Greensville County Drug Lawyer

Drugs have been a controversial issue in America for a long time and though there are changing sentiments, it does not appear to be an issue that will go away any time soon. Drug issues can range from possession to distribution to gang activity and beyond.

The charges vary based on the amount of the substance at issue or the type of it. No matter what the police have accused you of, it is crucial to take any charges seriously and seek out the best help available to you. If the government has suggested that you or a loved one committed some violation of the law, it may be in your best interest to seek out a knowledgeable defense attorney who can advise you of the laws and how the legal process works.

A Greensville County drug lawyer may be able to help you develop a strategy for approaching any legal charges and help you figure out if any defenses are available to you.

Substance Laws and Penalties in Greensville County

Distributing controlled substances or fake drugs is illegal. As an attorney in Greensville County could further explain, the government also does not allow possession with intent to distribute or manufacture substances. The government divides drugs into different categories. The most prohibited drugs are Schedule I, which includes heroin and meth. Schedule II drugs include opioids and morphine.

What are the Penalties for Drug Charges?

The government punishes the distribution or manufacturing of Schedule I and II drugs with imprisonment of 5 – 40 years and a fine of not more than $500,000. For a second offense, the court can sentence the actor to up to life in prison but must at least put them in jail for no less than five years, and a fine of not more than $500,000. For a third offense, the minimum punishment is ten years in jail.

If the court convicts a person of having 100 grams or more of heroin, the court can sentence them to five years in jail, up to life in prison, plus a fine of up to one million dollars. The same punishment applies to 500 or more grams of other substances, such as cocaine. If the government finds a person guilty of making methamphetamines, the court can put the person in jail for 10 – 40 years in jail and fine them of not more than $500,000.

Intention to sell a Schedule III drug is a Class 5 felony and intention to sell a Schedule IV drug is a Class 6 felony (Code of Virginia Section 18.2-248). An individual facing drug penalties should contact a lawyer in Greensville County as soon as possible.

Distribution of Marijuana

The government punishes the distribution or possession with intent to sell marijuana in the following manner:

• Half-ounce or less is a Class 1 misdemeanor
• More than a half-ounce, but not more than five pounds is a Class 5 felony
• More than five pounds is five to 30 years in jail

If the possessor can prove they only distributed or held the drugs as accommodation for someone else, then the court can only find that person guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor (COV Section 18.2-248.1).

Speak with a Greensville County Drug Attorney Today

Even though drugs may be glamorized on television, it is important to realize that the police take these issues seriously. If the government has accused you or a loved one with some act involving substances, it may be necessary to quickly enlist the aid of a firm that understands the legal system and can guide you through negotiations with the prosecutor and interactions with the police. Consider reaching out to speak with a Greensville County drug lawyer today.