The severity of a drug possession penalty in Stafford County varies on the drug that was found in possession. For example, if a person is in possession of a small quantity of marijuana and they have never had a drug charge before, in many cases when there the defense cannot prove innocence, they may be able to do the first-offender program and have the case dismissed. On the other hand, when someone possesses a schedule 1 or 2 drugs, and particularly if they have had prior possession charges, they could potentially be facing prison time.
If you or a loved one has been charged with this offense, contact a dedicated attorney. A Stafford County drug possession lawyer may be able to help build a strong defense.
If a person is convicted of a felony drug possession, it may alter their life dramatically. A felony conviction on their record is something that may make it difficult to maintain employment. It may also prove to be difficult to work in the future. A conviction may also cost an individual to lose many of the important privileges they have such as the right to vote, the right to hold office, or the right to own a firearm.
People should understand the seriousness of an individual having a drug possession charge on their record. This conviction could possibly impact a person’s life in a negative and permanent way. People should also know that they have rights when being arrested for drug possession in Stafford County. A person being arrested always has the right to remain silent, not answer police questions, and not interact with the police. A person also has the right to refuse to consent to a search. Many people may avoid more serious instances if they may have been more conscious of their rights.
There is a first-offender program for a person who is charged with simple possession of virtually any drug. The terms of conditions of those programs are different depending on whether it is a misdemeanor drug possession or a felony drug possession, and while the charge is ultimately dismissed, in neither cases, the person is able to expunge their arrest record. While there is a diversion program that can result in a dismissal of the charge, it may still leave the person with a permanent record of an arrest.
Having an attorney that has knowledge of the drugs themselves is going to assist in the case because there are a number of defenses that relate to how the government proves what the drugs are, how they are tested and analyzed, and how custody of those things is maintained. Having someone with experience in that area gives a person another avenue to potentially defend their case.
Contact a Stafford County drug possession lawyer who may be able to provide you with the legal representation you deserve.
Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group
