Controlled Substance Importation Lawyer in Prince George’s County, Maryland
Importation of controlled substances is a federal offense under 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq., carrying severe penalties including mandatory minimum sentences and no parole. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive criminal defense experience in Prince George’s County.
Understanding Importation of Controlled Substances Charges
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, or attempt to import, any controlled substance into the United States. The law covers all Schedule I through Schedule V drugs, including heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and prescription medications brought across international borders without authorization. Federal drug penalties are significantly harsher than state charges, with mandatory minimum sentences based on drug type and quantity. For example, importing 1 kilogram or more of heroin carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment under 21 U.S.C. § 960. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | justice.gov
Official Legal References
Review the official statutes governing importation of controlled substances: 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. (U.S. Department of Justice — official site). For Maryland-specific procedures, see Maryland Courts (courts.state.md.us — official site).
Local Procedural Insights for Prince George’s County
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt Division), prosecutors routinely pursue federal charges for importation of controlled substances. We have observed that federal agents, including HSI and DEA, conduct extensive investigations before filing charges. The government often relies on surveillance, informants, and border searches to build cases.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents, receipts, and communications related to your travel or shipments.
- Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately upon learning of an investigation.
- Attend all court appearances at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
- Review all discovery materials with your lawyer to identify procedural errors.
- Consider all options, including pretrial motions, plea negotiations, or trial.
In Prince George’s County, importation of controlled substances carries severe federal penalties under 21 U.S.C. § 960, including mandatory minimum sentences based on drug type and quantity.
| 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 | No parole; supervised release; asset forfeiture |
| Importation of Schedule III drugs | Federal felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $500,000 | Federal driver’s license suspension possible | No parole; supervised release; asset forfeiture |
| Importation of Schedule IV drugs | Federal felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal driver’s license suspension possible | No parole; supervised release; asset forfeiture |
| Importation of Schedule V drugs | Federal felony | Up to 1 year | Up to $100,000 | Federal driver’s license suspension possible | No parole; supervised release; asset forfeiture |
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%. The firm, known as “Advocacy Without Borders,” has handled complex federal criminal cases including importation of controlled substances. Our team includes Kristen M. Fisher, Former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, who brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to your defense. We understand the federal court system in Prince George’s County and are available 24/7 for consultations by appointment only.
Your Legal Team
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results across Maryland. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific case results for Prince George’s County importation cases are not publicly available, our firm has achieved favorable outcomes in federal criminal matters including dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, and probationary dispositions. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Rockville is approximately 20 miles from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt Division), 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 serve clients throughout the area. 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?
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against importation of controlled substances charges?
Defense strategies for importation of controlled substances 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 Practice Areas
For more information about our services, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland hub page. You may also be interested in our Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County pages.
Last verified: May 2026