Controlled Substance Importation Lawyer in Prince Georges County, Maryland
Controlled substance importation charges in Prince George’s County, Maryland, are prosecuted under 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq., carrying severe federal penalties including mandatory minimum sentences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings extensive criminal defense experience to clients facing these charges. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment only.
Understanding Controlled Substance Importation Charges
Controlled substance importation is a federal offense under the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. This statute prohibits the importation of controlled substances into the United States, including Schedule I, II, III, IV, and V drugs. Federal penalties are significantly harsher than state charges, with mandatory minimum sentences based on drug type and quantity. For example, importation of 1 kilogram or more of heroin carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment. 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. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | U.S. Congress — official site
Official Legal References
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 procedures, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (Maryland General Assembly — official site).
Local Procedural Insights for Prince George’s County
In the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County, prosecutors routinely seek pretrial detention for federal drug importation cases. We have observed that early intervention often leads to more favorable outcomes.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all documents and evidence related to your case.
- Attend all court hearings promptly.
- Work with your attorney to explore defense strategies.
- Consider the possibility of plea negotiations or alternative dispositions.
Penalties for Controlled Substance Importation
In Prince George’s County, controlled substance importation carries severe federal penalties including mandatory minimum sentences, substantial fines, and no parole.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Importation of Schedule I/II drugs (e.g., heroin, cocaine) | Federal felony | 10 years to life (mandatory minimum) | Up to $10,000,000 | Federal driver’s license suspension possible | Asset forfeiture, supervised release, no parole |
| Importation of Schedule III/IV drugs | Federal felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $1,000,000 | Federal driver’s license suspension possible | Asset forfeiture, supervised release, no parole |
| Importation of Schedule V drugs | Federal felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal driver’s license suspension possible | Asset forfeiture, supervised release, no parole |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?
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%. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement professionals who understand the details of federal drug cases. We provide 24/7 availability and consultation by appointment only.
Your Legal Team
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Prince George’s County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Rockville is approximately 25 miles from the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County, with access via I-495 and I-95. If you are searching for a controlled substance importation lawyer near me Prince George’s County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 | (888) 437-7747
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s 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 Prince George’s County (14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
PBJ avoids a formal conviction and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies in Prince George’s County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Yes. 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 Prince George’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Prince George’s County).
Yes, Maryland allows expungement for many dispositions including PBJ after a 3-year waiting period.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
After arrest in Prince George’s 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 Prince George’s County (14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772). Felonies go to Prince George’s County Circuit Court.
After arrest, you will have an initial appearance, bail review, arraignment, and trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Yes. 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 Prince George’s County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
Yes, an attorney can help negotiate PBJ or dismissal for misdemeanors in Prince George’s County.
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
Federal charges carry harsher penalties and no parole compared to state charges.
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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland hub page. You may also find these resources useful: Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County, and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County.
Contact Us Today
Last verified: May 2026
If you are facing controlled substance importation charges in Prince George’s County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We offer affordable controlled substance importation lawyer Prince George’s County services. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment only.
Our Location: 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 | (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.