Drug Charges In Virginia

Iv) Substances or articles in the exemption of food meant to alter the function or structure of the animal's/human's bodies. If too high a number for personal use, intent to distribute is highly probable. In addition, if the police catch you with large amounts of a drug, that excessive quantity may also count as evidence of an intent to distribute. On a federal level, it would be the Drug Enforcement Administration. If you were approached by an undercover officer who lured you into a crime you wouldn't have otherwise committed, that is entrapment. The fact that these mandatory minimum sentencing laws are changing can also give an experienced criminal lawyer leverage to negotiate a better plea deal. The possession of these two drugs attracts a felony charge under South Carolina law. As a result, someone found in possession of fentanyl must be aware that their case will garner extra scrutiny from police, prosecutors and judges. Contact us today for a free consultation. Given the lengthy prison sentence and large fines that you may face if convicted of possession with intent to distribute charges, you cannot afford not to fight the charges as hard as you can—even if you are guilty. Schedule VI controlled substances are the least dangerous and include depressant and stimulant drugs that do not fall into the categories of Schedule I through V. Fighting Charges for Simple Drug Possession in Virginia. Under federal law, the crime divides into three sections; intent to distribute, possession, and possession with intent to distribute. As mentioned above, items meant for distribution can be assumed an intent to sell.

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You need a skilled, strong defense to preserve your freedom, and we may be able to help. If you're a teacher or a public school employee, you may be suspended from work under Virginia Code §22. Therefore, should you get arrested without a warrant and outside of these conditions, this is a viable defense. There are two major drug possession types: constructive and actual. Controlled substances are drugs that are classified into 6 Schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical utility. Penalties for possession with intent in Virginia: - Schedule I and II. Most other drugs are covered by Va. 2-248, Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. This specific provision is only available to the simple possession charge, and the person cannot have a prior conviction for a drug offense. Intent to Distribute. You should strongly consider asking your lawyer if there is a drug court in your area when planning your defense.

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Courts have said if you enter a confined space that was drug-free before you entered, and drugs are there when you leave, that can be evidence that you were in possession. The Paraphernalia Was Not for Distribution. The Brown Firm PLLC has extensive experience defending individuals during court proceedings. Take for instance a situation where one has some drug instruments but only for personal use. Possession of a Schedule I or Schedule II substance is a felony offense in Virginia. Possession of other dangerous weapons at the time of the offense. You also may have a defense if you didn't know what the substance was, or if it was a prescription drug such as Oxycodone and you had a valid prescription from a health care provider. The first defense strategy is to get the charge down to a simple possession case and get it out of the distribution realm or to show the person was not in possession. All of these should be in a setting reasonably suggesting the intent to use all or some to produce, dispense, or sell illegal drugs. Decreasing Your Fine and Improving Your Jail Time Options. Even if you are found with a small amount of a controlled substance, you could face jail, costly fines, and a driver's license suspension. You Were Unaware of the Drugs. While entering a drug court may require you to plead guilty, doing so can be better in the long term. A first offense of possession with intent to distribute, a judge still has the power to suspend a defendant's sentence.

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To fully understand this crime, it helps to break it into two parts: (1) the possession of the drugs, and (2) the intent to distribute them. Schedule VI: These drugs have a very low potential for abuse and are accepted for medical uses in the U. Understanding the Charge. Schedule I controlled substances are the most serious.

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Possession of less than one-half ounce of marijuana with the intent to distribute: Up to 12 months in jail, up to $2500 fine. Other strategies are to examine the constitutional issues surrounding the facts as presented and try to reduce the evidence as much as possible. Drug paraphernalia includes roach clips, bongs, and grinders. 3 gives guidelines on possession of drug paraphernalia with the intention of selling. You may be eligible for the first offender program if you've never entered into the program before and have not previously been charged with a drug offense. Possession of a Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance with the intent to distribute: Up to 12 months in jail, up to $2500 fine.

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Schedule II: These drugs are highly addictive and have a high potential for abuse. Transportation of controlled substances. We Use Knowledge, Strategy & Innovation to Produce Results. Prior intent to distribute offenses, or. Instead of jail time, you will need to undergo a six-to 12 months probation period and conduct community services. A first offense of between 1 and 10 ounce of marijuana attracts a penalty of between 0-5 years of incarceration or a fine not exceeding $5, 000. If they see a lot of product, they're going to draw conclusions. 2-250 of the Code of Virginia, the simple possession of a controlled substance, such as meth, cocaine, or heroin, is a Class 5 felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, unless the controlled substance is marijuana, which is a misdemeanor. 1 prohibits advertising to minors, while Va. 5 governs advertising to the masses in general. Possession of Gamma-Butyrolactone or 1, 4-Butanediol: Va. 2-251. Someone who has absolutely no idea that heroin or methamphetamines were stashed in their home will have a strong defense. Therefore, saying you do not own the apparatus does not absolve you of possessing it. Ask About Drug Court. What to Know If You've Been Charged With a Drug Crime in Virginia.

These enhanced penalties include mandatory minimum prison sentences which will be served consecutively with any other prison sentence. Schedule IV: These drugs have a low potential for abuse in comparison to drugs in the other schedules and have an accepted medical use in the United States of America. When Can a Person Be Charged With Drug Possession?

Selling drug Equipment to Minors: Code 18. Our criminal defense lawyers in Virginia understand drug laws and how best to challenge serious drug charges. Again, pretending to be a veterinarian, wholesaler, pharmacist, funeral director, manufacturer, or healing arts consultant, with intent and resolves of procuring controlled paraphernalia amounts to a Class 1 Transgression as per Va. 1-3470(C). 10 years of any sentence imposed is a mandatory minimum. The type of drug involved in the offense will also determine whether the crime is a misdemeanor or felony offense. If a person is caught holding more than half an ounce but fewer than five pounds of cannabis, they may be charged with a Class 5 felony under Virginia law. How Drug Courts work in Washington D. C. While it is possible to get jail time for drug possession offenses, D. is a jurisdiction that leans more towards treatment than incarceration for drug possession. The Commonwealth must prove that the substance found is an illegal controlled substance. The PWID is classified as a felony offense if the offender is on a subsequent offense and bumped more if found in possession of more than one controlled substance. If the defendant did not use or; convince another participant in the crime to use.

Manufacture is used to refer to the act of preparation, processing, conversion, production, or propagation of any controlled substances. Are you or your loved one facing Virginia drug possession or distribution charges?