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Richmond Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys
Understanding Federal Drug Classifications in Virginia
Drugs are classified according to their level of dependency and abuse as well as whether the drug offers any accepted medical uses:
- Schedule I. Examples include heroin and LSD. This classification is for drugs with no accepted medical use and a high risk of abuse.
- Schedule II. Examples include cocaine, methadone, PCP, and methamphetamine. This classification is for drugs that carry a high risk of abuse and severe dependence, but also have an accepted medical use.
- Schedule III. Examples include anabolic steroids and codeine. These drugs have less potential for abuse and dependency and have an accepted medical use.
- Schedule IV. Examples include Valium, Xanax, and other sedatives. There is even less potential for dependency and abuse and these drugs are accepted in medical treatment.
- Schedule V. These drugs include cough medicine with codeine. They have a low potential for abuse, limited risk for dependency and accepted medical uses.
- Schedule VI. Substances that are not drugs in the traditional sense, but used recreationally, fall into this category. Inhalants like amyl nitrite and nitrous oxide are classified as Schedule VI drugs.
If you have been arrested, contact our team at Janus & Stone, P.C., immediately to put
your drug case in experienced hands.
Consequences of Drug Possession in Virginia
Whether a drug crime is considered a misdemeanor or felony depends on many factors, such as the type and quantity of the controlled substance, previous criminal history, and whether the drugs are for personal use or sale and distribution.
- Misdemeanor possession penalties range from a Class 4 misdemeanor with a $250 fine up to a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
- For Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 substances, there are no misdemeanor possession charges. You are charged with a felony and can be sentenced to as many as 10 years in prison and pay a $2,500 fine.
Legal Penalties for Drug Distribution and Manufacture
Possession with intent to distribute (PWID) may be either a misdemeanor or felony offense in Virginia, but all distribution charges are felonies. Misdemeanor charges carry up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine. Felony charges can bring up to a $500,000 fine and up to 40 years in prison – even lifetime imprisonment for a subsequent offense. Distribution and manufacture of illegal drugs are felonies. Depending on the quantity of drugs in the case and other factors, fines reach up to $1 million and a prison term of life.
Why Choose Janus & Stone for Drug Crime Defense?
We have decades of experience in criminal law and drug crimes, staying abreast of changing statutes and penalties. Combining our extensive knowledge of drug laws with a thorough understanding of the details of your case, we can design a tailored approach to your defense.
Some of the drug crimes we defend include:
- Possession of Illegal Drugs
- Intent to Distribute Illegal Drugs
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Manufacture
- Prescription Fraud
Drug crimes can carry big fines and jail time, but the drug laws in Virginia provide opportunities for interpretation in the hands of a skilled defense lawyer. Attorney Taylor B. Stone’s understanding of drug laws and the local and federal justice system enable him to effectively evaluate your case and devise strategies for your defense.
Call us at (804) 265-4441 or use our online contact form
to schedule an initial consultation.
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Taylor B. StonePrior to the founding of Janus & Stone, P.C., Taylor B. Stone practiced law with his mentor, Murray J. Janus, at Bremner, Janus & Stone in Richmond. Janus, a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia School of Law.
