Simple Possession lawyer Kent 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

A federal simple possession charge in Kent County, Maryland, is a matter that demands legal consultation. Contact us to request a consultation. Federal drug prosecutions are pursued by the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland and resolved in the U.S. District Court—a forum with its own rules, sentencing guidelines, and procedures that differ substantially from those of the state courts in Chestertown or anywhere else on the Eastern Shore. The potential consequences include a felony record, a period of incarceration, a term of supervised release, and lasting collateral disabilities. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent individuals in federal criminal matters throughout Maryland, including Kent County, and they bring extensive combined legal experience to each engagement. To discuss your situation with an experienced federal defense attorney, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 and request a consultation.

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What Federal Simple Possession Means in Kent County

Federal simple possession is a charge that arises under the Controlled Substances Act. Unlike a state-level possession case that would be handled in the District Court of Maryland for Kent County or the Kent County Circuit Court, a federal possession charge is prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. For a resident of Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, Betterton, or any other community in Kent County, that means the case will be heard either in the Baltimore division at 101 West Lombard Street or in the Greenbelt division at 6500 Cherrywood Lane—two courthouses that operate under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Because federal authorities such as the DEA, FBI, or ATF may be involved in the investigation, the evidentiary record in a federal simple possession case often looks different from a state prosecution. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has substantial resources and typically pursues charges after a grand jury indictment or an information supported by a detailed investigative file. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with both the Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions, and they understand how federal prosecutors in the District of Maryland approach drug possession cases. They work to identify procedural issues, challenge evidence where appropriate, and present mitigation that may influence charging decisions, plea negotiations, and sentencing recommendations.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Simple Possession Cases

When a client in Kent County faces a federal simple possession accusation, early engagement is critical. The team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Typically begins by reviewing the charging instrument, the supporting affidavit, and the discovery produced by the government. If the charge originated from a traffic stop, a search of a residence, or a consensual encounter, the attorneys examine the lawfulness of the search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. Federal suppression motions, when warranted, can materially change the posture of a case.

The firm also works to address the client’s personal circumstances in a way that is relevant under the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Factors such as a limited criminal history, acceptance of responsibility, and the absence of aggravating conduct can affect the guideline range and provide a basis for a variance or a downward departure. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team—which includes a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney—draw on their combined courtroom experience to negotiate with federal prosecutors and, when necessary, to take a case to trial. The goal is to pursue the most favorable outcome available under the unique facts of the case. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His experience includes a wide range of criminal matters, and he testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris maintains a limited personal caseload so that he can devote substantial attention to each matter he accepts.

Supporting Mr. Sris is an Of Counsel team with prosecutorial and litigation backgrounds that complement the firm’s federal criminal defense practice. The Of Counsel attorneys collectively bring extensive courtroom experience to Kent County federal cases. They are familiar with the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and the procedures that govern federal criminal prosecutions. To discuss your case with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is federal simple possession and how does it differ from state possession charges?

Federal simple possession is a drug offense charged under the Controlled Substances Act and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, while a state charge is brought by the local State’s Attorney in the courts of Kent County or the State of Maryland. Federal cases are governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, not by the Maryland Criminal Code. The investigative agencies, the procedural rules, and the collateral consequences are all distinct. An attorney who understands both systems can help a client navigate the differences.

What are the potential penalties for federal simple possession in Maryland?

The potential consequences of a federal simple possession conviction include incarceration, a term of supervised release, fines, and a federal felony record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. The exact exposure depends on the type and quantity of the controlled substance involved, the defendant’s prior criminal history, and the application of the advisory sentencing guidelines. Because federal law does not provide for parole, any sentence imposed is served at a substantial percentage of the term ordered. A lawyer can explain how these factors may apply in your particular situation.

Do I need a lawyer if I am charged with simple possession in federal court?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but representing yourself in a federal criminal matter is extremely difficult, and the government will be represented by an experienced prosecutor. Federal procedure is complex, and the discovery process, motion practice, and sentencing guidelines require a trained legal professional. Early engagement with counsel can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and give you the trusted opportunity to present a complete defense or mitigating information. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for guidance.

How does the federal criminal process work for a simple possession case in Maryland?

After an arrest or summons, the case typically begins with an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate judge, where a defendant is informed of the charge, advised of rights, and a determination is made regarding pretrial release or detention. If an indictment is returned, an arraignment follows, a scheduling order is entered, and the parties engage in discovery and pretrial motions. The case may resolve through a plea agreement or proceed to trial. Sentencing, if there is a conviction, occurs after a presentence report is prepared and reviewed by the court. Each phase requires careful preparation.

What defenses are available in federal simple possession cases?

Defenses in a federal simple possession case may include challenges to the legality of the search or seizure, challenges to the chain of custody or the reliability of the laboratory analysis, and arguments that the substance did not belong to the defendant or was not knowingly possessed. In some cases, a defendant may be eligible for a deferred prosecution agreement or a diversion program. The availability of any defense depends on the specific facts and the applicable law. An experienced federal criminal defense attorney can evaluate the evidence and advise on the most appropriate strategy for your case.

How do I choose a federal simple possession lawyer for a case in Kent County?

Look for counsel who is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, who has experience with federal drug prosecutions, and who is willing to devote time to understanding the unique facts of your case. Ask about the attorney’s familiarity with the Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions, how the firm approaches federal sentencing guidelines, and who will be handling the matter day-to-day. The team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Includes attorneys with federal court experience and prosecutorial backgrounds. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747 for a confidential consultation.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.