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 and substantial fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Montgomery County, including documented results in drug-related cases at Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Drug Distribution Lawyer 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 specific statute, Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 5-602, prohibits a person from “manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled dangerous substance” or “possessing a controlled dangerous substance in sufficient quantity to reasonably indicate an intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense.” Penalties vary by drug schedule and quantity. For example, distribution of Schedule I or II narcotics (such as heroin, cocaine, or fentanyl) is a felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Distribution of marijuana (Schedule I) carries up to 5 years and a $100,000 fine for amounts over 50 pounds. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases in the District Court of MD for Montgomery County (for initial appearances) and Montgomery County Circuit Court (for felony trials). Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing these serious charges.
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 laws, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 5-602 (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures in Montgomery County, visit District Court of MD for Montgomery County (courts.state.md.us).
In Montgomery County, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for drug distribution cases involving school zones or large quantities. We have observed that the State’s Attorney’s Office often files charges under multiple statutes to maximize use during plea negotiations.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Contact a drug distribution lawyer in Montgomery County immediately after arrest.
- Preserve all evidence, including text messages, receipts, and witness contact information.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances at District Court of MD for Montgomery County or Montgomery County Circuit Court.
- Work with your attorney to explore Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) or other disposition options.
- Consider expungement eligibility after case resolution.
In Montgomery County, drug distribution carries penalties ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment depending on the drug type and quantity, with fines up to $1,000,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution of Schedule I/II Narcotics (e.g., heroin, cocaine, fentanyl) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $1,000,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory minimum sentences; asset forfeiture; federal prosecution risk |
| Distribution of Marijuana (over 50 pounds) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $100,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Probation; drug treatment program; community service |
| Distribution of Schedule III/IV/V Drugs (e.g., prescription pills) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $50,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Probation; mandatory drug education; loss of professional license |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Montgomery County, including documented results in drug-related cases. In one case, a client charged with distribution of child pornography in Montgomery County Circuit Court received 5 years probation with no incarceration. In another, all charges were dropped for a client facing multiple counts of child pornography distribution and possession. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
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 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).
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).
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.
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.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against drug distribution charges?
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.
What should I do if I am facing drug distribution charges in Maryland?
If facing drug distribution charges in Maryland, contact a 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.
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our hub page: Criminal Defense Lawyer Salisbury.
Explore related pages: Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in Maryland law and Montgomery County court procedures.