Virginia Man Charged For Multiple Drug Crimes & Weapon Offenses

Local and state law enforcement collaborated to arrest a Virginia man for multiple drug crimes and weapon offenses, according to an article by NBC12.

Law enforcement officers arrested this Virginia man after executing a search warrant in Prince George County. After completing their search of the premises and the Virginia man in question, law enforcement seized various suspected controlled substances and weapons, including:

$43,000 in cash;
Five firearms;
Crack cocaine;
Fentanyl;
Heroin;
Methamphetamine; and
Various other substances.

As a result of this incident, the Virginia man in question faces the following charges, among others:

Three counts of felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute; and
Three counts of possession of a firearm and a controlled substance.

At this point, the Virginia man remains in police custody at the Riverside Regional Jail, and awaits the next steps in his legal case. In the meantime, it seems like a proper setting to review several applicable Virginia statutes.

Possession with Intent to Distribute

The laws against possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute appear under Code of Virginia Section 18.2-248. This section makes it illegal to distribute, manufacture, sell, or otherwise transfer any controlled substance. Section 18.2-248 also makes it unlawful to possess a controlled substance under circumstances that indicate an intent to distribute, manufacture, sell, or otherwise transfer such substances.

From a punishment standpoint, distribution and possession with intent to distribute feature the same penalties. It does not matter if the ultimate distribution crime is successful. An intent to distribute is enough to trigger criminal punishment under Section 18.2-248.

Any person who violates Section 18.2-248 with respect to a Schedule I/II controlled substance — including heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine — usually faces the following penalty structure:

First Violation — Felony offense punishable by up to $500,000 in criminal fines and five to 40 years in prison;
Second Violation — Felony offense punishable by up to $500,000 in criminal fines and five years to life in prison; or
Third or Subsequent Violation — Felony offense punishable by up to $500,000 in criminal fines and 10 years to life in prison.

Possession of Firearm & Controlled Substance

The law against possession of a firearm and a controlled substance appears under Code of Virginia Section 18.2-308.4. This section makes it illegal to knowingly possess a firearm and a Schedule I/II controlled substance at the same time.

Any person who violates Section 18.2-308.4 will likely face Class 6 felony charges. If convicted, the punishment can include up to $2,500 in criminal fines and 12 months in county jail.

Do You Need Legal Help?

If you need legal assistance with charges for a drug crime or weapon offense in Virginia, it can be wholly beneficial to contact a dedicated Leesburg criminal defense lawyer. The lawyers at Simms Showers LLP are prepared to help you today.

Resource:

nbc12.com/2021/03/19/man-faces-multiple-drug-firearm-charges-after-police-execute-search-warrant/