Virginia Beach Possession of Marijuana Attorney

If you were recently charged with possession of marijuana in Virginia Beach, it is important for you to understand the numerous repercussions you may face if you are convicted. Although Virginia permits marijuana use for treatment of cancer and glaucoma, if you do not have a valid prescription, you can be charged with criminal possession. Fortunately, with help from an experienced drug attorney, you may be able to fight your charges and avoid conviction.

If this is the first time you have been charged with possession of marijuana, the offense will most likely be treated as a unclassified misdemeanor. As a result, the maximum sentence you can receive is 30 days in jail and/or a $500 fine—in some cases, however, your driver’s license may also be suspended.

Individuals with two or more prior convictions of marijuana possession will face increased penalties, including a one-year jail sentence and up to $2,500 in fines. Since the crime will now be considered a Class 1 misdemeanor, your conviction will also show up on your criminal background, where it can easily be seen by potential employers, housing providers, and anyone who conducts a background check on you.

If you were found with large quantities of marijuana in your possession, the prosecution may attempt to charge you with intent to sell or attempt to distribute marijuana. As felony offenses, the penalties for these crimes may include more time behind bars, with a maximum 40-year prison sentence. You can also be fined as much as $500,000 if you are convicted.

Before you can be convicted of marijuana possession, the prosecution must first prove that you are guilty of the offense. To accomplish this requirement, he or she will not only have to establish that you were in possession of marijuana, but also prove that the drug was actually in your control at the time it was confiscated—in other words, it must have been found on you or your property.

Attorney Michael C. Tillotson can help you fight your marijuana possession charges. In addition to challenging any evidence the prosecutor may submit, Mr. Tillotson will ensure your rights are protected at all times. If the marijuana was confiscated during an illegal search and seizure, for example, the court may dismiss the charges against you.

To learn more about the defense options for your marijuana possession case, contact attorney Michael C. Tillotson today. As always, there’s never any obligation, and your initial consultation is free.