In Virginia, the law criminalizes the possession and distribution of certain illicit drugs and other controlled substances. However, the sentences for these crimes may vary depending on how many times you have been convicted. Breaking Virginia’s drug laws will repeatedly lead to increased consequences, including large fines and longer prison terms.
Penalties for a programming class
Normally, maximum penalties for simple possession do not increase in subsequent convictions. However, the court can consider your criminal history in determining your sentence (how much time you really serve). The only exception to this rule refers to marijuana, as described in the next section.
In Virginia, the maximum penalties for drug offenses are divided into several kinds of different crimes, and go as follows:
Possession of either a Schedule 1 or a Schedule 2 substance is a class 5 felony. The maximum penalty for either is a $ 2,500 fine and a ten-year prison sentence.
However, the state may choose to charge certain class 5 offenses as class 1 misdemeanors, especially if it is their first offense. In these cases, the maximum penalty is a fine of $ 2,500 and up to one year in jail.
Possession of a Schedule 3 the drug is a class 1 misdemeanor. It has a maximum penalty of a $ 2,500 fine and a one-year prison sentence. LSD, ketamine, and other high-risk sedatives are listed as drugs in program 3.
Possession a Schedule 4 the drug is a class 2 misdemeanor. Their maximum penalties are a fine of $ 1,000 and a jail term of six months. High-risk medications and narcotics are included in the list of drugs in program 4.
Possession of an Agenda 5 drug is a Class 3 misdemeanor. Your maximum penalty is a fine of up to $ 500. The drugs in program 5 include many prescription medications, such as painkillers.
Possession of a Schedule 6 the drug is a class 4 misdemeanor. Your maximum penalty is a fine of up to $ 250. The drugs in program 6 are prescription drugs such as antidepressants and drugs for ADHD.
Also, a conviction for any of the above crimes will result in an automatic suspension of the 6-month license.
Simple possession of marijuana
Virginia sanctions for marijuana possession change depending on whether or not it is your first conviction:
For a first offense, the law will treat this possession as a “class U” misdemeanor (undefined). The maximum fine is a fine of $ 500, and, rarely, up to 30 days in jail. Also, the judge may choose to perform community service instead of suspending your license.
After the first conviction, the court deals with the possession of marijuana as a class 1 misdemeanor. Their maximum penalties include a fine of $ 2,500, and up to a year in jail. The Virginia DMV will automatically suspend your license for six months.