Busted for a Gun Crime? Firearms Violation Defense Attorney

Table of Contents

If you’ve just been arrested or charged with a firearm-related crime in Maryland or Washington D.C., you may feel like your world is falling apart. Whether it’s a simple misunderstanding or a serious weapons violation, the stakes are high — and one wrong move could result in prison time, massive fines, or a permanent criminal record. But don’t give up hope yet.

A skilled firearms violation defense attorney from Houlon Berman can change the trajectory of your case — and your future.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll reveal what a top-rated gun-related criminal lawyer will tell you the moment you sit down in their office. These insights can be the key to protecting your freedom, your rights, and your reputation.

Why You Need a Firearms Violation Defense Attorney — Immediately

Gun crimes in Maryland aren’t just “serious” — they’re aggressively prosecuted. The state takes a hard stance on illegal firearm possession, use, and transportation. If you’re facing a weapons-related charge, you could be looking at:

Mandatory minimum prison sentences
Felony convictions
Loss of your right to own or carry a firearm
Severe immigration consequences (for non-citizens)
Difficulty finding a job, housing, or loans
Don’t risk your future with an inexperienced or indifferent lawyer. You need a weapons charge criminal defense lawyer who knows how to fight — and win.

The Shocking Truth About Gun Charges in Maryland

Many people don’t realize how easily a legal situation can spiral out of control. Here are some of the most common scenarios our defense team sees:

You were pulled over, and a legally purchased firearm was in your vehicle — but it wasn’t stored properly
You’re a convicted felon who forgot about a past offense and were caught with a firearm
You inherited a firearm and didn’t realize it was unregistered or illegal in Maryland
A domestic incident led police to your home, and they discovered a weapon
You were accused of using a gun in connection with another alleged crime (e.g., robbery, assault, or drug possession)

Even if you believe you’re innocent, your words and actions can be twisted to fit a damaging narrative. That’s why you must contact a defense attorney for gun law violations immediately after your arrest or investigation.

Meet the Legal Team That’s Beating Gun Charges — Houlon Berman

At Houlon Berman, our criminal defense division includes some of the most trusted and experienced gun-related criminal lawyers in Maryland. For decades, we’ve helped clients walk away from serious gun charges, including:

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Possession of a handgun without a license
Carrying a concealed firearm
Transporting a firearm illegally
Use of a firearm in a violent crime
Juvenile gun charges
Federal firearms offenses

Our team doesn’t just “handle” cases — we build strategic, aggressive defenses backed by years of courtroom experience and in-depth legal knowledge.

The Felon-in-Possession Charge: What You Must Know

If you’ve been charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, the law is particularly harsh. In Maryland, this is a felony with potentially 10 years or more of prison time — even if you weren’t using the weapon and didn’t know it was illegal.

Many people facing this charge are shocked to learn that:

Even a non-violent felony from decades ago can trigger a serious firearms charge
You can be charged even if the gun wasn’t on your person (e.g., in your car, home, or someone else’s property)
There are limited defenses — unless your attorney knows how to challenge the facts, procedures, or constitutionality of the search

At Houlon Berman, our possession of a firearm by felon lawyers have successfully argued for charge dismissals, reduced penalties, and even full acquittals. We’ll investigate every detail of your arrest — including whether your constitutional rights were violated — and explore every available defense.

What Your Firearms Violation Defense Attorney Will Tell You

When you meet with a lawyer from Houlon Berman, here’s what you can expect to hear — and what could ultimately save your freedom:

1. Say Nothing to Police — Ever

Anything you say, even if you’re trying to explain yourself, can and will be used against you. A skilled firearms violation defense attorney will immediately advise you to stop talking until legal counsel is present.

2. Searches Must Be Lawful

Was the weapon discovered in an illegal traffic stop? Was your home searched without a warrant? Any violation of your 4th Amendment rights could result in key evidence being thrown out — and potentially a full dismissal.

3. The Prosecutor May Not Have Enough Evidence

Don’t assume the case against you is airtight. Our attorneys often find holes in the prosecution’s case — weak evidence, unreliable witnesses, or mistakes in police reports. We know how to use those flaws to your advantage.

4. There May Be Diversion or Alternative Sentencing Options

In some cases, especially for first-time offenders or minor gun violations, we can negotiate alternative outcomes — such as probation, gun safety programs, or community service — instead of jail time.

5. We Can Negotiate with Prosecutors for Better Outcomes

Our reputation as top-tier weapons charge criminal defense lawyers gives us leverage when negotiating with prosecutors. In many cases, we’ve secured charge reductions or even case dismissals before trial.

Real Case Examples: How We Helped Clients Beat Gun Charges

Case Dismissed: Our client, a 36-year-old with a prior non-violent felony, was arrested after a routine traffic stop revealed a firearm in the glove box. We proved the stop was unlawful and got the entire case dismissed.
Reduced to Misdemeanor: A college student charged with carrying a concealed firearm without a permit faced up to 3 years in prison. We negotiated a plea to a non-violent misdemeanor with no jail time and expungement eligibility.
Jury Acquittal: Our client was accused of using a gun during an assault. After uncovering inconsistencies in the alleged victim’s story and police mishandling of evidence, the jury returned a not guilty verdict in under an hour.

Your Next Move Could Make or Break Your Future

There’s no time to waste. If you’ve been charged with a gun-related offense, your first call needs to be to a proven defense attorney for gun law violations. The team at Houlon Berman is ready to fight for your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and protect your future.

We’re available 24/7 for urgent consultations, because we know these cases don’t wait — and neither should you.

Contact Us Now for a Free Consultation

Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact the aggressive, experienced firearms violation defense attorneys at Houlon Berman today.

Call us now or fill out our secure form online for a free, confidential consultation.
Offices in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County
Decades of experience. Proven results. Relentless advocacy.

Related Content About Gun Charge Lawyer :