Colonial Heights Drug Lawyer
Drug charges in Virginia are very complex and carry harsh penalties, depending on the type and amount of substance you are found to have possessed, manufactured or distributed. If you have been charged with a drug crime, a Colonial Heights drug lawyer can help you navigate the complicated legal process that comes along with any drug charge in Virginia. To learn more or discuss your case, schedule a consultation with an experienced defense attorney today.
Consulting With A Colonial Heights Drug Attorney
With drugs in the media and popular culture, law enforcement officials are cracking down on drug use and distribution. Sometimes, unfortunately, drug charges against an individual can be exaggerated or completely unfounded. This is when a drug lawyer in Colonial Heights can be a great resource.
A Colonial Heights drug lawyer will know how to properly investigate your charges to ensure that all evidence was gathered legally and that you were not over-charged or in some way taken advantage of by law enforcement officers. Furthermore, our lawyers know how to introduce “reasonable doubt” into a case, pointing out any instances in which it is not clear that you either possessed or manufactured a given substance.
No matter what kind of drug-offense you have been charged with, a Colonial Heights drug lawyer can be by your side during the legal process and can pursue reduced or dismissed charges, or probation in some cases.
Types of Drug Charges in Virginia
There are numerous drug-related charges you can face in Virginia, including selling a controlled substance or possessing or manufacturing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute it, working as a so-called volume dealer who handles a larger amount of drugs, transporting a controlled substance into Virginia, possessing a controlled substance without the apparent intent to distribute, distributing a controlled substance to minors or near a school, college, daycare, school bus, library, recreation center, or other place minors frequent, conspiring to commit a drug offense, and attempting to commit a drug offense.
If you have been charged with any of these offenses or other drug-related crimes, it is important to consult an experienced Colonial Heights drug lawyer as soon as possible.
Virginia Drug Offense Penalties
Penalties for drug-related offenses in Virginia are strict, and only an experienced Colonial Heights drug attorney can advocate for you before the court, requesting reduced charges or penalties.
Under Virginia Code 18.2-248, the penalty for selling a schedule I or II controlled substance or possessing or manufacturing one of these drugs with the intent to distribute it is five to 40 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines, unless the substance is methamphetamine, in which case the penalty is ten to 40 years in prison, in addition to the potential fines.
Simply possessing a schedule I or II controlled substance without the intent to distribute carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison and $2500 in fines, under Virginia Code 18.2-10. However, Virginia law has a special provision – Virginia Code 18.2-251 – allowing the court to defer sentences for first-time offenders with possession charges. This is one reason why first-time offenders in Virginia need the help of an experienced Colonial Heights drug lawyer who can pursue deferred charges and probation, which is allowed only at the court’s discretion and is by no means guaranteed.
Heightened Penalties for Repeat Offenses
While first-time offenders can benefit from the assistance of an experienced drug lawyer in Colonial Heights, repeat offenders will also need to consult a Colonial Heights drug attorney. Since repeat-offenders face increased penalties – in some cases a potential sentence of life in prison – you will need a legal advocate with experience handling cases that involve prior drug convictions.
Marijuana Offenses
Marijuana has been legalized in some areas of the country, but it is still illegal in Virginia and the penalties are severe, ranging from one to 30 years in prison and $2500 in fines for selling, manufacturing or possessing marijuana with intent to distribute the drug. Marijuana charges should be treated just as seriously as any other drug offense because the consequences can be life-altering.
Contact an Experienced Drug Lawyer in Colonial Heights Today
If you have been accused or investigated for a drug crime in Virginia it’s important that you seek legal counsel as soon as possible. By contacting a Colonial Heights drug lawyer you give yourself a chance at minimizing the harm of these charges and moving on with your life. Call today for a free consultation to discuss your case and to learn what fines or other consequences you may be facing.
