Virginia Beach Marijuana Possession Lawyer

In Virginia Beach, people should know that there is a possibility of jail time even for a very small amount of marijuana. It is a common misconception that because the drug was just marijuana, the possession charge is just a minor offense. The reality is that while it may be legal in the future, it is not legal right now and it is a charge that should be taken very seriously because the current penalties are lifelong and very serious. A drug lawyer in Virginia Beach can explain what you can expect from your case, possible penalties, and options for your defense.

Marijuana is treated differently from other substances in Virginia Beach because marijuana actually has its own code section separate from all the other substances. This code section comes with its own set of penalties. In terms of basic issues however, the trial for a marijuana case isn’t different than it would be for any other type of drug. The difference is only in the penalties, which are just statutory differences.

Marijuana Enforcement Policies in Virginia Beach

Even though D.C. and Maryland have decriminalized or legalized possession of marijuana, this has not affected the way Virginia Beach enforces its marijuana laws at all. The Commonwealth of Virginia unfortunately is very behind on decriminalization compared to other states and they continue on with vigorous prosecution of all drug charges, regardless of how other states have treated them. If you have been charged with possession of marijuana, schedule a free consultation with a Virginia Beach marijuana possession lawyer.

How Are Marijuana Cases Different From Other Drug Cases?

As a Virginia Beach marijuana possession lawyer can tell you, possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor charge. In contrast, possession of cocaine, meth, heroin or other drugs that are classified as Schedule 1 or 2 are felonies. Under federal guidelines, marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 drug. This means it has a high potential for abuse. It is different from other Schedule 1 drugs however, because it has its own unique penalty structure found under the Virginia Code Section 18.2 – 250.1.

Long-Term Implications of a Marijuana Possession Conviction

The long-term implications of marijuana possession charges are that they are looked at very unfavorably by employers and anyone doing a background check. Even though a first offense possession of marijuana charge is actually a lesser charge than reckless driving, someone doing a criminal background check is typically not going to view reckless driving as badly as they would do marijuana because marijuana comes with a very high stigma.

How Are Marijuana Possession Charges Treated in Virginia Beach

By statute, the penalties for marijuana are different and are less harsh than they are for other substances so I wouldn’t say that the judges are lenient, but they do follow the statutes pretty closely. As far as the jury, that is really a wild card. You could get a group of jurors who are strongly against any type of drug and don’t really discriminate, or you could get a group of jurors saying that since it is just marijuana, it really isn’t as big a deal as cocaine and then they could sentence someone accordingly. If you want to know more about how to prepare for your case, consult with a Virginia Beach marijuana possession lawyer today.

Advantages of a Marijuana Possession Attorney in Virginia Beach

Facing drug charges can be a scary and frustrating experience, especially if it is your first time being charged with a crime. A Virginia Beach marijuana possession lawyer can over your case with you, review the Commonwealth’s case against you, and help you build a defense. An attorney can also explain your options and what you can expect. Call today.