Possession of Firearms in Drug Trafficking Crime lawyer Prince George’s County, MD

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Federal charges for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime carry severe mandatory minimums and no possibility of parole. If you or someone you care about is facing this charge in Prince George’s County, Maryland, the case is prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, typically in the Greenbelt Division. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on defending clients against federal felony allegations, including complex drug and firearms cases. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747 and request a consultation.

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Understanding Possession of Firearms in Drug Trafficking Crime Charges in Prince George’s County

A charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime arises under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). The statute mandates additional and consecutive prison time beyond the sentence for the underlying drug offense. Because the case originates in Prince George’s County but is adjudicated in federal court, the procedural rules and sentencing exposure are distinct from any state-court proceeding. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland handles the prosecution, and investigations often involve federal agencies such as the DEA, ATF, or FBI.

For individuals living in Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, and surrounding communities, understanding the federal process is essential. The case will proceed through the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which has courthouses in both Greenbelt and Baltimore. The Greenbelt location, at 6500 Cherrywood Lane, is the focus for many Prince George’s County defendants. Mounting a defense in federal court requires familiarity with the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the rules governing pretrial motions, and the strategic considerations unique to mandatory-minimum charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be charged with possession of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime?

This charge typically arises under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), which prohibits using, carrying, brandishing, or discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence. It is a standalone federal felony with mandatory consecutive prison time—starting at a minimum of five years—that must be served on top of any sentence for the underlying drug offense. The statute applies even if the firearm was not used actively; mere possession can suffice if the government proves a connection to the trafficking activity.

How is a federal firearms-and-drug case different from a state case in Prince George’s County?

Federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, not the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney, and they proceed in U.S. District Court under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, and parole has been abolished in the federal system. Additionally, federal prosecutors have access to multi-agency investigations and often pursue mandatory minimum sentences. The discovery process, pretrial release standards, and plea negotiations differ significantly from state court.

What are the potential penalties for a § 924(c) conviction?

Mandatory minimum sentences under § 924(c) depend on how the firearm was involved: at least 5 years for possession, 7 years if brandished, and 10 years if discharged, with additional enhancements for repeat convictions. These terms run consecutively to any other sentence, meaning a drug trafficking sentence plus the firearm sentence could result in decades of imprisonment. Fines, supervised release, and asset forfeiture may also be part of the consequences. Results may vary.

Can I be charged even if the firearm was not used during the drug offense?

Yes, possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime can support a § 924(c) charge even if the weapon was never fired or displayed. The government must prove that the firearm had some purpose or effect with respect to the drug trafficking crime—for example, that it was available to protect the drugs or proceeds—but it does not need to prove the firearm was actively employed. An experienced attorney can challenge the nexus between the firearm and the trafficking activity.

What should I do if I am contacted by federal agents about this charge in Maryland?

Do not speak with federal agents without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in federal court. Politely state that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and that you want to contact a lawyer. Contact an attorney experienced in federal criminal defense in the District of Maryland immediately. Your attorney can intervene to protect your rights during the investigative stage and negotiate with federal prosecutors if charges have not yet been filed.

How does the federal charging process work in the Greenbelt Division?

Federal criminal cases typically begin with a complaint or grand jury indictment. After an arrest or summons, the defendant appears before a federal magistrate judge in the Greenbelt courthouse for an initial appearance and arraignment. The judge sets conditions of release, and the case proceeds through motions, discovery, possible plea discussions, and—if no resolution—trial. Because § 924(c) charges carry mandatory prison time, the decision-making at each stage requires careful evaluation by counsel.

Can a grand jury indictment be challenged in a firearms-and-drug case?

Yes, an attorney can file a motion to dismiss the indictment on various grounds, such as improper instructions to the grand jury, prosecutorial misconduct, or lack of probable cause. Motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches or seizures are also common. While grand jury proceedings are less formal, challenging procedural errors can be an important part of the defense. Experienced federal criminal defense counsel can identify weaknesses in the government’s case and file appropriate pretrial motions.

Are there any defenses unique to § 924(c) charges?

Defenses may include challenging the government’s proof that a drug trafficking crime actually occurred, that the firearm was used “in furtherance” of that crime, or that the defendant knowingly possessed the firearm. In some jurisdictions, arguments based on the merger of predicates or the duration of the trafficking activity can affect the outcome. The specific facts and evidence in each case determine the most effective approach. An attorney familiar with federal firearms cases can assess the prosecution’s theory and build a tailored defense.

How does the Federal Sentencing Guidelines apply to § 924(c) cases?

The Federal Sentencing Guidelines are advisory, but § 924(c) carries its own statutory mandatory minimums that are not subject to the same judicial discretion as guidelines ranges. The base sentence for the drug trafficking crime is calculated under the guidelines and may include enhancements for role, drug quantity, or obstruction. The § 924(c) count is then added consecutively. A thorough sentencing memorandum and objections to the Presentence Report can influence the final outcome, but the mandatory minimum remains binding.

What role does the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland play in these cases?

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland prosecutes all federal crimes arising in Prince George’s County, including § 924(c) offenses. The office has a specialized violent crime section and works closely with federal law enforcement agencies. Understanding the local priorities and practices of the Greenbelt office can be valuable when negotiating or litigating a case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and are familiar with the federal criminal process in this district.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is admitted to practice in Maryland federal court and has decades of experience defending clients against serious federal charges. He concentrates his practice on complex federal criminal matters, including drug- and firearm-related offenses. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm serves individuals and families throughout Prince George’s County—from Upper Marlboro to College Park—and appears regularly in the Greenbelt Division of the U.S. District Court.

Federal legal resources (links open in a new window):
18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (firearms in drug trafficking) |
21 U.S.C. § 841 (drug trafficking provisions) |
U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

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