Manassas Drug Possession Attorney

The extent of the consequences you will face in a drug possession case depends on the type of controlled substance involved, the quantity in your possession, and any other mitigating factors. If you have an especially large quantity of the drug as well as measuring instruments, your charges could be enhanced to possession with intent to distribute.

• Possession of Schedule I or Schedule II drugs, which include heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, will generally lead to felony charges. Maximum penalties include up to 10 years of jail time and $2,500 in fines.
• Possession of Schedule III, IV, V, or VI drugs will usually only result in misdemeanor charges of varying severities. Substances in these categories include steroids, codeine, cocaine, opium, morphine, Xanax, Klonopin, and other stimulants or prescription drugs. Maximum penalties include up to a year of jail time and fines of up to $2,500. Lesser offenses can still result in hefty fines.

How Our Drug Possession Defense Strategies Can Benefit You

If you have never been charged with drug possession before, you likely qualify for Virginia’s “first offender” program. Completing this program, which generally includes submitting to random drug and alcohol tests, supervised probation, and conducting community service, can lead to the dismissal of your possession charges.

Should this program be unavailable, our Manassas drug possession attorneys will work with you to build an effective legal defense strategy. In a drug possession case, the prosecutor has the burden of proving you knowingly and intentionally possessed the unlawful substance. This can be difficult to demonstrate, and many successful approaches involve emphasizing that the prosecutor has failed to convincingly make their case.

Other potential legal defense strategies for drug possession cases include:

• Challenging who had actual possession
• Challenging the alleged quantity of the substance
• Challenging the identification of the substance
• Challenging the legality of the search
• Alleging law enforcement misconduct in their handling of the case
• Demonstrating that you had a valid prescription for the controlled substance

Whether you are holding something for a friend, experience a misunderstanding, or are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, drug possession can be charged as a serious crime in the state of Virginia. Depending on the circumstances, possession can even be charged as a felony. If specific types or quantities of substances are involved, a defendant can also potentially be charged with possession with intent to distribute, which carries even harsher penalties.

Our Manassas drug possession lawyers at Dischley Law, PLLC can assist you in defending against and overcoming these charges. We are committed to delivering results for our clients and will do everything possible to protect your future.

Schedule a free initial consultation to learn more about how we can defend you. Call (703) 215-9337 or contact Dischley Law, PLLC online today!