Possession of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime lawyer Charles County, MD

A federal charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is among the most serious offenses prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. In Charles County, where federal investigators and the U.S. Attorney’s Office actively target drug-and-firearm cases, an individual facing such a charge encounters mandatory minimum prison sentences, the full weight of federal investigative resources, and a complex sentencing scheme governed by 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in Charles County and throughout Maryland in federal criminal matters, including firearm-and-drug-trafficking charges. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced in federal court practice and work to protect the rights of the accused at every stage. To discuss your matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Possession of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime Means in Charles County

A charge under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) arises when the government alleges that a person possessed, carried, brandished, or discharged a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The underlying drug offense typically falls under 21 U.S.C. § 841, which prohibits manufacturing, distributing, or possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances. The firearm charge is separate and carries its own mandatory minimum sentence that must run consecutively to any sentence for the drug offense. For a first conviction under § 924(c), the mandatory minimum is five years; the minimum increases to seven years if the firearm was brandished, and to ten years if it was discharged. A second or subsequent conviction under § 924(c) carries a mandatory 25‑year minimum, and the statute authorizes life imprisonment in certain circumstances.

In Charles County, federal drug-and-firearm investigations are conducted by agencies such as the DEA, FBI, ATF, and local task forces that operate across Southern Maryland and into the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. Cases are prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. All proceedings—including initial appearances, detention hearings, arraignments, motions, and trials—take place in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, either at the Baltimore courthouse or the Greenbelt courthouse. A person charged in Charles County will appear before a federal magistrate judge and, eventually, a district judge. The firm’s Rockville, Maryland location serves clients in Charles County, making the drive to either federal courthouse manageable from La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, Hughesville, and the surrounding communities.

Federal sentencing in these cases is driven by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate a guideline range based on the offense level and the defendant’s criminal history category. While the guidelines are advisory following United States v. Booker, federal judges give them substantial weight. Mandatory minimum statutes—particularly § 924(c)—override any lower guideline calculation. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the government’s evidence supports the firearm charge, whether any statutory exceptions or defenses apply, and whether a departure or variance below the mandatory minimum is available through the safety valve or substantial assistance provisions. Because federal parole was abolished, any term of imprisonment will be followed by a period of supervised release, and asset forfeiture often accompanies these prosecutions.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Federal Possession of Firearm Cases

A federal investigation or indictment can move quickly. The process typically begins with a complaint and arrest, or with a grand jury indictment filed under seal. The defendant is brought before a magistrate judge for an initial appearance, and the government often seeks pretrial detention. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by scrutinizing every step that law enforcement took, including the basis for any search, the validity of any warrant, the chain of custody of evidence, and the reliability of any cooperating witnesses or informants. Early engagement is critical, because strategic decisions made at the detention hearing and during pretrial discovery shape the direction of the case.

Throughout the pretrial phase, the firm’s attorneys examine discovery, file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges where appropriate, and negotiate with the Assistant U.S. Attorney. In many federal cases, the government presents a proposed plea agreement; evaluating that offer requires a detailed understanding of the Sentencing Guidelines, the mandatory minimums, and the possibility of earning a reduction for acceptance of responsibility or substantial assistance. If the case proceeds to trial, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to challenge the government’s evidence before a federal jury. The timeline for a federal case varies by complexity and court scheduling, but the Speedy Trial Act sets outer limits, and the court’s calendar controls hearing dates.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and concentrates a significant portion of his practice on federal criminal defense. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His firsthand experience on the prosecution side gives him insight into how federal prosecutors construct firearm-and-drug-trafficking cases.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience, including former Maryland prosecutors who handled criminal cases in state district and circuit courts before joining the firm. This collective background allows the team to anticipate the government’s strategies and to identify weak points in the evidence early. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to federal criminal defense. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is “possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime”?

It is a separate federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) that applies when someone possesses, carries, brandishes, or discharges a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking felony. The firearm does not need to be used; mere possession is enough if it facilitated the drug crime in some way. The charge is independent of any underlying drug count and adds a mandatory consecutive prison sentence.

What are the penalties for a § 924(c) firearm conviction in federal court?

The penalties depend on how the firearm was involved and whether it is a first or subsequent § 924(c) conviction. A first offense carries a mandatory minimum of five years, rising to seven years if the firearm was brandished, and ten years if discharged. A second or later conviction brings a mandatory 25‑year minimum, and the court can impose life imprisonment. These sentences run consecutively to any time imposed for the underlying drug trafficking crime.

How do the federal sentencing guidelines apply in Charles County cases?

The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines apply the same way in the District of Maryland as they do nationwide, but the district’s judges approach departures and variances based on the individual facts of each case. The guideline range is advisory, yet mandatory minimums under § 924(c) override any lower guideline recommendation. An experienced attorney can assess whether the safety valve, acceptance of responsibility, or substantial assistance can reduce exposure, and can present arguments tailored to the particular judge.

If I am under investigation for a federal firearm-and-drug crime in Charles County, should I speak to law enforcement?

No. You should not answer questions or make any statement to federal agents without an attorney present. Exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in a federal prosecution. Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately so that counsel can protect your rights before charges are filed.

Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer if I have been charged in Charles County?

Yes. Federal firearm-and-drug charges involve mandatory minimums, complex sentencing guidelines, and active prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office; having a lawyer who understands federal procedure is essential. State-court experience alone is not sufficient because federal practice differs in nearly every respect—from bail procedures to the admissibility of evidence and the calculation of a sentence. Early representation can significantly affect the outcome.

How long does a federal firearm-and-drug trafficking case take in Maryland?

The timeline varies considerably depending on the complexity of the investigation, the number of defendants, and whether the case resolves by plea or goes to trial. Under the Speedy Trial Act, the government must bring a case to trial within 70 days of the first appearance or indictment, but many cases extend beyond that through agreed‑upon continuances. A straightforward case may conclude in several months; a multi‑defendant conspiracy can take over a year.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Federal Criminal Defense Resources in Maryland:
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland |
18 U.S.C. § 924(c) — Firearm Offenses |
U.S. Sentencing Guidelines

Federal Criminal Defense in nearby Maryland counties:

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