Drug crimes are serious criminal offenses. They can range from misdemeanors to felonies, and some may even be prosecuted by federal authorities (such as interstate drug trafficking). It’s understandable to feel anxious about what’s in store. Not only that, but the legal system itself is overwhelming and confusing. You might have all kinds of questions. What do your charges mean? How should you cooperate with investigators? Will you be prosecuted by local or federal authorities? What kind of evidence will be used against you? How can you avoid the worst legal punishments?
Sunshine Law Group is here to help you answer these questions. Our team understands how overwhelming the criminal justice system can be, which is why we want to provide you with a strong legal defense. Attorney Chad S. Roberts can help you determine how the law applies to your case, scrutinize the evidence being used against you, and equip you with effective legal representation in examinations and the courtroom.
Let us help you fight your drug charges. Contact us online or call (757) 206-2291 to schedule a free consultation with our York County drug crime defense lawyer.
Drug Charges in Hampton Roads
The most common substance-related offense in Virginia is drug possession. Until very recently, it was specifically the possession of marijuana. From 2010-2020, marijuana possession accounted for well over 50% of all drug crimes in the state.
This percentage has gone down now that the state has legalized the recreational use and possession of marijuana; however, you can still be arrested for public possession if you have more than the legal amount on your person. You might also be charged with a drug crime if you are caught consuming marijuana in public or if you are caught driving under the influence (DUI). Furthermore, it remains illegal for juveniles to possess any amount whatsoever.
Although the laws are now less strict for marijuana possession, not much has changed for other substances. Possession of stimulants, such as methamphetamines, still makes up a large percentage of all drug arrests. According to the Virginia Department of State Police, local officers made over 4,000 amphetamine- and methamphetamine-related arrests in 2021 alone.
In addition to possession, other common drug crimes include:
Drug manufacturing
Drug distribution
Drug trafficking
Selling drugs to minors
Prescription drug charges
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Drug Crime Penalties in York County, Newport News, & Hampton
Legal punishments for drug crimes vary drastically depending on the specific circumstances and the charges brought against you. Fines can range anywhere from $250 to $500,000. Prison sentences, if any, can range from a few months to 40 years (for drug trafficking). A lot can depend on the class of drug in question. For example, whereas possession of a Schedule I (e.g., heroin) is a Class 5 felony, possession of a schedule V (e.g., codeine) is a Class 3 misdemeanor. It’s also important to note that the state may consider past offenses when issuing charges and sentences.
If you’ve recently been arrested for a drug crime, you need a defense attorney that you can trust and that knows how to fight these charges. That’s exactly why you should call Sunshine Law Group. Not only do we have the legal knowledge, insight, and skills that you need to craft a strong legal defense—Attorney Roberts is a former prosecutor and experienced criminal defense lawyer—but we also understand what you’re going through.
Give us a call today at (757) 206-2291 to discuss your case with our drug crime defense attorney in York County, VA.
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