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 — has extensive criminal defense experience in Prince George’s County, providing strategic representation for clients facing these serious allegations.
Controlled Substance Importation Lawyer Prince Georges County, Maryland
Federal importation of controlled substances is prosecuted under the Controlled Substances Act, specifically 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. This statute makes it unlawful to knowingly or intentionally import, export, or possess with intent to distribute controlled substances across U.S. borders. Federal drug penalties are significantly harsher than state charges, with mandatory minimum sentences based on drug type and quantity. For example, importing 5 kilograms or more of cocaine carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in federal prison. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | U.S. Congress — official site
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 (CR) (Maryland General Assembly — official site).
In the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County, prosecutors routinely pursue federal charges for controlled substance importation, which carry mandatory minimum sentences. We have observed that early intervention by an experienced attorney can significantly impact the outcome.
- Contact a Controlled Substance Importation Lawyer Prince Georges County immediately upon arrest or investigation.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all documents, receipts, and electronic communications.
- Attend all court hearings at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County.
- Work with your attorney to explore defense strategies, including challenging evidence and negotiating plea agreements.
- Consider the potential for pretrial release or bail review within 24 hours if detained.
In Prince George’s County, Maryland, controlled substance importation carries severe federal penalties under 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq., including mandatory minimum sentences based on drug type and quantity.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Importation of 5 kg+ cocaine | Federal felony | 10 years to life (mandatory minimum) | Up to $10 million | N/A (federal) | Supervised release, asset forfeiture |
| Importation of 1 kg+ heroin | Federal felony | 10 years to life (mandatory minimum) | Up to $10 million | N/A (federal) | Supervised release, asset forfeiture |
| Importation of 50 g+ methamphetamine | Federal felony | 10 years to life (mandatory minimum) | Up to $10 million | N/A (federal) | Supervised release, asset forfeiture |
| Importation of marijuana (1,000 kg+) | Federal felony | 10 years to life (mandatory minimum) | Up to $10 million | 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%. The firm has handled numerous complex federal criminal cases, including controlled substance importation matters, and provides strategic defense for clients in Prince George’s County.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Prince George’s County, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, including numerous favorable outcomes in federal drug cases. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 20 miles from the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County, with access via I-495 and Route 301. If you are searching for a controlled substance importation lawyer near me Prince George’s County, SRIS, P.C. provides experienced representation. 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 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Yes. 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 on your record and is available at District Court of MD for 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).
Expungement is available for many cases at District Court of MD for Prince George’s County.
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.
Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Prince George’s County; felonies go to Circuit Court.
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.
An attorney at District Court of MD for Prince George’s County can negotiate PBJ 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.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors under 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq.
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 Maryland law require prompt action.
Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately and preserve all evidence.
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Salisbury hub page. You may also find these resources useful: Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County, Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County, and Criminal Defense Lawyer Charles County.
Last updated: 2026-05-01