Drug distribution in Somerset 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, including 120 documented drug offense results firm-wide, with 73 dismissals or not guilty outcomes.
Drug Distribution Lawyer in Somerset County, Maryland
Drug distribution in Maryland is governed by Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, which makes it unlawful to manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances (CDS). Penalties vary by drug schedule and quantity. For example, distribution of Schedule I or II narcotics like heroin or cocaine is a felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $25,000 for a first offense. Subsequent offenses carry enhanced penalties. The statute also includes enhanced penalties for distribution within 1,000 feet of a school or public park. 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 has handled 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Somerset County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Maryland’s drug distribution laws, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures and rules, visit Maryland Courts (courts.state.md.us — official site).
In District Court of MD for Somerset County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for drug distribution charges, especially when the alleged conduct involves large quantities or proximity to schools. We have observed that the State’s Attorney for Somerset County often files charges aggressively, but experienced defense counsel can identify procedural weaknesses in the state’s case.
- Do not speak to police or investigators without your attorney present. Invoke your right to remain silent.
- Preserve all evidence and do not destroy or alter anything. Your attorney will need to review the facts.
- Contact a Drug Distribution Lawyer Somerset County immediately to discuss your case and legal options.
- Attend all court hearings at District Court of MD for Somerset County or Somerset County Circuit Court. Failure to appear can result in a bench warrant.
- Work with your attorney to explore disposition options such as Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), Nolle Prosequi, or Stet docket to avoid a conviction.
In Somerset County, drug distribution carries penalties ranging from up to 20 years in prison for Schedule I/II narcotics to enhanced penalties for distribution near schools or to minors.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution of Schedule I/II Narcotics (e.g., heroin, cocaine) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory minimums may apply; federal charges possible |
| Distribution of Schedule III/IV/V Substances | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Probation, drug treatment, community service |
| Distribution Within 1,000 Feet of a School | Felony | Up to 20 years (enhanced) | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory minimum of 1-5 years; federal charges possible |
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%. Advocacy Without Borders — the firm is committed to providing aggressive, knowledgeable representation for clients facing drug distribution charges in Somerset County. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the state builds its cases and can identify weaknesses in the evidence against you.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 120 documented results in drug offense cases firm-wide: 73 dismissed or not guilty, 33 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 88%. Results may vary. The firm has also achieved significant outcomes in related cases, including a Nolle Prosequi for child pornography promotion/distribution charges in Baltimore County and a 5-year probation with no incarceration for distribution of child pornography in Montgomery County Circuit Court. These results demonstrate the firm’s ability to negotiate favorable dispositions even in serious drug-related cases.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 120 miles from District Court of MD for Somerset County, with access via Route 13 and Route 413. As a drug trafficking defense lawyer Somerset County clients trust, we are available to represent you. Serving the communities of Princess Anne, Crisfield, Westover, Marion Station, Deal Island. 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
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Distribution in Somerset County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Somerset 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 Somerset County (30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Yes. PBJ avoids a formal conviction and can be expunged after 3 years.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Somerset 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 Somerset County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Somerset County). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Yes. Expungement is available for many dispositions after a waiting period.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Somerset County, Maryland?
After arrest in Somerset 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 Somerset County (30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853). Felonies go to Somerset County Circuit Court. Bail set by District Court commissioner at initial appearance; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release; bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours if detained; public defender eligibility based on income; court costs: approximately $22.50-$55. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
After arrest, you will have an initial appearance, bail review, arraignment, and trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Somerset 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 Somerset County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Yes. An attorney can help avoid a conviction through PBJ 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.
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 find these pages useful: Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County. As a distribution of controlled substances lawyer Somerset County clients rely on, we are here to help.
Last verified: April 2026 | Page generated: 2026-04-30