If charged with a drug crime in Virginia, you are facing either a felony or misdemeanor penalty if convicted. There are factors that ultimately decide what type of penalty is forthcoming, including the type or quantity of the controlled substance and whether your intent was personal use, manufacturing, or distribution. With the help of a skilled drug defense lawyer, you’ll have the best possible chance of having the charges against you reduced or even dropped entirely. At Williams Stone, PC, we have extensive experience fighting controlled substance charges, utilizing in-depth knowledge of Virginia’s drug laws and successful defenses.
Did You Know?
In 2012, the Virginia State Police reported nearly 677 drug or narcotic offenses per 100,000 population, up from 625 per 100,000 a year earlier. Drug use is on the rise in The Old Dominion, as well as arrests for drug possession, intent to distribute, drug trafficking, and manufacturing. If you’ve been arrested for any of these offenses, a lawyer can help.
Here are a few of the types of drug charges we handle:
Possession
Possession is the most common drug charge in Virginia. Drug possession is the actual care, custody, control, or management of a controlled substance. At Williams Stone, PC, we have successfully challenged cases involving possession of a controlled substance throughout Northern Virginia.
Delivery
Delivery of a drug means to transfer a controlled substance to another person and includes offering to sell as well. One of the most common forms of a deliver offense is possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. It does not have to be proven that you actually delivered a substance to another party, but that you had the intent to do so.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing a controlled substance in Virginia is a very serious charge. Manufacturing refers to the production or creation of drugs and is most commonly prosecuted in cases involving marijuana grow operations or meth labs. A few of the more common charges for which individuals are arrested in Virginia include producing illegal substances such as LSD, Cocaine, Crack, Heroin, PCP, Methamphetamines, or Ecstasy. Many of the aforementioned drugs are made with lab equipment or chemicals and individuals are commonly arrested for drug manufacturing charges without having an actual illegal substance found.
Conspiracy
Officially, a conspiracy is an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime. In Virginia, you can be charged with a conspiracy without ever having bought, sold, or possessed any type of illegal narcotic. A person who converses with another individual under suspicion or investigation of a drug charge can be considered a conspiracy. Also commonly included in this is lending someone property that is used for a drug crime.
Methamphetamine
Possession of methamphetamine, otherwise known as meth, crystal, speed, or ice, has harsh consequences in Virginia. A small amount of meth in your possession may lead to a simple possession charge, but larger amounts can lead to more severe charges, such as possession with intent to distribute. As you will read below, Meth is classified as a Schedule II drug under Virginia law. If you are charged and eventually convicted of meth possession, you may find yourself facing up to 2 years in prison along with fines that can amount to $2500. It’s in your best interest to consult with our drug defense attorney at Williams Stone, PC if you are facing charges associated with methamphetamine in Stafford County, Prince William County, or Spotsylvania County.
Cocaine
If charged with a drug crime involving cocaine in Virginia, you could be facing serious penalties. From the moment you are arrested, being charged with a cocaine drug crime can cause serious stress. As the case with meth, cocaine is also classified as a Schedule II drug, which means the stakes are high if convicted of a possession or distribution charge.
Marijuana
Simple possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor and can get you a maximum of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine in Virginia. Growing or manufacturing marijuana is a more serious crime in Virginia, particularly if you intend to sell it or give it away. Marijuana distribution, especially around schools (including universities), further complicates your situation. The five-to-life prison sentence and heavy fines come into play in certain situations. Proving your intentions takes experienced legal representation when it comes to marijuana drug crimes in Virginia. Be sure to call Williams Stone, PC today if you are facing a marijuana-related drug charge.
Prescription Medications
Virginia penalties for the illegal sale of prescription drugs should not be taken lightly. If convicted, you are likely facing heavy penalties. As with any drug, selling prescription medications is a much more serious crime than simply possessing the drug illegally. A possession conviction could mean a fine or a misdemeanor charge, while an illegal sale of prescription medication charge may result in a felony and possible jail time. If a medical professional, a pharmacist, for example, is charged and convicted of illegally selling a prescription drug, criminal penalties along with the loss of job and licenses are almost certain.
Controlled Substances Overview in Virginia
There are six Schedules of controlled substances in Virginia. Schedule I substances are defined as the most dangerous, and addictive with no medical use while Schedule VI substances are less addictive or dangerous.
- Schedule I (dangerous, addictive, no medical use): Heroin, LSD or Ecstasy
- Schedule II (highly addictive): Methamphetamine, Cocaine, PCP, Morphine
- Schedule III (highly addictive, frequent medical use): Steroids, Ketamine, Vicodin
- Schedule IV (some risk of addiction, prescription drugs): Rohypnol, Valium, Xanax
- Schedule V (minor addiction risk, cold medications): Codeine
- Schedule VI (little to no risk of addiction): Marijuana
The state of Virginia includes a Schedule VI and is one of the few states to do so. If convicted of Schedule VI, you are likely facing lighter penalties or consequences.
If facing a drug charge, your intent ultimately determines the severity of a penalty if convicted. Simple possession of marijuana charge may result in a misdemeanor charge with a smaller fine, while the same possession charge of a harder drug, such as heroin, will have you facing a felony charge with potential jail time and a larger fine.
Contact Williams Stone, PC Today
Drug charges are serious and require a tougher defense than alcohol offenses. When you need a drug crime lawyer, come to Williams Stone, PC. We have office locations conveniently located in Stafford & Manassas. We’ve defended members of the military against drug charges, and we can defend you.
