Drug Offense Attorneys in Northern Virginia

Being charged with possession of a controlled substance in Northern Virginia is common. Many times, those charged were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even if you’ve never been charged with a crime, drug possession charges can result in a felony conviction. In order to get the best outcome, you need a knowledgeable team of drug offense attorneys to help navigate your case.

Westlake Legal Group has the drug offense legal team you need to get the positive outcome you deserve. We’ll help you understand your legal options every step of the way, and help to get you the best results for your drug offense case.

‍Contact our team to get started with an initial consultation and begin fighting your case today!

Understanding Virginia Drug Offenses

Drug Classifications in Northern Virginia

According to Virginia state law, it is illegal to knowingly and intentionally possess most controlled substance without a doctor’s prescription. Drugs are classified according to a Schedule series, ranging from Schedule I to Schedule VI. The following illustrates how Virginia classifies specific drugs:

• Schedule I: Heroin, psilocybin, LSD, and ecstasy
• Schedule II: Opium, cocaine, morphine, fentanyl, codeine, and oxycodone
• Schedule III: Steroids
• Schedule IV: Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium
• Schedule V: Prescription cough medicines
• Schedule VI: Other stimulant or depressant drugs not categorized

Unfortunately, one is often charged improperly for drugs that they were merely holding for a friend or family member. Consult with your drug offense attorney to understand your options.

Penalties for Drug Offenses

The penalty for criminal drug offenses in Virginia largely depends on the following:

• Classification of controlled substance
• Amount of controlled substance in the defendant’s possession
• Location
• Criminal history

Because of the named combinations of these factors, one should review your case carefully with your drug offense attorney to see how you can reduce or eliminate your charges and get the best outcome for your case.

Statistics on Drug Offenses & Virginia Law

Drug arrests in Virginia have slightly declined in recent years; however, drug possession continues to be one of the top five causes of felony convictions. Marijuana arrests account for 57% of all drug arrests made in the state, and amphetamines/methamphetamines had the most significant increase in arrests at 33.4% in 2019, according to the 2019 Crime Report.

Virginia is one of six states that still implement a license suspension for drug offenses unrelated to operating a motor vehicle. That means that even if you aren’t caught driving while possessing drugs, you still may have your license suspended. Contact your Westlake Legal Group attorney to see how your drug offense case may affect other aspects of your life.

FAQs for Northern Virginia Drug Offenses

What if I’m caught with a prescription drug that’s not in my name?

Even if a friend or family member gave you a prescription drug to hold for them, you may still be subject to criminal charges, even though that action is not a crime. Officers often bring charges and let the court system sort things out.

Can I be convicted of a drug offense if I have an out-of-state medical marijuana prescription?

Under most circumstances, it is not illegal to possess marijuana pursuant to a valid prescription.

Westlake Legal Group for Your Drug Offense Litigation

If you or a loved one has been recently charged with a drug offense, the knowledgeable attorneys at Westlake Legal Group can help. Our team has helped countless defendants successfully navigate their drug offense cases to get the most desirable outcome.

‍Contact us to set up your initial consultation and begin planning your defense today!