutors. This unique structure means the prosecution has substantial resources and often takes an active posture. Having defense counsel familiar with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and D.C. Superior Court procedures is critical. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Does DC use cash bail for gun possession charges?
No, the District of Columbia does not rely on a cash bail system for most offenses. After an arrest, the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA)—a federal agency—assesses the defendant’s risk and recommends release conditions to the magistrate judge. Conditions may include supervised release, check-ins, drug testing, or a stay-away order, but typically do not require posting money. The goal is to secure release while ensuring court appearance and community safety. Your attorney can argue for the least restrictive conditions at the initial presentment. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
Can a gun possession charge be dismissed in DC?
Yes, a gun possession charge can be dismissed if the defense successfully challenges the evidence or constitutional grounds of the stop, search, or seizure. If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, a motion to suppress may lead to exclusion of the firearm and, often, a dismissal. Ineffective legal representation can also force dismissal. Even when a motion is not successful, negotiations may result in a reduction to a lesser charge. An experienced attorney will scrutinize every procedural detail of your case. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can my gun possession record be sealed in DC?
Yes, the District allows sealing of certain criminal records under D.C. Code § 16-803, including some non-conviction outcomes like acquittals and dismissals. For eligible convictions, a waiting period generally applies before you can petition the court to seal the record. Expansion of sealing laws in recent years—particularly for marijuana offenses and some non-violent felonies—has created more opportunities. Record sealing is a separate legal proceeding after the case concludes. An attorney can advise whether your matter qualifies. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
How do I choose a gun possession lawyer in Georgetown?
Look for an attorney admitted to practice in the District of Columbia who has substantial experience in D.C. Superior Court and a track record of handling firearms charges. Because DC is a unique federal/local hybrid, familiarity with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Pretrial Services, and local judges is indispensable. The lawyer should have a thorough understanding of the D.C. Code’s gun statutes and search-and-seizure jurisprudence. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring decades of combined criminal defense experience to Georgetown gun cases. To discuss the details of your matter, contact us at (888) 437-7747.
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Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington location: 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209. By appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule. Serving Georgetown and all of Washington, D.C.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.