Category Archives: Drug Crimes
Comparing Possession & Possession With Intent Drug Crimes In Virginia
In most situations, it is a Virginia drug crime to possess any controlled substance, with or without suggesting an intent to distribute. Controlled substance is the technical term for illegal drugs. Substances classified in Schedule I/II are the most addictive and typically pose the highest risk to the end user. Schedule I/II controlled substances… Read More »
Is It A Virginia Drug Crime To Maintain Common Nuisances Or Fortified Drug Houses?
The Virginia Criminal Code features many laws against and penalties for various drug crimes, including unlawful possession or distribution. On top of these standard crimes, Virginia law also prohibits tenants, owners, and similar actors from using a property in furtherance of possession or distribution crimes. When properties are used in this unlawful way, they… Read More »
Virginia Legalizes Marijuana For Recreational Possession & Use
As of July 1, 2021, it is no longer a drug crime to possess or use marijuana recreationally in the Commonwealth of Virginia, subject to specific limitations. When Senate Bill 1406 became law, it also created the Cannabis Control Act to regulate the possession and use of marijuana by adults who are at least… Read More »
Virginia Police Complete Investigation Into Drug Crimes
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (“LCSO”) announced the conclusion of a three-year investigation into various drug crimes, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. In collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (“EDVA”), the LCSO effectuated the largest seizure of illegal drugs… Read More »
Why Does Virginia Have Special Rules For Meth Drug Crimes?
Within the umbrella of drug crimes under Virginia law, there are special rules for offenses involving methamphetamine. Commonly referred to as meth, this controlled substance presents a unique danger. Outside of the health risks of using meth, this substance is also difficult to manufacture and produces many toxic fumes. Consequently, Virginia law establishes separate… Read More »
Examining the Virginia Schedules for Illegal Drugs & Other Substances
The Commonwealth of Virginia employs strict laws against, and stringent penalties for, various drug crimes. Any person who possesses or distributes illegal drugs — referred to legally as controlled substances — can face jail or prison time and steep fines. In many cases, the corresponding punishment for a drug crime can change based on… Read More »
Virginia Police Seize Massive Amount of Meth & Arrest Three
Virginia law enforcement seized more than 40 pounds of meth and arrested three people for various drug crimes, according to an article by The News Virginian. The Waynesboro Police Department collaborated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to execute the seizure and arrests. The law enforcement officers involved apparently used cutting-edge techniques to… Read More »
Can First-Time Drug Offenders Get a Reduced Sentence in Virginia?
The Commonwealth of Virginia prohibits various types of drug crimes, including, but not limited to, possession and distribution offenses. Upon conviction for a drug crime in Virginia, the offender is subject to serious criminal penalties. Significant time in jail or prison and expensive fines are common penalties in this context. That being said, Virginia… Read More »
Overview of Marijuana Possession & Distribution Laws in Virginia
On July 1st of this year, several new laws adjusted Virginia laws governing the drug crimes of marijuana possession and distribution. Broadly speaking, Virginia decriminalized unlawful possession of marijuana, turning it into a civil offense without a jail sentence. Marijuana distribution laws saw several changes also, though it remains a criminal offense with the… Read More »
What is the Difference Between Distributing Controlled Substances & Marijuana?
The Virginia Criminal Code provides many laws against various drug crimes, and includes severe criminal penalties for violations. Within the domain of Virginia, it is unlawful to distribute controlled substances, such as heroin, opium, or cocaine. It is also illegal to distribute marijuana, outside of narrow exceptions. That being said, there are separate statutes… Read More »