Norfolk, VA Drug Distribution Defense Lawyer

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Drug distribution charges in Virginia can have very serious consequences. If you are charged and convicted of drug dealing or distribution, you could be fined thousands of dollars and end up spending years in prison.

With so much at stake, you cannot afford to sit back and wait to see what happens. You need to take action now. That’s why our Norfolk, Virginia defense attorneys experienced in handling drug charges at Welch & Wright, PLLC want to meet with you.

Our trial lawyers have extensive courtroom experience, especially when it comes to drug distribution and other drug crime cases in Virginia. We understand how the legal system works and constantly keep up to date on the latest Virginia drug distribution laws. We’re the law firm you want when your freedom is on the line.

What is drug distribution?

Drug distribution is a phrase often used to describe drug crimes that involve possession of controlled substances (legal term for certain drugs that can be considered illegal in certain circumstances) for more than simply personal use.

Drug distribution charges are often filed if police or prosecutors believe someone has a controlled substance that they intend to distribute to others, often (but not always) for the purpose of making money by selling the drug.

This might sound straightforward. But there’s often a lot of gray area between drug possession and possession with intent to sell. This is important because drug distribution charges often have much more severe penalties than drug possession charges.

Common Virginia drug distribution charges

Virginia has many drug distribution laws, many of which fall under Virginia Code 18.2, Chapter 7, Article 1 (Drugs). Other specific drug distribution laws include:

• Virginia Code 18.2-248, which applies to distributing a controlled substance.
• Virginia Code 18.2-248.03, which applies to distributing methamphetamine.
• Virginia Code 18.2-248.1, which involves distribution with intent to sell marijuana.
• Several Virginia Codes that involve distribution of cannabis or marijuana, including Virginia Code 18.2-251.1 (medical marijuana), Virginia Code 18.2-251.1:1 (distribution of cannabis at public schools) and Virginia Code 18.2-251.1:2 (distribution of cannabis at nursing homes and assisted living facilities).

Penalties for drug distribution conviction in Virginia

If you are convicted of a drug distribution charge in Virginia, the penalties can be very severe depending on several factors, including the quantity of the controlled substances seized during your arrest and whether you have been previously convicted of drug distribution or another drug-related charge. Such penalties often include:

Conviction for distribution of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance is a felony and punishable by:

• 5 to 40 years in jail for the first offense, possible life sentence for second or subsequent conviction.
• Fine of up to $500,000.

Conviction of distribution of a Schedule III, IV or V Substance is a misdemeanor and punishable by:

• Up to 12 months in jail.
• Fine of up to $2,500.

Common drug distribution defenses

There’s often a fine line between drug possession and drug distribution charges, especially if the person arrested did not have a large quantity of drugs in their possession at the time of their arrest.

But even if someone has a larger quantity of a controlled substance, there are many ways that a skilled criminal defense attorney can have such charges reduced or perhaps even dismissed. Such legal strategies often involve:

• Filing a motion to suppress evidence obtained during an illegal search.
• Showing the arrest was based on an unlawful search and seizure.
• Showing that -police violated someone’s rights in the course of their arrest, including failing to read the person being arrested their Miranda rights.
• The quantity of drugs seized in the arrest does not meet the legal threshold to file drug distribution charges.
• The person arrested had the right to legally possess the controlled substances.
• Another person was in possession of the drugs, not the person arrested and charged.
• The person arrested does not live or work at the premises where the arrest took place and was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Can I get my drug distribution charges dismissed?

Yes. As explained above, there are often many reasons why criminal defense attorneys are able to get drug distribution charges dismissed in Virginia. However, finding the evidence needed to build such a strong legal case often takes a tremendous amount of hard work.

And because the consequences of drug distribution charges are so serious, many Virginia prosecutors take a hard line in such cases. That’s why it’s critical that you have a skilled Virginia defense attorney with experience in drug charges handling your legal case.

We take drug distribution charges seriously. Contact us

If you don’t act now, you could end up having to spend years or perhaps even decades in jail if you are convicted of drug distribution in Virginia. That’s why it’s critical that you talk to an attorney at Welch & Wright, PLLC right away.

Our Norfolk, VA drug crime defense lawyers know how to handle such complex legal cases in Norfolk Circuit Court or whichever Virginia Circuit Court or Virginia General District Court is handling your case. We know the law and know exactly what to do in such situations.

This is your opportunity for justice. Seize it. Contact us to learn more about your legal options. Schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Virginia drug charge defense attorneys in our Norfolk office. Our trial lawyers handle legal cases statewide.