Richmond Drug Possession Attorneys

Defending Clients Accused of Drug Crimes

If you were arrested for drug possession in Virginia, you should contact an experienced Richmond drug lawyer for criminal defense help. After all, you could end up with jail time and fines if you’re convicted of possessing illegal drugs. If the drug charges you face are unfair or inaccurate, you deserve legal assistance from lawyers who know how to defend clients from serious accusations.

The legal team at Jurach, Tacey&Quitiquit, PLC has been providing criminal defense services to Virginia residents for years, so we’re confident we can develop a defense strategy that protects you from harsh penalties. Call our Richmond law office to schedule a free consultation with a skilled drug crimes attorney committed to protecting your legal rights.

What Are Some Common Drug Charges in Virginia?

The drug laws in this state are known for being strict, so there are many ways for you to face severe penalties for drug-related offenses. The most common types of drug crimes in Virginia include:

• Drug possession
• Drug manufacturing
• Drug distribution
• Drug trafficking
• Drug possession with intent to distribute
• Possession of prescription drugs without a valid prescription
• Conspiracy to commit a drug-related offense
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Whether you’re charged with simple possession or trafficking a controlled substance, you’ll need legal guidance from a Richmond drug crimes lawyer for a chance to avoid serious consequences. The experienced attorneys at our Virginia law firm have represented clients accused of a variety of drug-related offenses, so you can rely on us to provide the legal insight necessary to win your case. Call our Richmond law office today to learn your legal options and how we can help you avoid a felony conviction.

How Does Virginia Categorize Controlled Substances?

The severity of drug crimes typically depends on the type of drug involved. More specifically, it depends on the drug schedule the controlled substance falls into. Virginia categorizes controlled substances into six schedules based on how addictive they are and what medical uses they have. The drug schedules in this state include:

• Schedule I: Heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and GHB
• Schedule II: Methamphetamine, cocaine, morphine, methadone, PCP, oxycodone, and fentanyl
• Schedule III: Ketamine, steroids, and hydrocodone
• Schedule IV: Xanax, Valium, Ambien, and Soma
• Schedule V: Prescription cough syrup containing codeine
• Schedule VI: Marijuana

Schedule I or II drugs are considered the most dangerous since they have few medical uses and are often abused. So, if your drug crime involves a controlled substance in one of these categories, you face serious drug charges that could lead to prison time. This usually depends on the amount you were caught with and what the police believe your intentions were.

However, even if you’re accused of possessing a schedule VI controlled substance, the consequences could include fines and jail time, depending on the amount in your possession. Regardless of the drug crime you’re accused of, you need legal advice from an experienced Richmond drug possession lawyer to get the best possible outcome. Call our Richmond law office today to learn more.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Virginia?

If you’re convicted of drug possession, the punishment could include fines, jail time, and other consequences, such as participation in a drug treatment program. The specific penalties depend on a few factors, including the type and amount of controlled substance you’re accused of possessing.

Virginia drug laws punish drug possession in the following ways:

• Schedule I or II: One to ten years in prison or up to 12 months in jail, plus up to $2,500 in fines
• Schedule III: Up to 12 months of jail and as much as $2,500 in fines
• Schedule IV: Up to six months of jail and up to $1,000 in fines
• Schedule V: A fine of up to $500
• Schedule VI: A fine of up to $250

Most of these drug offenses involving possession of controlled substances are misdemeanors, which is why the penalties include fines or up to one year in jail. However, possession of schedule I or II drugs is usually a felony, which is why your punishment can include up to ten years in prison, depending on the amount of the drug.

On the other hand, possession with intent to distribute is a felony drug offense in Virginia. In fact, if you’re accused of drug distribution or possession with intent to distribute a schedule I or II controlled substance, you could be punished with five to 40 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000 for your first offense. If it’s your first conviction, you’ll get the lesser penalty, but you’re likely to get the maximum number of years in prison if you have prior convictions on your criminal record. A Richmond drug lawyer can tell you the likely consequences of being charged with a drug offense in Virginia, so call our law office to discuss your case.

How Can Richmond Drug Possession Attorneys Help You?

If you’re charged with any drug crime in Virginia, schedule a free consultation with an experienced Richmond drug lawyer to initiate your criminal defense case. Even if you think the evidence against you is too strong to fight, we urge you to get advice from a skilled defense lawyer before pleading guilty. You might be surprised to learn how a knowledgeable attorney can help with your drug case, such as by arguing that the police conducted an illegal search to find evidence or negotiating less severe charges and penalties.

As former prosecutors who now defend the accused, our team has successfully handled drug cases for clients hoping to get their charges dismissed or be found not guilty at a jury trial. To learn how a trusted defense lawyer can help when you’re charged with a drug crime, dial 804-531-5524 for a free consultation call.