Virginia Drug Offenses Defense Attorney
Facing drug charges in Virginia? Mattox Law offers aggressive defense strategies for possession, distribution, and trafficking cases. Protect your future—contact us for a free consultation today.
What are Drug Offenses in Virginia?
Virginia drug laws, outlined in the Virginia Code § 18.2-250, cover a wide range of offenses involving controlled substances, including:
- Simple possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin.
- Possession with intent to distribute, often charged based on the quantity of drugs found or other circumstantial evidence (e.g., scales, baggies, cash).
- Distribution and trafficking, which carry harsher penalties for transporting large quantities or crossing state lines.
- Prescription fraud, involving forged or stolen prescriptions.
Drug charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors to serious felonies, depending on the substance and the nature of the offense.
Penalties for Drug Offenses in Virginia
Penalties for drug offenses in Virginia vary widely:
- Simple Possession (Misdemeanor for marijuana, felony for Schedule I/II substances)
- Up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine for misdemeanors.
- Felony possession carries up to 10 years in prison.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Felony with penalties ranging from 5 to 40 years in prison, depending on the substance and quantity.
- Fines up to $500,000 for larger-scale offenses.
- Drug Trafficking
- Significant prison time—up to life imprisonment for certain drugs.
- Fines up to $1 million.
- Prescription Fraud
- Charges may include felony forgery or obtaining drugs by false pretenses, with penalties ranging from 1 to 10 years in prison.
Even a minor drug conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, driver’s license suspension, and difficulty obtaining employment or housing.
How Mattox Law Defends Drug Offense Charges
What if the drugs weren’t mine?
Proving possession requires showing that you had knowledge and control of the drugs. If the drugs belonged to someone else, we can argue lack of ownership or knowledge to seek a dismissal.
Can the evidence be challenged?
Yes. Evidence obtained through illegal searches or improper police procedures can be excluded in court. If your constitutional rights were violated, such as during a traffic stop or home search, we may file a motion to suppress the evidence.
What if the charges are based on circumstantial evidence?
Possession with intent to distribute charges often rely on circumstantial evidence, such as cash, baggies, or paraphernalia. We challenge the prosecution’s assumptions by presenting alternative explanations for these items.
Can first-time offenders avoid jail time?
Yes. First-time offenders may qualify for:
- Deferred sentencing programs, which can result in dismissal upon completion.
- Probation or community service instead of incarceration.
- Drug treatment programs, which address underlying substance use issues.
How does Mattox Law handle serious charges like trafficking?
We focus on:
- Scrutinizing evidence chains for mishandling or tampering.
- Challenging intent or involvement in larger-scale operations.
- Negotiating plea deals to reduce charges when appropriate.
Our goal is always to reduce or dismiss charges wherever possible and to protect your future.
