Need a Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Prince George’s County, MD?
You were driving on I‑495 near College Park when a traffic stop escalated quickly. Officers searched your vehicle and found a quantity of controlled substances that the State now labels “trafficking.” Before you knew it, you were charged with a serious felony that could send you to prison for years. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we know how overwhelming that moment feels—and we are ready to help. Call (888) 437‑7747 to speak with our defense team today. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options for Drug Trafficking Defense
Every drug trafficking case in Prince George’s County turns on whether the prosecution can prove you possessed the drugs with the intent to distribute them. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel scrutinize the traffic stop, the search, and the chain of custody. A stop that lacked reasonable suspicion or a search that exceeded its scope can lead to suppression of the evidence—often leaving the State with no case. Where the evidence is strong, we explore negotiations for a reduced charge, such as simple possession or a misdemeanor, and press for pretrial diversion or a deferred disposition when circumstances allow. Our team includes former Maryland prosecutors who understand the tactics the State’s Attorney will use and how to counter them.
What to Expect After a Drug Trafficking Arrest in Prince George’s County
After an arrest in Prince George’s County, you will appear before a District Court commissioner, who sets bail. If you are detained, a bail review hearing must occur within 24 hours. Your case then moves to the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County (14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro) for a preliminary hearing. Because drug trafficking is a felony, the matter is ultimately transferred to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court for trial. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear at every hearing, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and advise you on whether to accept a plea offer or go to trial. The timeline depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the discovery, but you are never left in the dark.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Maryland
Under Maryland law, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance—the offense commonly labeled drug trafficking—is a felony. The maximum penalty for distribution of CDS is up to 20 years in prison, plus significant fines and a permanent criminal record. A conviction can also affect your employment, housing, and immigration status if you are not a U.S. Citizen. Our firm works to protect your future by attacking the prosecution’s case at every stage, advocating for dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative dispositions whenever possible. Because every case is different, the actual outcome depends on the facts and the quality of the defense. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings decades of criminal defense experience to serious drug offenses in Maryland. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team include former Maryland prosecutors who have firsthand insight into how the State’s Attorney builds drug trafficking cases and where those cases are weakest. Together, they bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Mr. Sris testifies before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a drug trafficking arrest in Prince George’s County?
Stay calm and do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer. Politely decline to answer questions from law enforcement until you have legal counsel present. Contact an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible—early intervention can affect bail and evidence preservation. Call (888) 437‑7747 to reach us during business hours.
Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) on a drug trafficking charge?
PBJ is a Maryland option that allows a judge to place you on probation without entering a conviction. It is more commonly available for misdemeanors and certain felonies, but eligibility is limited for serious drug trafficking offenses. An attorney can evaluate whether any reduction or diversion program might apply to your situation. The outcome depends on the specific facts and your prior record.
How does intent to distribute get proven in drug trafficking cases?
Prosecutors use circumstantial evidence—such as the quantity of drugs, packaging materials, scales, cash, or text messages—to argue intent to distribute. Our defense team challenges each piece of evidence and may argue that the drugs were for personal use, not sale. A successful challenge to the “intent” element can result in a lesser charge.
What is the difference between drug possession and drug trafficking in Maryland?
Simple possession involves holding a controlled substance for personal use and is often a misdemeanor. Drug trafficking—usually charged as possession with intent to distribute—is a felony that carries much steeper penalties, including up to 20 years in prison. The key distinction is whether the State can prove an intent to sell or distribute.
What happens if the police searched my car without a warrant?
If the police lacked probable cause or voluntary consent, your attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence. When a search is ruled unlawful, the drugs and any other evidence seized become inadmissible, often experienced to dismissal of the charges. Our team examines every detail of the stop and search.
Will drug trafficking charges in Maryland go to federal court?
Most drug trafficking cases remain in state court. However, if the case crosses state lines, involves large quantities, or implicates federal agencies (DEA, FBI), it may be taken up by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Federal charges carry even harsher mandatory minimums and no parole.
How long does a drug trafficking case take in Prince George’s County?
The timeline varies. A District Court preliminary hearing is scheduled shortly after arrest, but the Circuit Court trial may take several months to over a year, depending on motions, discovery, and the court’s docket. An experienced attorney can help you understand the likely pace of your case.
Can I get my record expunged after a drug trafficking conviction?
Expungement in Maryland is more limited for convictions than for dismissed charges or PBJ outcomes. A drug trafficking conviction may not be eligible for expungement under current law, but acquittals, dismissals, or nolle prosequi dispositions are eligible after a waiting period. An attorney can review your specific outcome.
Do I need a lawyer for a drug trafficking charge?
Yes. Drug trafficking is a serious felony with life‑altering consequences. A defense lawyer can challenge the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and advocate for favorable outcomes. Going without experienced counsel puts you at a severe disadvantage in the criminal justice system.
Speak with a Drug Trafficking Lawyer Today
If you are facing drug trafficking charges in Prince George’s County or anywhere in Maryland, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is ready to defend your rights. Call (888) 437‑7747 or reach our Maryland location to schedule a consultation. Our phones are answered during business hours, and all consultations are by appointment. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will listen to your story and start building a defense customized to your situation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Maryland Location
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment. Call (888) 437‑7747.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.