St. Mary’s County Possession of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A federal charge for possession of a firearm in drug trafficking crime in St. Mary’s County is a severe offense under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), mandating a consecutive 5-year minimum prison sentence. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a focused defense against these combined allegations. Our firm has handled numerous federal cases in the District of Maryland.
Understanding the Federal Statute for Possession of a Firearm in a Drug Trafficking Crime
The federal law governing possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). This statute imposes severe mandatory minimum sentences that must run consecutively to any sentence for the underlying drug crime. The prosecution must prove you knowingly possessed the firearm and that it furthered, advanced, or facilitated the drug trafficking offense. Mere proximity of a gun to drugs is often insufficient; the government must show a specific nexus.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | Maryland legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 924 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local court procedures and rules, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland website.
Local Defense Strategy for St. Mary’s County Federal Cases
Federal drug and gun cases originating in St. Mary’s County are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, often in the Greenbelt or Baltimore divisions. The key for a possession of firearm in drug trafficking crime lawyer St Marys County is to attack the “in furtherance of” element. Prosecutors routinely argue any firearm found near drugs automatically meets this standard. We challenge this by examining the firearm’s accessibility, type, location, and whether it was actually used to protect drugs or drug proceeds.
- Initial Arrest & Federal Indictment: Your case will be initiated by a federal grand jury indictment. An experienced armed drug trafficking lawyer St. Mary’s County must review the indictment for legal sufficiency immediately.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: You will be arraigned in federal court. A detention hearing often follows, where the government argues you are a flight risk or danger to the community. Securing release is a critical first battle.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your attorney will obtain all evidence (discovery) and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, challenge the nexus between the gun and drugs, or seek dismissal of charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Given the severe mandatory minimums, plea negotiations are complex. If no acceptable offer is made, your attorney must be prepared to take the case to trial before a federal jury.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines. For a § 924(c) conviction, the judge has no discretion to run the sentence concurrently; it must be consecutive.
Potential Penalties for a Federal Drug and Gun Conviction
In St. Mary’s County, a federal conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years in federal prison, which must be served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying drug crime.
| Offense | Classification | Mandatory Incarceration | Maximum Fine | Consecutive Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First § 924(c) Conviction | Federal Felony | 5 years minimum | $250,000 | Yes |
| Second § 924(c) Conviction | Federal Felony | 25 years minimum | $250,000 | Yes |
| Underlying Drug Trafficking Crime | Varies by drug type/quantity | 0-40+ years | $1-5 million+ | Served before 924(c) time |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a focused approach to federal criminal defense. Our attorneys understand the high-stakes nature of cases prosecuted in the District of Maryland. We analyze every detail of the government’s case, from the legality of the search that found the firearm to the forensic evidence linking it to drug activity. We prepare each case as if it will go to trial, which is the strongest position from which to negotiate.
Documented Case Results in Federal Court
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of defending clients in federal court. Our firm-wide results across multiple jurisdictions include favorable outcomes in complex cases involving drug and weapon charges. We approach each possession of firearm in drug trafficking crime lawyer St Marys County case with a strategy aimed at achieving the best possible result, whether through motion to suppress, plea negotiation, or trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our St. Mary’s County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our firm is positioned to defend clients throughout Southern Maryland. Our Rockville location serves as a strategic base for cases in St. Mary’s County. We are accessible from major routes and offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
24/7 phone consultations. Meetings by appointment only.
Serving neighborhoods and communities throughout St. Mary’s County, including Lexington Park, California, Leonardtown, and Great Mills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the government have to prove for a § 924(c) charge?
Yes. The government must prove you committed a drug trafficking crime, you knowingly possessed a firearm, and you possessed it “in furtherance of” that crime. This last element requires showing the gun helped, advanced, or facilitated the drug offense.
Can I be charged in both state and federal court for the same drug and gun incident?
It depends. While the Double Jeopardy Clause generally prohibits dual prosecutions for the same offense, state and federal governments are considered separate sovereigns. Therefore, you can potentially be charged at both levels for conduct arising from the same incident, though it is not common in every case.
What is the difference between “carrying” and “possessing” a firearm under this law?
The law covers both “using or carrying” a firearm and “possessing” a firearm in furtherance of a crime. “Carrying” typically means having the firearm on your person or within easy reach. “Possessing” can include constructive possession, where the firearm is found in a place you control, like your car or home, even if not on you.
Are there any defenses to a § 924(c) charge?
Yes. Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search (Fourth Amendment), arguing the firearm was not possessed “in furtherance of” the drug crime, proving you did not knowingly possess the firearm, or attacking the underlying drug trafficking charge. A skilled drug and gun charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County will evaluate all angles.
What happens if the underlying drug charge is dismissed or I am acquitted of it?
If you are acquitted of the predicate drug trafficking crime, the § 924(c) charge must also be dismissed, as it is dependent on the commission of that crime. However, if you plead guilty to the drug charge, the gun charge remains and carries its own mandatory sentence.
Internal Links: For related defense services, see our page on Federal Criminal Defense in Maryland. For other local criminal matters, learn about St. Mary’s County Drug Crime Defense. For an overview of our practice, visit our Criminal Defense hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for up-to-date guidance.
St. Mary’s County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on possession of firearm in drug trafficking crime lawyer Maryland covers the process from start to finish.