Fairfax Drug Possession Attorney

As leading drug possession attorneys in Fairfax, Virginia, we’ve helped numerous clients beat their charges or get them dismissed or reduced. If you’ve been accused of drug possession, you need to secure representation fast. Contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.

It’s no secret that there is a lot of stigma surrounding drug crimes. When people think about drug possession charges, they typically imagine a scene that is much more dramatic than reality. And as the accused, you’ll be fighting uphill to dispel those misconceptions.

Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. The Fairfax drug possession attorneys at S&R Law Firm are here to help. When you partner with our law firm, you’ll receive the full-spectrum of our legal offerings, access to our resources and expertise.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about drug possession attorneys in Fairfax, including the nature of drug possession charges, consequences of conviction and how an experienced drug possession attorney can design a customized, top-tier defense strategy for your situation.

If you or a loved one are facing drug possession charges in Fairfax, it's essential to understand the gravity of your situation—as well as the legal landscape surrounding this crime. Call S&R Law Firm at (703) 273-6431 to schedule a consultation and learn about your legal options.

According to Virginia Code § 18.2-250, the crime of drug possession occurs when a person possesses a controlled substance for which they do not have a valid prescription. A controlled substance refers to any drug, substance or precursor listed under Schedules I through IV of the Virginia Drug Control Act.

Virginia uses a schedule system to classify controlled substances. Although these schedules are broken down into the following six categories:

• Schedule I drugsare those deemed to have a high potential for abuse and include drugs like heroin and LSD. They have no approved medical uses and are considered the most serious type of controlled substances.
• Schedule II drugsare those with a high potential for abuse and severe dependence. Unlike Schedule I drugs, however, Schedule II drugs also have a currently acceptable medical use. Fentanyl, cocaine, methadone, methamphetamine and codeine are some of the drugs included in this category.
• Schedule III drugshave less potential for abuse than Schedule II drugs but still have potential for moderate dependency. They also have accepted medical uses and include drugs like anabolic steroids and buprenorphine.
• Schedule IV drugshave even less potential for abuse, as well as a limited potential for dependency. They have accepted medical uses and include drugs like Valium, Xanax and other tranquilizers and sedatives.
• Schedule V drugsare thought to have a low potential for abuse, little risk for dependency and accepted medical uses. They include drugs like codeine, which is commonly used in prescription cough medicines.
• Schedule VI drugsinclude substances that are not typically considered drugs but are nonetheless used and abused recreationally. This category includes toluene (which is found in many paints) and nitrous oxide (which is found in many aerosol cans).

Possession of drugs in any of these classifications can result in serious charges and even more serious penalties. However, the specific penalties you’ll face for drug possession will depend on the details of your case.

In Fairfax, Virginia, drug possession can lead to a number of different legal penalties and additional consequences. Here are some of the penalties you could face if convicted of drug possession, divided according to drug schedule:

• Possession of Schedule I or II drugs. Conviction for possessing Schedule I or Schedule II drugs in Fairfax is a Class 5 felony. You may face incarceration from one to 10 years or jail time for up to one year and up to $2,500 in fines.
• Possession of Schedule III drugs. Possession of Schedule III drugs is typically considered a Class 1 misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
• Possession of Schedule IV drugs. Possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance is a Class 2 misdemeanor in Fairfax, Virginia. If convicted, you may be sentenced to jail for up to six months and ordered to pay a fine of up to $1,000.
• Possession of Schedule V drugs. This crime is considered a Class 3 misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $500.
• Possession of Schedule VI drugs. As the least serious type of drug possession charge in Fairfax, conviction for this crime typically results in a Class 4 misdemeanor and a fine up to $250.

Although the above-listed penalties are typical for drug possession crimes in Fairfax, Virginia, yours could be more or less harsh, depending on the specific details of your case. Factors that affect your punishment include the quantity of the drug in your possession, your criminal history and the quality of your lawyer.

Your attorney will play a pivotal role in the outcome of your case, which is why you shouldn’t choose just any criminal defense lawyer. The best legal advocate for you is one who has experience in not only trying cases like yours, but winning them.

• Here are just a few of the things a top-tier criminal defense attorney can do for you:
• Negotiate with prosecutors for a reduced charge
• Investigate the details of your case to find crucial information
• Interview witnesses and experts on your behalf
• Explore possible defense strategies
• Mount an aggressive, compelling defense in court

In addition to these services, the best drug possession lawyers will also offer you emotional support as you navigate this trying time. Being charged with any crime is scary, which is why you want an attorney who will keep you informed about the process every step of the way.

If you’ve been charged with drug possession in Fairfax, your future is on the line. To give yourself the best chance of beating your charge, you need to work with an attorney you can trust. Luckily, you don’t have to look too far. The compassionate defense attorneys at S&R Law Firm are here to help. Reach out to us online or call our law office at (703) 273-6431 to get started.