Virginia takes drug-related offenses seriously. When it comes to fighting back against allegations of criminal activity, it is important not to just accept the allegations and the punishment that might come with them. The permanent impact of a conviction on your record can be devastating, impacting many different aspects of your life.
If you are facing drug charges, getting help quickly is crucial. The legal road ahead may feel overwhelming, but a skilled Reston drug lawyer could help protect your future. Before you try to fight charges on your own, there are a few things you should know about the process and what you may be up against. Our criminal defense attorney has years of trial experience and knows exactly what tactics prosecutors use in court.
As our Reston drug attorney can further explain, drug-related offenses are taken seriously by Virginia courts. The most common drug charge is possession of controlled substances, which includes:
Virginia uses a classification system to determine the severity of these charges.
The charges are elevated if there is intent to distribute the drugs or if there are allegations of drug manufacturing or trafficking. For example, being caught with even a small amount of heroin, a Schedule I substance, could lead to a felony charge with prison time. If small bags or a scale are also found, prosecutors may add allegations of intent to distribute, which carries a prison sentence from 5 to 40 years.
Drug offenses may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, which are more serious. For instance, possession of a Schedule I drug is a felony that could lead up to 10 years in prison. A person may face additional penalties if the offense occurred in a school zone, they have any prior convictions, or weapons were involved.
The impact of drug offenses can apply to a variety of other issues. For instance, these penalties could impact the defendant’s driver’s license, employment options, housing opportunities, educational options, and even immigration status. Fairfax County is known for the strict prosecution of drug crimes, so knowing the rules and hiring a lawyer in Reston who understands the options available is critical.
Our lawyer could help establish a legal strategy to fight drug charges in Reston. Each case begins with a careful evaluation with an analysis of police procedure to ensure there are no constitutional violations. This means we will look for unlawful traffic stops leading to suppressed evidence, or failure to read Miranda rights that could result in unlawful interrogations.
We may also enter into plea negotiations with prosecutors if case dismissal is not an option. We could secure reduced charges, diversion programs, and even probation instead of jail. Diversion programs often include drug court, substance abuse programs, and community service. First-time offenders may be eligible for certain programs, including deferred disposition.
When you are looking for an effective drug lawyer, it helps to get help from somebody who has local experience in Fairfax courts and a proven track record with drug cases. It is also important to look for strong negotiation and trial skills as well as clear, compassionate communication.
A Reston drug lawyer could help you fight back against unfair or untrue allegations. Schedule a confidential consultation with us today to fight back. You do not have to leave your future to chance, especially with so much at stake.
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