Virginia Beach Drug Possession & Sale Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested and charged with the manufacture, cultivation, possession, sale, distribution of, or possession with intent to distribute (PWID) a controlled substance, you will face prosecution and the possibility of extremely harsh criminal penalties.

Your specific punishment will depend on factors such as the quantity of drugs found in your possession, where the drug sits on the Schedules of the Controlled Substances Act, and whether you have any prior offenses. You need a good drug defense lawyer.

If this is your first arrest for possession of marijuana, you can be sent to jail for up to 30 days, fined $500 and have your driver’s license suspended for six months. An arrest for the sale of large quantities of cocaine can result in a 40-year prison sentence.

Whether you have to invoke your Constitutional rights against unreasonable search and seizure or you can directly challenge the evidence against you, Attorney Jerrell Johnson and his team at JRLaw, PLC will work tirelessly to find a way to defend your freedom.

Remember, anything you say to the police or the prosecutor in your case can incriminate you further, so make no statements without the advice of an experienced drug defense attorney.

Don’t wait. Contact JRLaw, PLC now if you are facing drug charges in Virginia Beach, Hampton, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, and Norfolk. Contact us online or call at (757) 447-0080.

Drug Possession & Distribution Laws in Virginia Beach

Drug possession and drug distribution charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted under Virginia’s state laws, which are designed to address controlled substances rigorously. Even minimal amounts of certain drugs can result in felony charges. Law enforcement officers in Virginia Beach aggressively pursue both possession and distribution cases, and penalties are influenced by the type, amount, and circumstances of the arrest. Factors such as packaging materials, cash, or digital communications can lead to enhanced charges for possession with intent to distribute. Our team stays updated on local courts’ enforcement practices, recent law changes, and trends across the city so we can better defend our clients as your trusted drug possession lawyer in Virginia Beach.

What to Expect During the Virginia Beach Drug Charge Process

Navigating a drug possession or drug distribution charge in Virginia Beach involves several critical stages. After an arrest, you are usually booked at the Virginia Beach Police Department, and your initial court appearance will take place in the General District Court. During this appearance, bail is set, and the charges are outlined. The court process in Virginia Beach includes an opportunity for discovery, where your drug possession lawyer reviews the government’s evidence and can challenge both the validity of searches and the admissibility of evidence. By intervening early, we can often identify weaknesses in the state’s case that can be leveraged for negotiation or trial—this is just one reason why retaining an experienced drug distribution lawyer in Virginia Beach is key to your defense.

Our Approach of Our Drug Possession Attorneys in Virginia Beach to Defending Drug Cases

Every case we take at JRLaw, PLC begins with a comprehensive assessment of all facts and evidence, including the details specific to Virginia Beach’s law enforcement and court system. We prioritize constant communication, ensuring our clients are informed and supported from start to finish. Our background, which uniquely blends legal and law enforcement experience, allows us to understand—and challenge—the investigation process at every stage. We pursue every possible avenue, whether through pretrial motions to suppress evidence, negotiations for alternative sentencing, or advocacy in trial. Our clients benefit from our proven record, strong reputation, and commitment to protecting their rights within the Virginia Beach legal community.

Don’t wait. Reach out our drug possession attorneys in Virginia Beach or call at (757) 447-0080.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Penalties Can I Face for a First-Time Drug Possession Charge in Virginia Beach?

For a first-time drug possession charge in Virginia Beach, penalties range widely based on the drug’s schedule and quantity. For example, a felony charge for possession of a Schedule I or II drug like heroin or cocaine may result in up to 10 years in prison and significant fines. First-offense marijuana possession, now considered a civil infraction for personal use amounts, still can result in a fine and administrative penalties. 

How Does Virginia Beach Law Define Possession With Intent to Distribute Versus Simple Possession?

Virginia Beach law distinguishes possession with intent to distribute (PWID) from simple possession based on both the circumstances and evidence in your case. PWID is typically charged when officers believe you intended to sell or give away controlled substances, which may be established through the presence of large amounts, packaging, scales, money, or text messages. In contrast, simple possession charges reflect a belief that the substances were only for personal use. PWID convictions in Virginia Beach can result in significantly harsher sentences, fewer chances for alternative sentencing, and greater societal consequences. Effective defense in these cases requires a drug distribution lawyer in Virginia Beach who understands the local court’s approach and can challenge the evidence and intent behind the charges.

Contact us and secure a thorough legal representation today.