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Timestamp: 2013-05-25 17:19:29
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Virginia Drug Crimes Lawyer - Drug Charge Defense Attorney Virginia
Drug offenses vary widely based on the drug involved in the charge and other factors such as the severity of the alleged crime -- for example, simple possession offenses normally carry lesser penalties than drug distribution and trafficking charges. Criminal code § 18.2-250 covers possession of controlled substances, making it illegal for a person to intentionally acquire a controlled substance not prescribed to them by a medical practitioner. § 18.2-248 deals with distribution of controlled substances. In regards to drug laws, controlled substances are divided into six schedules. Schedule I substances are deemed the most dangerous while Schedule 6 substances have been reported in few cases of addiction, if any at all. Schedule 1 (dangerous and addictive, no medical use): GHB, Heroin, LSD, and Ecstasy
Schedule 2 (highly addictive, some medical use): Methadone, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, PCP, Morphine
Schedule 3 (highly addictive, frequent medical use): Steroids, Ketamine, Vicodin, Hydrocodone
Schedule 4 (some risk of addiction, prescription drugs): Rohypnol, Valium, Xanax
Schedule 5 (minor addiction risk, cold medications): Codeine
Schedule 6 (little to no risk of addiction): Marijuana
Virginia is one of the few states to include a Schedule 6 of controlled substances. These drugs carry the lightest penalties for convictions, and may result in deferred sentences. Aggressive Drug Crimes Attorney in Virginia
Simply owning or residing in a dwelling or vehicle where drugs are found to be present is not necessarily evidence that a person knowingly possessed the illegal controlled substance. As such, more proof is often required to secure a conviction under local drug laws. In addition, a federal criminal lawyer will often argue that simple drug paraphernalia, such as a glass pipe or rolled up dollar bill, was not intended for the use of illegal substances. Normally under state law, ownership of drug paraphernalia is illegal and denotes any equipment, material, or product for the use or concealment of drugs. In paraphernalia cases, prosecutors must prove that the items suspected in drug use were primarily used in relation to drugs, which usually requires more evidence than the mere presence of paraphernalia. Penalties for Virginia Drug Law Convictions
Possession of both Schedule 1 and 2 drugs is considered a Class 5 felony, and can carry a possible prison sentence of up to 10 years as well as up to $2,500.00 in fines. A Schedule 3 drug possession conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a potential 12 month jail sentence and up to $2,500.00 in fines. Schedule 4 drugs are the last tier of drugs that carry a potential jail sentence, and can result in up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000.00 in fines. Possession of Schedule 5 and 6 controlled substances are both misdemeanors and carry the potential of fines up to $500.00 and $250.00, respectively. If you have been charged with a related crime like assault, an assault lawyer with our firm can represent you in that area of the law as well. Drug distribution carries much harsher penalties than simple possession, and vary based on the amount the accused intended to sell and the specific controlled substances involved in the alleged crime. Intent to distribute a Schedule 1 or 2 substance carries a minimum prison sentence of five years (up to a maximum of 40) and a fine of up to $500,000, for example. State code § 18.2-248 covers each of the associated penalties for Virginia drug distribution in full.
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Drug laws are difficult to get a full understanding on because they vary so greatly depending on a number of factors. They include the type of controlled substance in question, the amount, your perceived intent with these substances and even your past criminal history. If you are the subject of an ongoing investigation in this area, we suggest you call us today and set up a free consultation where a Virginia gun lawyer with our firm will be able to explain what you might expect from the process that lies ahead. Even if you have been formally charged, it pays to have a qualified legal professional help you understand why you face the charges you do, and what penalties could accompany a conviction in your case.
Once you and your attorney are on the same page, they can help you build a defense strategy going forward. They will also work hard to keep you involved throughout the judicial process as possible to help you feel as comfortable as possible during a very difficult time. A drug charge can have some serious impacts on your life, and not just the legal penalties of a conviction. Let one of our attorneys work tirelessly on your behalf. Locations
Our attorneys have a lot of experience in Fairfax County, and that could come in handy if this is your first time ever going through the judicial system. We are knowledgeable about the current laws pertaining to drug use and distribution in the Fairfax area, and we will be able to help you if you are accused of violating any of these laws there. Prince William County, Manassas
If you are in need of a drug lawyer in Prince William County, or in Manassas, we can help you try to obtain a positive result in your case. Our attorneys will be able to explain every aspect of your charge, and the penalties that might be associated with it. You want to be confident that your attorney knows every possible avenue for success, and they can help lead you there. And More. . .
If you are in need of a drug lawyer in Alexandria, Arlington, Hanover, Chesterfield, New Kent, Henrico, Richmond, Leesburg, Stafford, Loudoun, Portsmouth, Tidewater, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News or anywhere else in the state of Virginia, please contact us for more information about the services we can provide in those areas. Call or send me a message and we will get back with you