Marijuana Possession Lawyer Henrico County, VA
A routine traffic stop on I-64 near Short Pump. What started as a minor infraction turned into a search of the vehicle. Now you are facing a marijuana possession charge in Henrico County, and a court date at the Henrico County General District Court on East Parham Road. The charge may be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the amount. Either way, a conviction can mean jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you into employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we understand that a marijuana possession charge is a serious legal problem. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded the firm in 1997, and we serve clients in Henrico County from our Richmond Location. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to defending marijuana cases in the Henrico County courts. Results may vary. For a consultation, reach us at (888) 437-7747.
What Marijuana Possession Means in Henrico County
Virginia legalized adult possession of up to one ounce of marijuana effective July 1, 2021, under Va. Code § 4.1-1100. But possession above the legal limit remains a criminal offense. In Henrico County, a charge for possessing more than four ounces of marijuana is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Possession with intent to distribute can be charged as a felony, carrying a potential state prison sentence.
The court process depends on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor cases are heard at the Henrico County General District Court, located at 4301 East Parham Road. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes these cases. If the charge is a felony, the case begins with a preliminary hearing in the General District Court before moving to the Henrico County Circuit Court for trial. Throughout the process, you have a right to a jury trial in the Circuit Court for any offense that carries potential jail time.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented case results in Henrico County, including eight results in criminal matters — seven dismissals or not-guilty outcomes and one reduced or amended charge — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Marijuana Possession Cases
When you contact our firm, we start by listening to your account of the arrest and the circumstances of the search. Our approach is grounded in the specific details of your case. We review the traffic stop, the officer’s grounds for a search, the handling of any seized evidence, and the chain of custody. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, brings insight into how the Commonwealth will build its case and where it may be vulnerable.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, working alongside Mr. Sris, explore every procedural and substantive defense. That may include challenging an illegal search, questioning the reliability of field tests, or examining whether the marijuana amount was properly weighed and attributed. In many cases, we negotiate with the prosecutor to seek a reduction or dismissal of the charge. Virginia permits plea bargaining under Supreme Court Rule 3A:8; the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend the charge or enter a nolle prosequi. If the case goes to trial, we prepare a thorough defense tailored to the Henrico County courtroom.
We also explore alternatives to conviction. A first-offense drug possession may be eligible for deferred disposition under Va. Code § 18.2-251, which allows the court to place the defendant on probation and dismiss the charge upon successful completion of conditions. Our goal is to achieve the trusted … Resolution — whether that is a dismissal, a reduced charge, or an acquittal at trial.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who understands prosecution strategy from the inside. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he concentrates on criminal defense and family law matters.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to every client’s case. Collectively, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in courts throughout Henrico County and Central Virginia. They work collaboratively on each matter, drawing on backgrounds that include prior prosecutorial service, law enforcement experience, and extensive trial practice. You can reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys by calling (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for marijuana possession in Henrico County?
Possession of more than four ounces of marijuana in Henrico County is a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Possession of more than one ounce but not more than four ounces is a civil violation with a $25 fine. Charges involving distribution or intent to distribute can be felonies with significantly longer sentences. Every marijuana possession case at the Henrico County General District Court is prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. A conviction also creates a permanent record that can affect employment and housing. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a marijuana possession charge be expunged in Henrico County?
Yes, if your charge is dismissed, you are acquitted, or a nolle prosequi is entered, you may petition the Henrico County Circuit Court for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Virginia law generally does not allow expungement of convictions. For certain first-offense marijuana possession cases, a deferred disposition under § 18.2-251 that leads to dismissal may also qualify for expungement. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your eligibility.
How does a marijuana possession case proceed in Henrico County?
A misdemeanor marijuana possession case is heard in the Henrico County General District Court; a felony charge starts with a preliminary hearing there before moving to the Circuit Court. At the first court appearance, you are advised of the charge and your rights. The judge may set bond conditions. Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor, file motions to suppress evidence, and prepare for trial. If the case is not resolved, a trial date is set. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a marijuana possession charge in Henrico County?
Yes, a criminal conviction for marijuana possession can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record, so legal representation is essential. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate the evidence, identify procedural errors, negotiate with the prosecutor, and represent you at trial. The Henrico County courts follow strict procedural rules. Even a first offense can have lasting consequences. To discuss your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am stopped and the police find marijuana?
Remain calm, provide your identification, and clearly state that you wish to remain silent and speak with an attorney. Do not consent to a search of your vehicle or person if the officer requests it without a warrant. Do not make any statements about the marijuana or where it came from. Politely decline to answer questions and ask to contact a lawyer. Contact our firm as soon as possible at (888) 437-7747 to protect your rights.
How can a defense lawyer help with a first-offense marijuana charge?
A defense lawyer can challenge the legality of the stop and search, negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or dismissal, and pursue a deferred disposition that avoids a conviction. Many first-offense marijuana cases in Henrico County are resolved through pre-trial negotiations. We examine every aspect of the arrest and the evidence to build the strong $1. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Related Henrico County Criminal Defense Pages:
Chesterfield County criminal lawyer |
Hanover County criminal lawyer |
Fairfax County criminal lawyer |
Fairfax City criminal lawyer
Full statutory analysis on srislawyer.com
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.