6 Sentenced In Virginia For Federal Drug Crimes
The Eastern District of Virginia federal court sentenced six people to a combined 33 years in prison for conspiring to commit drug crimes, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.
Court documents indicated that these drug crimes occurred from October 2020 to January 2021. During that time, a 56-year-old truck driver from California delivered illegal drugs — referred to legally as controlled substances — to distributors across the United States. Apparently, the truck driver stopped in various locations to distribute the controlled substances, including Virginia, before transporting the proceeds back to California.
As a result of this criminal endeavor:
- The aforementioned California truck driver received a 33-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine;
- A 45-year-old man from Washington, D.C. received a 140-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine;
- A 37-year-old man from Washington, D.C. received a 60-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine;
- A 28-year-old man from Washington, D.C. received a 66-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute heroin;
- A 36-year-old man from California received a 36-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine; and
- A 36-year-old man from Maryland received a 60-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
Although the prosecution of this case occurred in U.S. federal court, it represents a suitable lens to review Virginia laws against and penalties for drug distribution crimes.
Virginia Laws Against Drug Distribution
The laws against drug distribution appear under Code of Virginia Section 18.2-248. Outside of narrow exceptions, this section makes it illegal to distribute, manufacture, sell, or give away any controlled substance. This section also prohibits the possession of any controlled substance with intent to distribute, manufacture, sell, or give away.
Virginia Penalties for Drug Distribution
The Virginia penalties for drug distribution crimes also appear under Section 18.2-248. Focusing on Schedule I/II controlled substances — which include the substances at issue in the aforementioned press release — distribution drug crimes are punishable as follows:
- First Offense — Felony crime with a potential penalty of five to 40 years in prison and a maximum of $500,000 in fines;
- Second Offense — Felony crime with a potential penalty of five years to life in prison and a maximum of $500,000 in fines; or
- Third or Subsequent Offense — Felony crime with a potential penalty of 10 years to life in prison and a maximum of $500,000 in fines.
Do You Need Legal Help?
For help from a Leesburg criminal defense lawyer, contact Simms Showers LLP. We are prepared to assist you today.
SOURCES:
justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/six-individuals-sentenced-cross-country-multi-kilogram-drug-trafficking-conspiracy
law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter7/section18.2-248/
