Drug Distribution Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
Drug distribution in Montgomery County, Maryland, is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive criminal defense experience in Montgomery County, including documented results in the Montgomery County Circuit Court. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding Drug Distribution Laws in Montgomery County
Under Maryland law, drug distribution — the sale, manufacture, or delivery of controlled substances — is prosecuted as a felony under the Maryland Criminal Law Article. In Montgomery County, the State’s Attorney aggressively pursues these charges, which can result in significant prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. The specific penalties depend on the type and quantity of the controlled substance involved. For example, distribution of Schedule I or II narcotics can carry a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment and substantial fines. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing these serious allegations.
Last verified: May 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
Official Maryland Statutes and Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s drug distribution laws, consult the official state resources:
Local Procedural Insights for Montgomery County Drug Cases
In the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for drug distribution charges, especially when the offense involves fentanyl or heroin. We have observed that the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County often files charges under both state and federal theories, increasing the stakes for defendants.
- Remain silent and request an attorney immediately upon arrest.
- Attend your initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail setting.
- Request a bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Work with your attorney to review the charging documents and evidence for procedural errors.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County for a PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or reduced charges.
- Prepare for trial in the Montgomery County Circuit Court if a favorable resolution is not reached.
Penalties for Drug Distribution in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, drug distribution carries significant penalties ranging from probation to 20 years in prison, depending on the type and quantity of the controlled substance.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution of Schedule I/II Narcotics | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Permanent criminal record; loss of professional licenses; federal charges possible |
| Distribution of Marijuana (over 10g) | Felony/Misdemeanor | Up to 5 years | Up to $15,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Permanent criminal record; immigration consequences for non-citizens |
| Distribution to a Minor | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Enhanced penalties; mandatory minimum sentencing in some cases |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Drug Distribution Case?
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 firm — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled numerous drug distribution cases in Montgomery County, achieving outcomes such as probation without incarceration and complete dismissal of charges. We understand the local courts, prosecutors, and procedures that can make a difference in your case.
Your Defense Team
Kristen M. Fisher
Kristen M. Fisher, Former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, Of Counsel (independent attorney working with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.), joined the firm in 2010 and dedicates 75% of her practice to litigation. She represents clients in both Maryland and Virginia state courts, including the District Court of MD for Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Circuit Court. Her experience as a former prosecutor gives her unique insight into how the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County builds drug distribution cases.
Bar Admissions: Maryland, Virginia
Proven Results in Montgomery County Drug Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results in Montgomery County, including a case in the Montgomery County Circuit Court where all charges of child pornography distribution were dropped, and another where a client received 5 years of probation with no incarceration for distribution of child pornography. These outcomes demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable results even in the most serious drug-related cases.
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Convenient Location Serving Montgomery County
Our location in Rockville is approximately 2 miles from the District Court of MD for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street, with access via I-270 and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
If you are searching for a drug trafficking defense lawyer Montgomery County or a distribution of controlled substances lawyer Montgomery County, we are here to help.
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.
Our Location: 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 | (888) 437-7747
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 can be expunged after 3 years.
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 dispositions after a waiting period.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
It depends. 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.
Misdemeanors are tried in District Court; 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 misdemeanors.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against drug distribution charges?
It depends. Defense strategies for drug distribution in Maryland may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland hub page.
Explore related practice areas in neighboring localities:
Page last updated: 2026-05-01 | Content verified: 2026-02-15