Chesapeake Drug Crime Lawyer
Fighting Drug Charges in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach & Suffolk, VA
Drug-related charges are among the most commonly prosecuted in Virginia courts. Those accused of drug crimes can range from teens experimenting with marijuana and street drugs to white-collar professionals with unauthorized prescriptions ranging from Adderall to Xanax to oxycodone.
Drug crimes are serious criminal offenses in Virginia. Depending on the situation, charges can be filed as misdemeanors or felonies. Prosecutors throw the book at alleged drug crime offenders and try to get the worst possible sentence if convicted.
In many cases, your best option is to fight the charge. Other times, a plea deal may be most beneficial. Regardless of what the best outcome is, you will only get an optimum result if you put an experienced drug crimes defense attorney to work for you.
At Pettrey Law, PLC, Attorney Pettrey works tenaciously to help clients facing drug charges secure the best possible outcome through aggressive advocacy, meticulous investigation, case preparation, and applying his 10+ years of professional experience.
Request a complimentary consultation with our Chesapeake drug crime attorney at Pettrey Law, PLC by phone at (757) 796-6996 or by email on our online contact form.
Drug Paraphernalia in Virginia
Drug paraphernalia can be items that are needed for drug use but also items that have everyday uses in the home, such as:
- Rolling paper
- Roach clips
- Syringes, needs, or small spoons
- Bongs and hookahs
- Tin foil
- Straws or paper tubes
- Razorblades or cards
Values That Drive Us Integrity, Compassion, and Advocacy at Our Core
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Proven ResultsCommitted to excellence and proven success, we strive for favorable outcomes using experience and innovative legal strategies to protect your rights and interests.
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Integrity and TransparencyWe pride ourselves on building trust with our clients through open communication and honest advice. At Pettrey Law, you will always know where your case stands and the options available to you.
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Compassionate CounselWe understand that legal matters can be stressful and emotional. Our team is here to provide not only expert legal advice but also the empathy and understanding you need during challenging times.
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Client-Centered AdvocacyAt Pettrey Law, PLC, your needs come first. We focus on personalized legal strategies, ensuring you receive the guidance and support tailored to your unique situation.
What Is Drug Possession in Chesapeake?
In Virginia, "possession" of a controlled substance can be categorized into two main types:
- Actual possession: This occurs when the substance is found on the person, such as in their pockets, hands, or clothing. It implies direct physical control over the drug.
- Constructive possession: This is more complex and involves situations where the substance is not found directly on the person but is in a place over which they have control, such as their home, car, or personal belongings. To prove constructive possession, the prosecution must show that the individual knew about the presence of the drug and could exercise control over it.
Simple Possession
This charge applies when you are found with a small amount of a controlled substance for personal use. For example, the possession of four ounces or more of marijuana is a misdemeanor in Virginia. However, possession of other controlled substances can be a felony.
Possession with Intent to Distribute
If the amount of the drug or other evidence suggests an intent to sell or distribute, the charges can be more severe, often resulting in felony charges.