Drug Distribution/Possession Defense
Attorney in Abingdon & Tazewell, Virginia

In Virginia, it is a criminal offense to possess, sell, manufacture, or distribute controlled substances or illicit drugs without authorization. A person convicted of drug possession or distribution may be facing lengthy imprisonment, huge fines, a criminal record, difficulties in getting public benefits, and other social ramifications. With your freedom, quality of life, and career on the line, it is normal to feel terrified when charged with drug possession or distribution. 

If you have been arrested and charged with a drug possession or distribution offense, retaining an aggressive Virginia criminal defense attorney is imperative to help build your case. At Letsen Law Firm, we’re committed to offering comprehensive legal counsel and reliable representation to clients in their drug crime cases. Our highly-skilled attorney can thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case and strategize an effective defense to help fight your charges.

Letsen Law Firm proudly serves clients across Abingdon and Tazewell, Virginia, and the surrounding areas of Russell County and the Virginia side of Bristol City.

Understanding Virginia’s Drug Distribution & Possession Laws

Except as authorized under the Virginia Drug Control Act, it is unlawful for any individual to intentionally or knowingly possess, manufacture, distribute, sell, or possess with intent to manufacture, give, sell, or distribute a controlled substance or illegal drugs. However, it is legal for a person who is at least 21 years to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and grow up to four cannabis plants in their home. 

Elements of Drug Sale or Distribution

In Virginia, a drug distribution charge may be based on the alleged defendant selling, transferring, moving, or importing controlled substances or illicit drugs such as cocaine, narcotics, LSD, methadone, or heroin. 

However, in order to legally convict a defendant of a drug sale or distribution charge, the prosecutor must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 

• The defendant intentionally possessed a controlled substance or illicit drug. 

• The defendant did so with an intent to distribute, deliver, or sell the drug illegally. 

If you’re facing drug sale/distribution charges in Virginia, you need to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Your legal counsel can review all of the facts of your case and dispute the accusations against you with factual evidence. 

Elements of Possession

According to Virginia law, it is unlawful for a person to intentionally possess a controlled substance unless the drugs were obtained directly from a qualified practitioner or valid prescription. In order to find an accused person guilty of drug possession, the prosecuting attorney must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 

• The defendant possessed the controlled substance or illicit drug. 

• The drug is listed on a schedule of controlled substances in the state. 

• The defendant knows about the nature and presence of the drugs. 
   

In addition, drug possession can be actual or constructive possession. A trusted attorney can investigate every last detail of your unique situation and enlighten you about the nature of your charges. 

Possible Penalties

The penalties for drug distribution or possession in Virginia can be far-reaching. The severity of the punishment will depend on the substance schedule, the amount, the defendant’s criminal record, and other mitigating or aggravating circumstances. Some possible penalties for drug distribution or possession include: 

• hefty fines and court fees 

• prison sentences (ranging from months, years, or decades) 

• probation 

• a criminal record/history 

• community service 

• mandatory drug treatment classes 

• inability to possess, own, or carry firearms 

• increased difficulty in securing employment, housing, scholarships, or educational opportunities 

• increased difficulty in obtaining government assistance or public benefits 

• loss of voting rights 

• increased difficulty traveling overseas 

• ineligibility for some financial loans 

• possible deportation or inadmissibility to the United States 
   

A strategic Virginia drug distribution and possession attorney can intervene quickly and craft an effective defense to help you avoid or mitigate the devastating punishments of a criminal conviction. 

Work With an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Trying to face your drug distribution or possession charges without reliable representation could possibly expose you to the risks of being convicted and suffering maximum punishments. Unfortunately, a criminal record can jeopardize your quality of life, liberty, career, and future. Therefore, when facing drug-related charges, hiring a highly-skilled and aggressive criminal defense attorney is imperative for detailed guidance and to help protect your rights. 

At Letsen Law Firm, we’re dedicated to handling criminal cases and protecting individuals charged with drug possession or distribution from the worst possible penalties. Using our extensive knowledge, we can help you navigate the Virginia criminal justice system and represent you intelligently at every phase of the legal process. Above all, our reliable attorney will fight vigorously to uphold your freedom and help keep your record as clean as possible.