Category Archives: Drug Crimes
Explaining Common Nuisances & Fortified Drug Houses in Virginia
Under Virginia law, it is a drug crime to maintain or operate a property for the purposes of conducting illegal drug transactions. Depending on the circumstances, these properties are referred to as common nuisances or fortified drug houses. Any person who maintains or operates these illegal properties can face severe criminal penalties under Virginia… Read More »
Virginia Governor Signs New Law Decriminalizing Marijuana Possession
Starting July 1st, a first offense of marijuana possession will no longer be considered a drug crime in Virginia, according to an article by ABC affiliate WHSV. When the governor signed House Bill 972 into law, it effectively decriminalized marijuana possession across Virginia. The house bill incorporates several other measures and is the same… Read More »
What is a Controlled Substance Under Virginia Law?
It is a drug crime under Virginia law to possess, distribute, or manufacture certain dangerous substances, such as heroin or cocaine. Referred to legally as “controlled substances,” these compounds are often dangerous, and generally devoid of medical benefit. Accordingly, there are strict penalties for the possession, distribution, and manufacture of controlled substances, ranging from… Read More »
Virginia General Assembly Passes Competing Bills to Decriminalize Marijuana
Both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly approved bills to decriminalize simple possession of marijuana, according to an article by NBC affiliate WCYB. If these measures become law, possession of less than 1/2 ounce of marijuana would not result in charges for a drug crime. On Monday, February 10th, the Virginia House passed HB… Read More »
Virginia Woman Arrested in Sterling for Various Drug Crimes
Loudoun County Sheriff’s deputies arrested and charged a woman from Sterling, Virginia, for various drug crimes, including possession and intent to distribute, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. On January 17th at approximately 4 p.m., sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of loitering in a restaurant parking lot near the 45900 block of… Read More »
Do the Virginia Penalties for Drug Crimes Include Driver’s License Forfeiture?
Any person who commits a drug crime in the Commonwealth of Virginia can be subject to a variety of criminal penalties. Whether the underlying crime was a misdemeanor or felony, there is a real possibility of jail time and steep fines. Moreover, Virginia law imposes the requirement of driver’s license forfeiture for certain types… Read More »
What are the Virginia Laws Against Selling Drug Paraphernalia?
In addition to laws against possessing or distributing illegal drugs, the Commonwealth of Virginia also outlaws the sale of drug-related equipment. Referred to legally as drug paraphernalia, this term includes various types of devices and equipment that are used primarily to consume illegal drugs. What Constitutes Drug Paraphernalia in Virginia? Under Code of Virginia… Read More »
Virginia Laws Regulating the Sale & Distribution of Dextromethorphan
The Commonwealth of Virginia has laws against many drug crimes, regulating the sale, distribution, and possession of various substances. One of those substances is dextromethorphan, which is an active ingredient in numerous cough medicines. Dextromethorphan usually functions as a cough suppressant, delivering sedative, dissociative, and stimulant effects. High doses of dextromethorphan can cause harmful… Read More »
Halloween Performer Charged with Possession of Marijuana in Purcellville
A performer from Maryland was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana at a Halloween block party in Purcellville, Virginia, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. In addition to the drug crime charges, this Halloween performer also faces a driving charge. This incident occurred on October 26th at approximately 6 p.m. Near… Read More »
How Does Virginia Penalize Drug Dealing on Public Property?
In the interest of public health and safety, the Commonwealth of Virginia treats all drug crimes with the utmost seriousness. In addition to the standard laws against drug possession or distribution, Virginia also features distinct regulations for certain drug crimes committed on or around public property. What are the Virginia Laws Against Drug Dealing… Read More »