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Drug Charges

FAIRFAX DRUG CRIME ATTORNEYS

Defending Against Drug Crime Charges in Virginia

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony drug charge, you face severe penalties that can affect your life for many years to come. An experienced attorney can help.

The criminal defense lawyers at Lawrence, Smith & Gardner have been representing clients in both state and federal criminal courts throughout Virginia for over 40 years. We use our extensive drug law experience to provide aggressive and effective defenses to clients in Fairfax County, Prince William County, and throughout Northern Virginia.

For effective defense against drug possession, drug trafficking, and other drug-related offenses, call (703) 382-5840 or fill out the contact form here on our website. Your initial consultation is free.

Types of Drug Crimes

There are four main types of drug crimes in Virginia: 

  • Possession of a Controlled Substance: It is illegal in Virginia to be in possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription. A “controlled substance” is any substance listed in the Virginia schedule of controlled substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, and some prescription drugs, including opioids, Xanax, Valium, and cough medicines containing codeine.
  • Sale or Distribution of a Controlled Substance: In Virginia, it is illegal to sell, exchange, deliver, provide, or otherwise distribute a controlled substance to another person. If someone is found to have large quantities of a controlled substance on them, they may be charged with possession with intent to distribute.
  • Drug Trafficking: Drug trafficking is its own distinct offense in Virginia, separate from drug possession, drug distribution, or drug manufacturing. The crime of drug trafficking involves transporting, importing, or otherwise bringing certain controlled substances into Virginia with the intent to sell or distribute them within the Commonwealth. You do not need to possess large quantities of a controlled substance to be charged with drug trafficking.  
  • Drug Manufacturing: Drug manufacturing involves the production of a controlled substance without proper authorization. This crime also includes possessing chemicals or materials used to manufacture a controlled substance with the intent to produce the drug. You do not need to intend to sell the drug to be charged with drug manufacturing in Virginia.

Virginia also recognizes a variety of other drug-related crimes under these broad categories. Examples include possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of fraudulent prescriptions, and selling or distributing fraudulent prescriptions. 

How Are Drug Crimes Charged in Virginia?

In Virginia, whether your drug charge is a misdemeanor or felony—and the penalties you face if convicted—depends on a variety of factors.

Some of these factors include:  

  • The drug involved
  • The amount of the drug found in your possession
  • The circumstances of your arrest 

The exact penalties you face depend on how the offense was charged. In general, if you are charged with a felony drug crime, you face harsher penalties, including a lengthier prison sentence and steeper fines, than if you are charged with a misdemeanor offense. 

At Lawrence, Smith & Gardner, we handle drug cases involving cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, narcotics, marijuana, and other controlled substances. Our Fairfax drug crime lawyers are highly experienced in this area of criminal defense and can help you understand your legal rights and options.

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Lawrence, Smith & Gardner, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “I am forever grateful for your help!”
    Dear Mr. Brillantine and Mr. Smith,
    Thank you so much for your time and effort in the past several weeks. I am forever grateful for your help! Thank you.
    - Previous Client
    “The efficient way you and your staff handled my case, resulted in less anxiety for me.”
    Dear Mr. Smith,
    I just wanted to drop you a note to express my thanks and appreciation for your professional and courteous help and service. The efficient way you and your staff handled my case, resulted in less anxiety for me.
    - Previous Client
    “We appreciate the courtesy and professionalism of your wonderful staff.”
    Dear Mr. Smith,
    We just want to thank you for all your help in our son’s recent traffic case. Things were looking extremely bleak. However, thanks to your knowledge of the law, persistence, ability to talk to people, hard work and grace … What a relief it has been. We also appreciate the courtesy and professionalism of your wonderful staff.
    - Previous Client
    “Thank you for making it possible for me to continue with my life.”
    Dear Ron,
    I am consumed with awe for your legal maneuvering to assist me in court yesterday. Thank you for making it possible for me to continue with my life.
    - Previous Client
    “I appreciate the courtesy and professionalism.”
    To Ron Smith,
    I just wanted to extend my gratitude to you for representing me earlier this month when I went back to court to obtain my restricted license. I appreciate the courtesy and professionalism from you and your staff and under no circumstances hope to ever need your services for a serious matter like that again.
    - Previous Client
    “Thanks for that usually elusive gift … a second chance.”
    Dear Mr. Smith,
    Thank you for all your help. Please extend my thanks also to Martin for his patient support of an incoherent client, as well as to Lisa for her many phone calls. Thanks for that usually elusive gift … a second chance.
    - Previous Client
    “Thanks again Ron you ROCK!”
    Ron,
    I can’t thank you enough for everything. If it weren’t for you I would be in a world of hurt today. I owe you so many thanks. If you ever need anything!! Please pass along all my thanks to your staff and co-workers. Please let Lisa I’m so sorry you missed her lunch too. Thanks again Ron you ROCK!
    - Previous Client
    “I can look back on this experience as a valuable lesson and continue on with my life.”
    Dear Mr. Smith,
    I wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your help with my recent difficult situation. I was amazed at your skill and knowledge of the court system, and appreciative of your insight in these matters. I can look back on this experience as a valuable lesson and continue on with my life. Thank you for giving me that opportunity.
    - Previous Client

How Our Drug Crime Lawyer Can Help

At all stages of your case, from the time of your arrest to the conclusion of your trial or appeal, you are entitled to legal counsel. An attorney’s advice about what to say and how to behave in the early, critical phases of your case may help you avoid costly mistakes. Your future may depend on the careful handling of your case following any drug charge.

We have the resources and skills to prepare a strong case on your behalf. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys can examine the search and arrest procedures used during your arrest, as well as the evidence the state will use against you. Moreover, in preparation for upcoming hearings and your trial, we can suggest appropriate steps that you can take to enhance your chances for a satisfactory outcome.

We may be able to help get your drug charges reduced or be able to work out sentencing options, such as community service or a suspended or reduced sentence for a drug violation. In some cases, after a sentence of community service or a dismissal, clients can get their records expunged, or sealed from public access. 

Contact Our Fairfax Drug Crimes Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been charged with a drug crime in Fairfax County, Prince William County, or anywhere in Northern Virginia, reach out to Lawrence, Smith & Gardner today. The sooner you contact our legal team, the sooner we can begin developing an innovative legal strategy on your behalf. 

Give us a call at (703) 382-5840 or contact us online to request a free and confidential consultation.

What Sets Us Apart

  • An Accessible Team With Direct Communication
  • Free Initial Consultations for All Clients
  • Numerous Positive Reviews from Our Clients
  • A Diligent Approach to Each Case
  • More Than 40 Years Serving Our Community
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