Virginia Drug Crime Lawyers Stand Up for Clients’ Rights

Hampton Roads defense attorneys take on drug possession matters

Each drug possession defense attorney at Hunter Law Firm has experience developing an effective defense to help individuals accused of drug crimes obtain the best possible results for their cases. Penalties for drug crimes under Virginia law can be severe, so it is vital that anyone facing charges obtain the skilled legal support of our drug crime attorneys as soon as possible after an arrest. We have offices located in Hampton, Gloucester and Chesapeake. Contact us today for legal counsel.

Representing clients in methamphetamine cases

In the State of Virginia, law enforcement agencies are cracking down on anyone who possesses, distributes or sells methamphetamine. Even if you are accused of a simple meth possession charge, you could face two or more years in prison. Experienced and aggressive, our attorneys will stand by your side and counter the allegations brought against you.

Classification of controlled substances under Virginia’s Drug Control Act

Penalties for drug crimes depend on many factors, including the specific substance involved. The Virginia Drug Control Act classifies drugs based on their medical use and potential for abuse when compared with other drugs. Substances are broken down into the following five categories, known as schedules:

• Schedule I — Heroin, Ecstasy and LSD are listed in the most serious group because they have a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical application. Although marijuana is characterized as a Schedule I drug, it is penalized differently than other substances in this class.
• Schedule II — Harsh penalties exist for crimes related to Schedule II drugs such as cocaine, methadone and methamphetamine.
• Schedule III — Substances in Schedule III can be used with a doctor’s authorization, but can have dangerous effects if not taken properly, such as codeine and anabolic steroids.
• Schedule IV — Valium and other medications that are sometimes abused fall within Schedule IV.
• Schedule V — The least severe classification, Schedule V, includes codeine-based cough medicines.

Whatever the details are in your case, we will advise you of the potential punishments and work diligently to safeguard your fundamental rights.

Firm assists defendants accused of drug possession, sale and manufacture

Our firm defends clients who are accused of various types of illegal activity related to drugs, including:

• Possession — Even holding a small amount of a Schedule I or II drug is a Class 5 felony. The maximum punishment for these crimes is 10 years in prison, but we work to have charges reduced where appropriate and challenge allegations unsupported by the evidence.
• Distribution — Selling a drug, or possessing enough so that an intent to distribute can be imputed, is a serious felony that might lead to a prison sentence of up to 40 years.
• Manufacture — Making a controlled substance subjects a defendant to the same types of penalties as dealing. However, many everyday household items are used by prosecutors as evidence to allege that an illegal drug manufacturing operation exists.

Many factors can influence how a prosecutor charges a case. For example, selling or manufacturing drugs near a school or another type of public property is a separate crime and can lead to a longer overall sentence. We push back hard against overcharging and counts that lack evidentiary support.

How we investigate the facts surrounding drug arrests

The details behind criminal charges must be thoroughly investigated, but that is only one part of the equation in building an effective defense. Each criminal defense attorney at our firm seeks to identify mitigating circumstances to help get charges reduced. Many alleged offenders benefit from “drug courts” where substance abuse rehabilitation is used instead of more punitive measures. Clients throughout Hampton Roads can be assured that we raise the lack of a prior criminal history, special medical needs or any other potentially relevant information whenever possible in order to mitigate charges.

Contact a Virginia drug crime defense lawyer for a consultation

A drug charge is serious and requires that you seek legal aid immediately. To speak with the experienced attorneys at Hunter Law Firm about your criminal defense matter, contact us online or call one of our four convenient offices. We have locations in Hampton, Newport News, Chesapeake and Gloucester.