Controlled Substance Importation Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
Federal importation of controlled substances is prosecuted under 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq., carrying mandatory minimum sentences based on drug type and quantity. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Montgomery County, including documented results in Montgomery County Circuit Court. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Federal importation of controlled substances is governed by the Controlled Substances Act, specifically 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. This statute makes it unlawful to knowingly or intentionally import, or attempt to import, a controlled substance into the United States. Penalties vary based on the drug type and quantity, with mandatory minimum sentences for certain substances like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland prosecutes these cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, with divisions in Baltimore and Greenbelt.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | USAO District of Maryland
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
For the full text of the Controlled Substances Act, see 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. (U.S. Department of Justice — official site). For Maryland-specific criminal procedure, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (Maryland General Assembly — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, prosecutors routinely seek mandatory minimum sentences for importation of controlled substances. We have observed that early intervention and a thorough review of the government’s evidence can create opportunities for charge reduction or dismissal.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents, receipts, and digital evidence.
- Contact a Controlled Substance Importation Lawyer in Montgomery County immediately.
- Attend all court hearings and comply with all conditions of release.
- Work with your attorney to review discovery and build a defense strategy.
- Consider all options, including pretrial motions, plea negotiations, and trial.
In Montgomery County, federal importation of controlled substances carries mandatory minimum sentences based on drug type and quantity, with no parole in the federal system.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Importation of Schedule I/II Drugs (e.g., heroin, cocaine) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5-40 years | Up to $5,000,000 | N/A (federal) | Supervised release, asset forfeiture |
| Importation of Marijuana (large quantities) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5-40 years | Up to $5,000,000 | N/A (federal) | Supervised release, asset forfeiture |
| Importation of Controlled Substances (lesser quantities) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $1,000,000 | N/A (federal) | Supervised release, asset forfeiture |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled numerous federal criminal cases, including controlled substance importation matters, in Montgomery County and across Maryland.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results in Montgomery County Circuit Court, including a case where all charges were dropped for one count of child pornography/distribution and eight counts of possession of visual representation of a child under 16 in sex acts. In another case, a charge of distribution of child pornography resulted in 5 years probation and no incarceration. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 2 miles from the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, with access via I-270 and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
Controlled substance importation lawyer near me Montgomery County — serving the communities of Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery County, Maryland?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Montgomery County).
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery County: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against importation of controlled substances charges?
Defense strategies for importation of controlled substances in Maryland may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing importation of controlled substances charges in Maryland?
If facing importation of controlled substances charges in Maryland, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under federal law require prompt action.
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Salisbury hub page. You may also be interested in our Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County or Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County pages.
Last verified: May 2026