Drug Crimes
PRACTICE AREAS
Your Prince William County Drug Crime Lawyers
Leading Criminal Defense Attorneys for Drug Charges in Prince William County, Virginia
Count on the Manassas Law Group for your strategic legal defense in drug-related cases in Prince William County. Our dedicated team of experienced Prince William County criminal defense attorneys is committed to protecting your rights and developing the strongest defense for your particular case.
The criminal defense lawyers at the Manassas Law Group are prepared to fight for you in your drug-related case in Prince William County. With a deep understanding of Virginia laws, our drug crime attorneys are equipped to defend your rights and work towards the most favorable outcome. Whether you’re dealing with charges of drug possession, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances, the Manassas Law Group is here to offer you experienced representation backed by outstanding results.
To discuss your drug charges with a Prince William County drug crimes attorney, call (703) 361-8246 to schedule a free consultation today.
Virginia Drug Offenses
Virginia’s drug laws are known for their severity, with penalties varying based on the type and amount of the drug involved, the offender’s criminal history, and the circumstances of the offense. The Virginia drug crimes laws are located in Title 18.2, Chapter 7 of the Virginia Code. In the section below, we’ll detail the most common drug offenses and laws.
Case Types
Possession of Controlled Substances
Virginia Code § 18.2-250 outlines the acts and penalties related to the unlawful possession of controlled substances. This law makes it illegal to knowingly or intentionally possess any controlled substance unless it is obtained directly from or as per a valid prescription or order by a licensed practitioner. The statute categorizes controlled substances into different schedules based on their potential for abuse, medical utility, and safety considerations.
The controlled substances schedule classifies drugs into different categories based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and safety, ranging from Schedule I, which includes substances with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, to Schedule VI, which comprises substances with the lowest potential for abuse and commonly used for industrial and scientific purposes. Some common Schedule I (1) and II (2) substances include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, psilocybin (mushrooms), cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, Adderall, Ritalin, and Vicodin. These drugs are treated the most severely under Virginia law.
Possession with Intent to Distribute or Manufacture Controlled Substances
Virginia Code § 18.2-248 addresses drug distribution charges and drug manufacturing. It criminalizes possessing controlled substances with the intent to engage in distributing drugs or manufacturing them. This law is aimed at those involved in the drug trade, targeting not just possession but the intent to distribute or manufacture illegal substances.
The severity of the penalties under this statute varies depending on factors like the type and amount of the drug involved, proximity to schools, and the individual’s criminal history. For example, intent to distribute Schedule I or II substances, such as heroin or cocaine, results in harsher penalties compared to lower schedules. Criminal charges under this law can lead to severe consequences, including long-term imprisonment and substantial fines. If you’re facing drug charges, contact a Prince William drug attorney today at the Manassas Law Group.
Drug Trafficking
According to Virginia Code § 18.2-248.01, drug trafficking is a serious criminal offense involving the transportation, sale, and distribution of large amounts of controlled substances. This law targets high-level drug distribution networks, distinguishing it from crimes involving smaller amounts of drugs. Under § 18.2-248.01, individuals involved in the trafficking of significant quantities of drugs, including manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with intent to distribute, face severe penalties.
Distribution or Sale of Marijuana
Virginia Code § 18.2-248.1 makes it illegal to sell, give away, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute marijuana. The severity of the penalties under this law depends on the quantity of marijuana involved and whether the individual has prior convictions. The drug offense may be treated as a misdemeanor for smaller amounts, but for larger quantities, it can be classified as a felony, leading to more severe penalties. The law also includes specific provisions for selling or distributing marijuana to minors or within certain areas like near schools, which can result in even harsher penalties.
Prescription Fraud
Virginia Code § 18.2-258.1 makes it unlawful to obtain or attempt to obtain any controlled substance or procure or administer any controlled substance by fraud, deceit, forgery, misrepresentation, or deception. The statute covers a range of deceptive practices, including using a forged prescription, misrepresenting one’s identity to a healthcare provider, or employing any form of deceit to acquire controlled substances illegally. This could involve altering a legitimate prescription, using a fake prescription, or providing false information to a doctor to obtain medication.
