A conviction for illegal drug possession could follow you for years and affect your foundational legal rights. A Purcellville drug lawyer could help you fight back against criminal allegations of this nature. A skilled attorney could review the details of your case and discuss your available defenses. If you enlist the help of a lawyer early on, they could discover weaknesses in the case that could help reduce or dismiss the charges against you.
Virginia law classifies drugs into six schedules, with additional types of violations and punishments assessed for the possession of marijuana. Heroin is a common Schedule I drug. Schedule II drugs differ from Schedule I drugs in that they may be prescribed for medical purposes, but the risk of misuse remains high. Examples of Schedule II drugs include oxycodone and codeine.
Per Code of Virginia Section § 18.2-250, a person convicted of possessing a Schedule I or II drug would face Class 5 felony penalties. The legal punishments associated with a Class 5 felony may include $2,500 in fines and a year’s confinement.
Schedule III drugs present a diminished risk for misuse compared to Schedule II drugs and may be prescribed as a form of medical treatment, such as anabolic steroids. Schedule IV drugs include substances such as clonazepam that may be prescribed for medical use and present a lower risk of addiction.
Schedule III drug possession is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of one year in prison, in addition to fines. Possession of a Schedule IV drug is punishable by Class 2 misdemeanor penalties, including a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a maximum fine of $1,000.
Opium is a notable example of a Schedule V drug. Schedule VI drugs include any narcotics that do not fall into the previous five classifications. Schedule V and VI drug possession would be punishable by maximum fines of $500 and $250, respectively.
A person charged with illegal possession of a controlled substance should contact a local drug lawyer right away to learn more about their legal options.
You may need a legal advocate on your side if you have been charged with a drug crime. While the long-term ramifications of a misdemeanor charge may be relatively moderate, the consequences of a felony conviction could be much more detrimental. A criminal record could significantly impact your rights as a citizen, such as the right to own a firearm or to vote. Convicted felons may also find it challenging to get accepted into certain educational programs or obtain specific types of employment.
With the help of a local attorney, you could launch a compelling defense to counter your charges. A Purcellville drug lawyer could advise you on the best next steps in your case based on the facts of your situation. Call today for your confidential case review.
Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group
