Possession of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime Lawyer in Rockville, MD
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum 5-year federal prison sentence consecutive to any other sentence. In Rockville, these cases are prosecuted federally, often involving the ATF or DEA. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for these serious charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | Maryland General Assembly
Federal Law on Drugs and Guns
The primary federal statute for these combined charges is 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). This law imposes severe penalties for using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to any crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. A “drug trafficking crime” is defined under 21 U.S.C. § 841 (drug distribution) or § 846 (drug conspiracy). The firearm does not need to be fired; mere possession in furtherance of the drug crime is sufficient for conviction. The mandatory sentence runs consecutively to the sentence for the underlying drug offense.
For example, if you receive a 10-year sentence for drug trafficking, a § 924(c) conviction adds a mandatory 5 years, making the total 15 years. Penalties escalate for a second or subsequent conviction or if the firearm is a short-barreled rifle, shotgun, or machine gun.
External Legal Resources
You can review the official text of the federal firearm statute at the U.S. Code for 18 U.S.C. § 924. For local court procedures and rules, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland website.
Defense Strategy for Rockville Federal Cases
Federal prosecutors in the District of Maryland aggressively pursue § 924(c) charges. A common defense challenges whether the firearm was possessed “in furtherance of” the drug crime. Was the gun for personal protection unrelated to drug sales? Was it merely present in the same location? We examine search and seizure legality under the Fourth Amendment. If evidence was obtained from an illegal stop or warrantless search, we file a motion to suppress. We also scrutinize the underlying drug charge. If the drug case is weak, the firearm charge may fall.
- Initial Appearance & Detention Hearing: You will appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Greenbelt. We argue for pretrial release.
- Indictment & Arraignment: A grand jury issues an indictment. You plead not guilty at arraignment.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: We review all evidence (DEA/ATF reports, wiretaps). We file motions to challenge evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations: We negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek dismissal of the § 924(c) charge or a favorable plea agreement.
- Trial Preparation: If no plea is reached, we prepare for a jury trial in the U.S. District Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, we advocate at the sentencing hearing for the lowest possible sentence under the guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Federal Drug and Gun Crimes
In Rockville, a conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory 5-year federal prison sentence, served consecutively to the drug sentence.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (First Offense) | Federal Felony | Mandatory 5 years consecutive | Up to $250,000 | 3-5 years supervised release, permanent felony record, loss of gun rights. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Second/subsequent) | Federal Felony | Mandatory 25 years consecutive | Up to $250,000 | 5 years supervised release, permanent felony record. |
| Underlying Drug Trafficking (e.g., 21 U.S.C. § 841) | Federal Felony | 0-20 years to Life (varies by drug type/quantity) | Up to $1,000,000+ | Supervised release, asset forfeiture. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled over firm-wide 4,739 cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our approach is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We understand the high stakes of federal court and the severe penalties for drug and gun charges. Our team includes former prosecutors who know how the government builds these cases.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented record in complex criminal cases. In Montgomery County, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. For federal matters, Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and former prosecutor, brings decades of experience in federal court defense. His background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial or technical evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Rockville Federal Defense Lawyers
Our Rockville location serves clients facing federal charges at the U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, and all of Montgomery County. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
FAQs: Federal Drug and Gun Charges in Maryland
What is the penalty for a federal drug and gun charge in Maryland?
A mandatory minimum 5-year federal prison sentence, served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying drug crime. Penalties increase for subsequent convictions or specific types of firearms.
Can a drug and gun charge defense lawyer in Rockville get the gun charge dropped?
It depends. Dismissal is possible if the government cannot prove the firearm was possessed “in furtherance of” the drug crime, or if the underlying evidence is suppressed. An experienced attorney will attack the link between the gun and the drugs and challenge any constitutional violations in the investigation.
Are these cases handled in state or federal court in Rockville?
Typically federal court. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). Cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, usually in the Greenbelt courthouse.
What is the best defense against a § 924(c) charge?
The defense strategy focuses on severing the connection between the firearm and the drug offense. We argue the gun was not used to further the crime. We also file motions to suppress evidence obtained from illegal searches or seizures. Challenging the validity of the underlying drug charge is another key tactic.
How quickly should I contact a lawyer after a federal arrest?
Immediately. The federal process moves fast. Early intervention at the initial appearance and detention hearing is critical to argue for release and begin building your defense strategy before the prosecution’s case is fully set.
If you are facing combined drug and firearm allegations, you need a specialized possession of firearm in drug trafficking crime lawyer. The federal system is complex and the penalties are severe. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your case and defense options.
Internal Links: For more on federal defense, see our Maryland Federal Criminal Lawyer hub. For related charges in nearby areas, see our pages for Prince George’s County federal criminal lawyer and Howard County federal criminal lawyer. For other legal issues in Rockville, consider our Rockville criminal defense lawyer services.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your possession of firearm in drug trafficking crime case.