Category Archives: Drug Crimes
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 »
Virginia Man Arrested for Armed Robbery & Multiple Drug Crimes
Virginia law enforcement arrested a man from Sterling on charges of multiple drug crimes and armed robbery, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. This incident traces back to Friday, September 11th at approximately 8 p.m. Deputies of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an armed robbery near the 46000… Read More »
How Does Virginia Punish Drug Crimes Involving Minors?
The Commonwealth of Virginia has laws against various drug crimes, such as possession or distribution. In the interest of protecting the health and safety of children, Virginia law has a separate categorization for certain drug crimes involving minors. As explained below, Virginia prohibits any person from advertising drug paraphernalia or distributing drugs to minors…. Read More »
What is the Difference Between Regular, Counterfeit, & Imitation Controlled Substances in Virginia?
Under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is a drug crime to possess or distribute illegal drugs, which are officially referred to as controlled substances. Any person who violates these requirements can face misdemeanor or felony charges. If convicted on these charges, there is a real possibility of jail confinement and criminal… Read More »
Virginia Drug Crimes: Possession vs. Possession with Intent
Across the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is a drug crime to possess a controlled substance. It is also illegal to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Despite the apparent similarities between these offenses, they are actually punishable as separate crimes. It is important to note that Virginia has separate laws for marijuana…. Read More »
Marijuana Possession Officially Decriminalized in Virginia
As of July 1, 2020, possession of marijuana is officially decriminalized and technically no longer a drug crime under Virginia law, according to an article by NBC12. The new laws should have an immediate impact, as studies indicate 29,000 arrests were made in Virginia for possession of marijuana in 2018. The new laws concerning… Read More »
What is the Virginia Difference Between Drug Distribution & Trafficking Crimes?
The Commonwealth of Virginia has laws against and penalties for numerous drug crimes, including distribution and trafficking. Although these offenses are both felonies, they are defined and punished separately under Virginia law. Drug Distribution Crimes Code of Virginia Section 18.2-248 makes it unlawful to distribute, manufacture, sell, or gift illegal drugs. This section also… Read More »
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 »
