Norfolk Drug Lawyer
The term “drug crime” covers many possible crimes, ranging from possession of a controlled substance to manufacturing drugs with the intent to sell. While some drug offenses are misdemeanors, the more serious offenses are felonies that carry significant penalties. No matter what type of drug crime you have been charged with, contact a Norfolk drug lawyer to learn more about the charges you could be facing and discuss your legal options.
- Common Drug Charges in Norfolk
- What Are Penalties For Drug Charges in Norfolk?
- How Are Drug Cases Prosecuted in Norfolk?
- What to Expect From a Drug Case in Norfolk
Norfolk Drug Charges
Drug crimes in Norfolk, Virginia, include the following:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Manufacturing, selling, or possessing with the intent to distribute
- Continuing a criminal enterprise
- Transporting controlled substances into Virginia
- Possession of marijuana
- Conspiracy to commit a drug-related offense
- Selling and/or distributing controlled substances near certain areas.
For the most part, drug charges are straightforward in Virginia, however this doesn’t make hiring a Norfolk drug lawyer any less important.
For example, possession of a controlled substance is defined as knowingly possessing a controlled substance that has been obtained without a valid prescription or through unauthorized means (Virginia Code Section 18.2-250(A)).
Under Virginia Code Section 18.2-248.01, the crime of transporting a controlled substance into Virginia occurs when an individual:
- Transports with the intent to sell or distribute at least one ounce of cocaine, one ounce of a Schedule I or II controlled substance, or at least five ounces of marijuana.
Potential Penalties For Drug Crimes in Virginia
Penalties for drug crimes in Norfolk, Virginia, can be harsh making a Norfolk drug attorney imperative to those accused. The severity of the penalties often depends on the type and/or amount of the drug involved in the offense.
For example, the penalties for possession of a controlled substance are as follows:
- Possession of Schedule I or II controlled substances – one to 10 years in prison
- Possession of Schedule III controlled substances – up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500
- Possession of Schedule IV controlled substances – up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000
- Possession of Schedule V controlled substances – a fine of up to $500
- Possession of Schedule VI controlled substances – a fine of up to $250 (Virginia Code Section 18.2-10 and Virginia Code Section 18.2-11).
Other drug charges carry extremely harsh penalties. If you are found guilty of distributing drugs to a minor, you could face a prison sentence of 10 to 50 years and a fine of up to $100,000 (Virginia Code Section 18.2-255(A)).
Some of the penalties are less harsh. Many people are unaware that they may be put on probation and that the proceedings against them may be deferred if they are found guilty of possessing a controlled substance but have no prior drug-related convictions (Virginia Code Section 18.2-251).
An experienced Norfolk drug lawyer is familiar with this first-time offender law and has a strong understanding of the different substance schedules and the penalties associated with them.
Benefits of Hiring a Norfolk Drug Lawyer
With the different types of drug crimes and the varying levels of potential penalties involved, it makes sense to contact a Norfolk drug lawyer as soon as you are accused of one of these crimes.
