Category Archives: Drug Crimes
Fentanyl Cases and the Increased Stakes of Virginia Drug Prosecutions
Fentanyl cases carry a different level of urgency from many other drug prosecutions. The substance is exceptionally potent, frequently appears in counterfeit pills or mixtures with other drugs, and has become a major focus of law enforcement. A relatively small amount can lead to a felony prosecution, while allegations involving distribution can expose someone… Read More »
When Drug Quantity Becomes Evidence of Intent to Distribute in Virginia
Being found with an illegal drug can lead to a serious criminal charge in Virginia. The situation changes considerably when police and prosecutors believe the amount involved points to something beyond personal use. A possession case can become a possession-with-intent-to-distribute prosecution, exposing the accused to much more severe penalties. That distinction often turns on… Read More »
Drug Crimes and Plea Bargains in Loudoun County
Trials resolve a handful of drug crime matters, mostly high-profile matters, Plea bargains resolve run-of-the-mill drug crime matters. Drug crimes certainly aren’t run-of-the-mill to defendants, but that’s the way society views them. This practice took hold in the late 1800s. Back in those days, the country was growing rapidly. But taxpayers didn’t want to… Read More »
How Do Lawyers Beat Drug Possession Charges in Virginia?
Drug possession charges are on the front line of the War on Drugs, which began in the 1970s and escalated in the 1980s. Simple possession accounts for more than 85 percent of the drug cases in Loudon County. Police officers and prosecutors aggressively enforce drug possession laws. However, since these cases have so many… Read More »
Should I Plead Guilty to a Drug Case?
Yes, because in most cases, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. A favorable plea deal (a bird in the hand) is preferable to a possibly better outcome at trial, such as a complete dismissal of charges (two in the bush). Most defendants approach criminal cases the same way. Over… Read More »
Resolving Enhanced Drug Possession Cases
These cases usually include drug-free zones and drug trafficking matters. Most enhanced possession cases, like most other criminal cases, settle out of court. However, a favorable out-of-court settlement is not a matter of raising a white flag or accepting the first offer. Instead a successful out-of-court settlement, like a successful trial outcome, is a… Read More »
VA Couple Arrested in PA on Drug Charges
Few details were available after Somerset County law enforcement officers arrested a Virginia couple and charged them with drug possession. A 45-year-old man and 44-year-old woman, from Beaverdam, Virginia, allegedly gave inconsistent stories about why they were traveling through the area. They gave Somerset police consent to search their vehicle, Somerset County District Attorney… Read More »
Drug-Free Zones in Leesburg
Virginia is well-known for its harsh drug laws. If officers catch defendants with or selling drugs in a drug-free zone, prosecutors could tack on an additional felony charge, even if the drug was marijuana and the amount is more than a half-ounce, which is roughly a dozen dime bags. These charges don’t hold up… Read More »
What is the Definition of a Drug Free Zone?
According to Virginia law, a drug-free zone extends 1,000 feet from any “school, park, or other public area.” 1,000 feet is basically three football fields. Northern Virginia is one of the most densely-populated areas in America. Almost every street corner in Manassas is within 1,000 feet of a school, park, library, post office, church,… Read More »
Virginia Police Arrest 2 For Drug Crimes At Car Wash
Virginia police arrested two people for drug crimes and weapon offenses at a car wash, according to an article by WYMT. One person involved is a 54-year-old man from North Carolina. The other person involved is a 54-year-old woman from Ohio. When local police arrested these individuals, they also seized: Four ounces of methamphetamine… Read More »
