Possession of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime lawyer Rockville, MD

A federal charge alleging possession of a firearm during a drug‑trafficking offense exposes you to severe mandatory‑minimum penalties, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland pursues these cases actively. If you are facing an investigation or indictment in Rockville or anywhere in Montgomery County, experienced federal defense counsel can evaluate whether the government can prove the firearm‑possession element under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) and work to protect your rights at every stage of the proceeding. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals charged with federal drug‑trafficking and firearms offenses in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. To discuss your situation, 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 a Firearm in a Drug Trafficking Crime Means in Rockville, Maryland

Federal prosecutions in Rockville proceed under 21 U.S.C. § 841 and the firearm‑enhancement provisions in 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, with its Greenbelt and Baltimore divisions, routinely charges defendants who are alleged to have carried, used, or possessed a firearm during and in relation to a drug‑trafficking crime. Because Rockville lies within Montgomery County and is served by the court’s Southern Division (Greenbelt), local investigations often involve the Montgomery County Police Department, the DEA, the ATF, and the FBI. A conviction under § 924(c) carries a mandatory consecutive sentence that is tacked onto any underlying drug‑trafficking sentence, and the federal system does not provide for parole.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, located at 6500 Cherrywood Lane in Greenbelt and 101 West Lombard Street in Baltimore, handles all federal criminal matters arising in Montgomery County. The court follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, though statutory mandatory minimums override guideline calculations when the government files a § 924(c) count. Pretrial detention motions, detention hearings, and initial appearances typically occur before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, and the Speedy Trial Act governs the case schedule. Understanding how the local U.S. Attorney’s Office charges these offenses and how the court handles discovery and motion practice is a material part of building an effective defense.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle These Cases

Defending a § 924(c) charge in the District of Maryland requires a thorough examination of the government’s evidence regarding the firearm. The prosecution must prove that the defendant knowingly possessed the firearm and that the possession was “in furtherance of” the drug‑trafficking crime. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys scrutinize search‑warrant affidavits, witness statements, surveillance footage, and the chain of custody. Where law enforcement exceeded the scope of a warrant or relied on an uncorroborated informant, a motion to suppress may materially weaken the government’s case. The firm’s approach is to identify every procedural and evidentiary challenge that might lead to dismissal, exclusion of the firearm, or a favorable factual basis for negotiations with the Assistant U.S. Attorney.

In many cases, the government will attempt to link the firearm to the drug transaction through testimony about the location of the weapon, DNA, fingerprints, or text messages. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, is familiar with the way federal prosecutors build these cases. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who bring extensive combined legal experience, work with him to retain forensic experts when needed and to prepare for suppression hearings, detention hearings, and trial. Every case is evaluated on its specific facts, and the defense strategy is tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of the government’s proof.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal law since 1997. As a former prosecutor, he understands the strategies that federal prosecutors use to build drug‑and‑firearm cases. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he concentrates his practice on complex criminal defense matters in federal and state courts. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute extensive combined legal experience to the defense of federal criminal charges. They appear regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and are familiar with the court’s local rules and the practices of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. While each case is unique, the team works collaboratively to ensure that every defense avenue is explored. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for possessing a firearm during a drug‑trafficking crime in Maryland federal court?

A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries a mandatory consecutive prison sentence that starts at five years for a first offense and escalates significantly if the firearm was brandished or discharged. The sentence is added to any prison term for the underlying drug‑trafficking charge, and there is no parole in the federal system. Because the mandatory minimum is fixed by statute, the sentencing judge has little discretion to go below it unless the government files a motion for substantial assistance. The actual sentence depends on the specific allegations in the indictment and the defendant’s criminal history. An attorney can explain how the guidelines and mandatory‑minimum provisions interact in your particular circumstances.

How can a lawyer challenge a firearm‑possession charge in federal court in Rockville?

Possible challenges involve contesting the sufficiency of the government’s proof that the firearm was possessed “in furtherance of” the drug crime and filing suppression motions if the weapon was discovered through an unconstitutional search. The government must show more than a coincidental presence of a gun; it must prove a nexus between the firearm and the drug trafficking. Experienced defense counsel may also argue that the defendant did not have actual or constructive possession of the firearm. Each case’s viability depends on the specific facts, and a thorough review of the discovery is essential.

Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation for a federal drug‑and‑firearm crime in Montgomery County?

You should speak with a federal criminal defense attorney as soon as you are aware of an investigation. Early involvement of counsel can help you avoid making statements that could be used against you and can sometimes influence charging decisions before an indictment is returned. Federal agents may attempt to interview you before you have retained counsel, and anything you say can become evidence. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What are the possible defenses to a § 924(c) charge?

Defenses may include a lack of knowledge that the firearm was present, lack of intent to further the drug crime, insufficiency of the government’s evidence, and constitutional violations during the search or seizure. If the firearm was found in a shared space or vehicle, the government may have trouble proving that the defendant knowingly possessed it. Likewise, if the drug‑trafficking charge itself is weak, the § 924(c) count cannot stand. Each defense must be tailored to the facts, and it is important to have counsel who can assess the strength of the government’s case before deciding on a strategy.

How are federal drug‑and‑firearm cases different from state cases in Maryland?

Federal prosecutions involve different sentencing laws, no parole, and a higher conviction rate than state court cases. The U.S. Attorney’s Office often brings charges after a lengthy grand jury investigation, and federal agents typically have more resources than local police. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines apply, and mandatory‑minimum statutes can dramatically raise the length of any prison term. Discovery in federal court is governed by Rule 16 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and by the government’s obligations under Brady v. Maryland. Because the procedural landscape is distinct, it is important to work with counsel who regularly practices in federal court.

Official primary sources: U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 924 (Firearms) | 21 U.S.C. § 841 (Drug Trafficking)

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

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

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.