Drug Paraphernalia Offenses
Virginia Code § 54.1-3466 addresses items that are used in conjunction with controlled substances, focusing on the tools and equipment associated with drug use or distribution. Under this law, it is illegal to possess or distribute paraphernalia that is specifically designed for the use, manufacturing, or distribution of controlled substances. This includes a variety of items such as syringes, pipes, scales, and other tools that can be used in the consumption, preparation, or distribution of illegal drugs. The penalties for violating this law can vary based on the nature of the offense and the individual’s criminal history.
Schedules of Drugs in Virginia
In Virginia, controlled substances are organized into schedules based on abuse potential, medical application, and addiction risk. Below are the prescribed schedules:
- Schedule I: High abuse potential, no medical use (e.g., heroin, LSD, ecstasy)
- Schedule II: High abuse potential, limited medical use, high dependence risk (e.g., cocaine, oxycodone, ADHD medications)
- Schedule III: Moderate abuse potential, accepted medical uses, moderate dependence risk (e.g., anabolic steroids, certain barbiturates)
- Schedule IV: Lower abuse potential, accepted for medical use, limited dependence (e.g., Xanax, Valium)
- Schedule V: Low abuse potential, medical use, includes limited narcotic quantities (e.g., codeine-based cough syrups)
- Schedule VI: Very low abuse potential, used for medical and industrial purposes
It’s important to note that this classification system is based on assessing the potential for abuse, safety, and accepted medical use as understood within the context of the United States federal law and Virginia’s state laws.
What are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Virginia?
Facing a drug charge in Prince William County can have serious implications in terms of immediate legal consequences and its long-lasting impact on your criminal record. Virginia’s approach to drug offenses encompasses a range of penalties that vary according to the type of drug, the amount involved, and the specific nature of the crime.
- Possession of Schedule I or II Controlled Substance
- Class 5 felony
- 1 to 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $2,500
- Possession of Schedule III Controlled Substance
- Class 1 misdemeanor
- Up to 12 months in jail and/or fines up to $2,500
- Possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substance
- Class 2 misdemeanor
- Maximum of 6 months in jail and/or fines up to $1,000
- Possession of Schedule V Controlled Substance
- Class 3 misdemeanor
- Fine up to $500
- Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance
- Class 4 misdemeanor
- Fine up to $250
- Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I or II Controlled Substance
- First felony conviction: 5 to 40 years in prison and fines up to $500,000
- Second conviction: 5 years to LIFE in prison and fines up to $500,000
- Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule III, IV, or V/VI Controlled Substance
- Schedule III – Class 5 felony
- Schedule IV: Class 6 felony
- Schedule V or VI: Class 1 misdemeanor
Why Choose the Manassas Law Group for your Prince William County Drug Charge?
- Local Knowledge: The criminal defense lawyers at the Manassas Law Group have gained in-depth knowledge of the Prince William County criminal justice landscape – both the court and the prosecution – through years of focused practice in Prince William County. Our understanding of the local nuances and recognized success gives us a strategic advantage.
- Specialized Drug Defense: Our criminal defense lawyers are experienced in defending all types of drug crimes, including the most serious offenses of trafficking, transporting, manufacturing, and distributing. We will put our wealth of experience to work in your Prince William County drug case to provide you with a defense strategy that is tailored to your specific situation.
- Proven success: Backed by a history of success, including glowing client reviews on Google, Avvo, and elsewhere, our team is committed to protecting your rights and securing the best outcome in your drug case.
Our team is prepared to handle your drug crime case. Whether it is drug possession, drug distribution, drug manufacturing, or drug transportation/trafficking, we will meticulously review the evidence to build your best defense. Whether your case involves marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs, we will work with you every step of the way to make sure your rights are protected.
Contact Us
We offer a free case evaluation for new clients seeking criminal defense legal counsel. Call our Prince William County office today. Call 703-361-8246
Charged With a Drug Offense in Prince William County? Call the Criminal Defense Attorneys at MLG Today
The Prince William County criminal defense attorneys at the Manassas Law Group are ready to stand by your side and offer skilled legal representation. Our team understands the intricacies of drug laws and is dedicated to protecting your rights and working towards the best possible outcome.
Don’t let a drug charge define your future. Contact the Virginia criminal defense attorneys at MLG today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate this complex legal journey with confidence and courtesy—call (703) 361-8246 to schedule a free consultation today.
