Continuing Criminal Enterprise lawyer Baltimore County, MD

You’re accused of running a large‑scale drug trafficking network. Federal agents refer to you as the “kingpin.” Now the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland—covering Baltimore County—has brought a Continuing Criminal Enterprise charge under 21 U.S.C. § 848. This is one of the most severe allegations in the federal system, carrying a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team understand the gravity of a CCE prosecution. Call (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your defense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Strategy Options for a Federal CCE Charge in Baltimore County

A Continuing Criminal Enterprise charge requires the government to prove that you supervised five or more persons in a “continuing series” of federal drug violations and derived substantial income from the operation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to challenge each element—including whether the loosely connected transactions the government points to truly amount to a “continuing series,” whether the alleged subordinates were actually directed by you, and whether the financial evidence supports the required level of income. In many CCE cases, the defense focuses on undermining the supervisory relationship and the continuity of the violations. Separate drug counts that do not meet the CCE threshold can sometimes be resolved without the mandatory minimums that attach to § 848.

What to Expect in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

Federal CCE cases in Baltimore County proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, most often at the Baltimore division at 101 W. Lombard Street. Unlike state-court proceedings, a federal grand jury must return an indictment before the case moves forward. An initial appearance and detention hearing typically follow quickly, and pretrial motions address discovery, suppression of evidence, and potential joinder of charges. The process—from arraignment through plea negotiations or trial—is governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the local rules of the District of Maryland. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled matters in this federal district and are familiar with the practices of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Baltimore and the expectations of the District Court bench.

Penalties Under 21 U.S.C. § 848

Beyond incarceration, a CCE sentence may include fines, restitution, and mandatory forfeiture of assets. A conviction also results in supervised release following any term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system, so a defendant sentenced to a lengthy CCE term will serve most of it. Because the sentencing guidelines are advisory, however, a skilled advocate can present mitigating circumstances to argue for a sentence lower than the guidelines range—though the mandatory minimum cannot be waived by the judge. Every aspect of sentencing is contested by Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, who look for openings such as safety‑valve eligibility (where applicable), substantial assistance to the government, and challenges to the drug quantity attributed to the defendant.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He has practiced federal criminal defense in Maryland for many years, appearing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and other federal courts across the country. His experience includes handling complex drug conspiracy and CCE matters. A team of Of Counsel attorneys—former prosecutors and litigators with substantial federal criminal experience—supports each case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Continuing Criminal Enterprise charge?

A Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) charge under 21 U.S.C. § 848 targets the leaders of large‑scale drug trafficking organizations. It requires the government to prove that you organized, supervised, or managed at least five other persons in a continuing series of federal drug violations and that you derived substantial income from the operation. Because of the severe mandatory minimums, the charge is often referred to as the “drug kingpin” statute. A CCE count is frequently added to an indictment alongside other drug trafficking and conspiracy charges, and it dramatically raises the stakes of the case.

How does a federal CCE case differ from a state drug case in Baltimore County?

Federal CCE cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, not the Baltimore County State’s Attorney, and are heard in U.S. District Court under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. There is no parole in the federal system, and mandatory minimums apply regardless of the judge’s discretion. Investigations are typically handled by federal agencies such as the DEA, FBI, or ATF, and the grand‑jury process differs from state‑court charging procedures. An attorney experienced in federal criminal defense is necessary to navigate these distinctions.

What should I do if I’m being investigated for a CCE offense in Maryland?

If you learn you are under federal investigation for a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Anything you say can be used to indict you. Ask for an attorney immediately and preserve all potential evidence—including documents, communications, and financial records—that may be relevant to your defense. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 early in the investigation; early engagement can often affect whether charges are brought and, if so, what charges the government ultimately pursues.

Can a CCE mandatory minimum be avoided?

In limited circumstances, a defendant facing a § 848 charge may avoid the mandatory minimum through cooperation that provides “substantial assistance” to the government under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(e) or through a successful challenge to the elements of the offense. The safety‑valve provision does not apply to CCE. However, if the government cannot prove the continuing‑series or supervisory elements, the charge may be reduced. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the government’s evidence to determine whether any element is vulnerable; in some matters, the CCE count is dismissed before trial.

How does a Maryland federal criminal lawyer challenge a CCE indictment?

A defense attorney can challenge a CCE indictment by attacking the sufficiency of the grand‑jury evidence, moving to suppress evidence obtained through improper searches or wiretaps, and filing motions to sever counts or to strike the continuing‑series language. Because CCE requires proof of five or more supervised individuals, the defense often focuses on whether those individuals were in fact supervised by the defendant or were simply participants in a horizontal conspiracy. Rigorous pretrial motion practice can narrow the case significantly before trial.

Do I need a lawyer for a CCE charge in Baltimore County?

Yes, absolutely. The penalties for a Continuing Criminal Enterprise conviction are among the harshest in federal law. The government will have significant resources dedicated to prosecution, including multiple agencies and often cooperating witnesses. Retaining counsel with federal criminal experience in the District of Maryland puts you in the best position to understand the charges, evaluate the evidence, and mount a comprehensive defense. To schedule a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Schedule a Consultation

If you or someone you know is facing a Continuing Criminal Enterprise charge in Baltimore County or elsewhere in Maryland, contact Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at (888) 437‑7747. Consultations are by appointment, and phone inquiries are answered during business hours.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule.

For additional resources on federal practice, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and the text of 21 U.S.C. § 848.

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