Drug distribution in Montgomery County, Maryland, is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County, including a 5-year probation with no incarceration for distribution of child pornography and all charges dropped in another distribution case. Results may vary.
Drug Distribution Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
Under Maryland law, drug distribution is defined as the manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances (CDS). The Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article, classifies drug distribution as a felony, with penalties escalating based on the drug schedule, quantity, and proximity to schools or minors. A conviction can result in significant prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Advocacy Without Borders — the firm handles cases across state and federal courts in Montgomery County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Maryland’s drug distribution statutes, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 5-601 et seq. (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For procedural rules, see Maryland Courts — official site.
In the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for drug distribution charges, especially when involving Schedule I or II substances. In our experience defending these cases, early intervention and negotiation with the State’s Attorney can lead to alternative dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) or Stet, which avoid a formal conviction.
- Do not speak to police without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence and documentation related to your case.
- Contact a drug distribution lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
- Attend all court hearings; failure to appear can result in a bench warrant.
- Explore alternative dispositions like PBJ or Stet with your attorney.
- Consider expungement options after case resolution.
In Montgomery County, drug distribution carries penalties ranging from up to 20 years in prison for Schedule I/II substances to enhanced penalties for distribution near schools or to minors.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution of Schedule I/II CDS | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Permanent criminal record; loss of federal benefits |
| Distribution of Schedule III/IV CDS | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Permanent criminal record; loss of professional licenses |
| Distribution within 1,000 feet of a school | Felony | Up to 20 years (mandatory minimum may apply) | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Enhanced penalties; mandatory minimum sentencing |
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’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality legal representation regardless of the complexity or jurisdiction of your case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County: 14 favorable outcomes including dismissals, reductions, and probation-only dispositions — a favorable-outcome rate of 95%. In one case, a client charged with distribution of child pornography received 5 years probation with no incarceration. In another, all charges were dropped. 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). If you are searching for a drug distribution lawyer near Montgomery County, we serve 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
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Distribution in Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
PBJ avoids a formal conviction and is available for many drug distribution charges in Montgomery County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Montgomery County).
Expungement is available for many drug distribution cases after dismissal or PBJ.
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.
Bail is set by a commissioner; felonies go to Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
An attorney can negotiate PBJ or dismissal for misdemeanor charges.
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.
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 Calvert County or Criminal Defense Lawyer Charles County pages. For related practice areas, see Criminal Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-30.