Category Archives: Drug Crimes
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 »
Virginia Man Sentenced For Federal Drug/Weapon Crime
A Virginia man received a 12-year prison sentence for committing a federal drug/weapon crime, according to an article by WDBJ. Official reports indicate that the Virginia man attempted to sell drugs illegally to a 16-year-old male. But as the transaction played out, the Virginia man ended up shooting and killing the prospective buyer, claiming… Read More »
How Does Virginia Classify Substances For Drug Crimes?
Drug crimes under Virginia law are not created as equals. Depending on the type of drug in question — referred to legally as controlled substances — charges for possession or distribution crimes can vary wildly. The penalties for drug crimes involving more dangerous substances like heroin or cocaine are more severe than offenses involving… 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 »
