Category Archives: Drug Crimes

Evaluating Three Common Drug Crimes Under Virginia Law
Often referred to collectively as drug crimes, Virginia law establishes a general prohibition against the possession or distribution of controlled substances. In general, the penalties increase for possession of more dangerous substances, like heroin or cocaine. Substances like these are generally classified in Schedule I or II, due to their potential for harm or… Read More »

Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substances Under Virginia Law
The Commonwealth of Virginia has laws against various drug crimes in the interest of public health and safety. One of the most common crimes in this domain involves unlawful possession of illegal drugs, which are referred to legally as controlled substances. Depending on the type of substance in question, unlawful possession charges can result… Read More »

Can I Face Criminal Charges for Reporting an Overdose in Virginia?
In the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the United States, many overdoses go unreported due to fear of prosecution for a drug crime or other offenses. This is a particularly dangerous reality, as drug and alcohol overdoses result in numerous deaths each year. To encourage people to seek emergency medical attention in these situations,… Read More »

Virginia Man Receives 5-Year Sentence for Distributing Fatal Drugs
On August 23rd, a Virginia man received a five-year prison sentence in connection with drug distribution that caused a woman’s death, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. This case traces back to June 2015. That is when the Virginia man possessed and distributed 1,4-butanediol, which is an imitation version of Gamma Hydroxybutyric… Read More »

How Does Virginia Address Methamphetamine Manufacturing?
It is well documented that manufacturing methamphetamine (meth) is a dangerous and hazardous process. In order to produce this illegal drug, many toxic chemicals are required. Furthermore, the manufacturing process releases some of those toxic chemicals into the air, which presents a serious danger for anyone close to the scene. Recognizing this danger, the… Read More »

The Safe Reporting of Overdoses in Virginia
An overdose from alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances (or any combination of those compounds) can be fatal. As a result, it is imperative for emergency medical personnel to treat the overdose quickly. Otherwise, there is a severe risk of harm, injury, or even death. Despite this clear danger, an unfortunate number of overdoses… Read More »

Enhanced Virginia Protection Against Methamphetamine Production
The Commonwealth of Virginia makes it is unlawful to possess or manufacture methamphetamine. The criminal penalties for possessing, manufacturing, or trafficking methamphetamine mirror the laws for other controlled substances, such as cocaine or heroin. Unlike other controlled substances, however, methamphetamine production poses a different level of risk to the general public. When a person… Read More »

How Does Virginia Deal with Marijuana?
Attitudes about marijuana are changing rapidly across the United States. Numerous states have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Many other states enable people to use marijuana for medical purposes, including Virginia. Outside of the medical context, however, marijuana remains illegal in Virginia. Any person who possesses, distributes, or manufactures marijuana can face serious criminal… Read More »

Three People Sentenced for Transporting and Distributing Heroin
Three people received prison sentences for transporting and distributing heroin in Virginia, reported the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Law enforcement began investigating this illegal drug operation back in 2016. Over the course of approximately one year, the authorities observed numerous transactions. In total, the drug operation processed approximately 4.6 pounds of heroin. The street value of… Read More »

Possession of Marijuana in Virginia
Even though marijuana is now legal in many other states, possession remains illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia. That being said, Virginia does employ a separate classification for marijuana, including exceptions for medical use and law enforcement purposes. The penalty structure for marijuana possession is relatively lax, at least as compared to other drug… Read More »