Drug Possession Defense Lawyer in Newport News

Defending Against Drug Possession Charges in Virginia

Being caught in possession of banned substances can result in harsh penalties. At Larry King Law, our goal is to provide our clients with resolute legal defense and peace of mind. If you have been arrested for drug possession, let us put together a solid defense against your charges! We have 50 years of legal experience and can provide the counsel you need during this time.

Drug Possession Penalties in Virginia

Drugs do not need to be found on your person for you to legally possess them. They could be within your reach or in a place only you have access to, such as in a shoe box, a glove compartment, or on a table next to you. In the eyes of the law, this constitutes "possession" and can result in a drug charge.

Virginia applies the federal schedules scheme to classify drugs and the penalties for their possession. Classification is based on the addictive nature of each substance. Schedule I substance drugs are considered to be the most dangerous and have no medical use. This includes drugs such as heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and GHB. Possession of these types of drugs is a class five felony which carries up to 10 years in prison and up to $2,500 in fines

Penalties for other substances include the following:

• Schedule II substance: These are still considered dangerous and highly addictive but are occasionally used in the medical field. Examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, morphine, PCP, and methadone. The penalties are the same as a Schedule I drug.
• Schedule III Substance: These are very addictive substances which are often prescribed by doctors, such as Ketamine, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, or Steroids. Possession is considered a Class One misdemeanor and carries up to 12 months in jail and up to $2,500 in fines.
• Schedule IV Substance: These are prescription drugs that carry some risk of addiction. Examples include Valium, Xanax, and Rohypnol. Possession charges can carry up to six months in jail and $1,000.
• Schedule V Substance: These drugs are mainly cold medications, such as codeine. Possession is a Class Three misdemeanor and carries a $500 fine.
• Schedule VI Substance: These drugs carry very little risk of addiction if at all, but are still illegal. Possession is a Class Four misdemeanor and carries $250 in fines.

Contact Us Today

Don't let an arrest for drug possession ruin your life. You need a Newport News drug crimes attorney on your side today. Call Larry King Law now and we can begin to put a strong defense strategy together for you.

Call our firm today to schedule a free case evaluation.