Drug offenses in Virginia include the possession, manufacture, and distribution of illegal substances, with the penalties tending to be more severe for the manufacture and distribution of drugs rather than simple drug possession. Punishments for conviction of drug offenses vary based on the circumstances, but they are all severe and should be taken seriously. Possible penalties for drug-related offenses include jail time, significant fines, and a criminal conviction on your record. If you have been charged with a drug offense, contact a qualified Fairfax drug attorney now to learn more about the charges you face and the associated penalties. We also handle other kinds of criminal matters in Fairfax County.
One of the most important factors to consider when fighting a drug charge is the type of drug related to the charge. The outcome of your case will be based on the drug in question, in addition to other factors — such as the amount of the substance found, whether you had actual or constructive possession of the drug in question, and whether or not there was also drug paraphernalia found.
In Virginia, illegal drugs are classified by schedules according to the likelihood of the user to develop an addiction and the accepted medical uses of the substance. Virginia is also one of the few states that has six schedules of drugs as opposed to five. The drug classifications are broken up as follows:
Drug charges become more or less complicated based on the circumstances of the offense. The amount of the drug, as well as where you were located at the time of your alleged illegal activity, can greatly impact the severity of the charges. For example, being convicted of possession of a large amount of heroin on a private street could lead to quite a different sentence than, say, conviction of possession of a small amount of marijuana in a drug-free school zone.
Criminal charges for filling out fake prescriptions or doling your prescription medication out to friends could mean spending time in rehabilitation or a jail cell. Drug charges can also become complicated in cases where the accused is already on probation when they are charged with a drug crime. Repeat drug offenses typically equate to less sympathy in court. En Español.
The first step toward reducing your sentence or clearing your drug charge is understanding the law and the consequences associated with the offense. If you have been accused of a drug crime in Fairfax, Virginia, you could potentially be facing:
These punishments can not only affect your present circumstances, but they might also make things harder for you in the future. A criminal record can cause you to have a much more difficult time obtaining reliable, full-time employment, exploring education opportunities, and even obtaining a loan. Probation comes with its own separate challenges because you could be under regular surveillance and denied the ability to travel at leisure or visit friends and relatives in other areas. Someone facing a charge for drug conspiracy is looking at very serious penalties.
When fighting a drug charge, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified and local Fairfax drug attorney as soon as you possibly can. Valuable pieces of evidence can change or disappear rather quickly, making the legal process extremely time sensitive. In order to avoid trial mishaps, it is important to keep yourself informed of the law. If you have been cited with a drug charge in Fairfax, Virginia, be it for prescription or illegal drugs, an experienced Fairfax drug attorney can give you the information you need to successfully navigate Virginia’s legal system and attempt to fight the charges you are facing. A skilled Fairfax drug attorney is ready and willing to answer any questions you might have relating to your charges. Contact his law office now for a free case evaluation and to learn more about the strongest strategies for defense.
Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group
