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Roanoke Drug Crime Lawyers Fighting For the Accused in Virginia
Drug crimes are very common in Virginia. But, the fact that these crimes are common does not mean that they should be taken lightly. Each drug charge in Virginia carries serious penalties, including lengthy sentences in jail or prison.
Drug charges do not always lead to convictions, though. If you have been charged with a crime involving controlled substances, contact a criminal defense attorney of the Law Office of Seth C. Weston, PLC at once to discuss your case. Call (540) 384-4585 or submit your contact information using the form on our website.
As experienced drug crimes attorneys, we have helped defend many clients in the past. Here are some of the most common questions we have received in the past:
What Are the Different Types of Drug Crimes?
There are a number of different drug crimes in Virginia. Perhaps the most common type is possession of a controlled substance, which includes marijuana, heroin, cocaine, LSD, prescription medications, and more.
If law enforcement believes you have controlled substances in your possession because you plan on distributing them, you can face possession with the intent to distribute charges. This means the drugs in your possession were not meant for personal use.It is also illegal to manufacture, sell, transport, or give controlled substances.
You can also face drug charges if you help someone else obtain illegal controlled substances. An example of this would be helping someone obtain prescription medications that they have not been prescribed to take. You can face these charges even if the controlled substances are never actually in your possession.
Some of these crimes are more serious than others, but each drug crime carries legal penalties that can affect your life for years following a conviction.
Are Drug Crimes Felonies in Virginia?
Some drug crimes are misdemeanors in Virginia, but many of them are felonies. For example, possession of controlled substances is NOT typically a misdemeanor. There are some, but most people are possessing drugs that are felonies in Virginia. But, if the crime involves certain types of drugs such as heroin or methamphetamine, it is increased to a felony charge.
Drug distribution, manufacturing, and selling charges are felonies in Virginia. The specific felony charge that the defendant faces will depend on the type and amount of the controlled substance involved in the crime.
Are Drug Offenders In Roanoke Sentenced to Jail Time?
Many people who are convicted of crimes involving controlled substances are sentenced to time behind bars. But, there are other options available. Some offenders are given the option of probation instead of jail time.
During their probation, the judge may require them to attend substance abuse education courses, counseling, and other programs.This type of sentence focuses on treating the offender’s substance abuse issue so they can become productive members of society. This option is not available to every offender, but it may be an option if this is your first drug crime conviction.
What Are Federal Drug Crimes?
A drug crime is charged at either the state or federal level. Most drug cases involve state-level charges, however, certain crimes are charged at the federal level.
A drug crime can become a federal crime in several different ways. First, if the crime involves federal law enforcement officers or federal land, it is a federal crime.
An example of this would be someone getting arrested for the possession of drugs while on federal property. Another example would be cases that involve the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), which is a federal agency.
Drug crimes are also charged at the federal level when they cross over state lines. An example of this would be distributing drugs from Virginia into surrounding states such as Maryland and West Virginia. Since the crime was committed in more than one state, it is a federal crime.
Federal drug crimes often target drug dealers selling high levels of drugs, and these higher level of drug sales often carry mandatory sentencing minimums, so defendants who are facing federal charges typically face more serious penalties.
What Are the Qualities of A Top Drug Crime Attorney?
Don’t simply hire the first drug crime lawyer that you come across—take your time to find the one that is right for your case. What should you look for in a criminal law attorney? Focus on finding an attorney who has experience handling cases that are similar to yours.
If an attorney specializes in DUI, he may not be the best person to represent you in a drug crimes case. Look for an attorney who regularly handles drug cases and has a history of reaching favorable outcomes in them as well.
Another important quality to look for is communication skills. It’s important to find an attorney who knows how to communicate his thoughts and ideas clearly.
Strong communication skills are crucial for trial attorneys, but they help outside of the courtroom, too. If an attorney does not have strong communication skills, he may have trouble explaining your legal options and helping you understand the charges you face.
Finally, look for an attorney who is honest. You should not work with an attorney who sets unrealistic expectations or tells you what you want to hear. Instead, find an attorney who is not afraid to tell you the truth even if it’s not what you want to hear. An attorney who possesses these qualities will provide effective legal representation.
How Much Do Drug Crime Attorneys in Virginia Cost?
The cost of a drug crime attorney can vary significantly depending on many different factors, including the complexity of the case and the attorney’s experience. All defendants deserve to know how much they should expect to pay throughout the duration of their case. For this reason, it’s best to have this conversation with your attorney as soon as possible, so there are no surprises later on.
Contact Our Roanoke Drug Crimes Law Firm to Schedule A Free Consultation Today
Have you been accused of committing a crime involving controlled substances? If so, seek legal representation from the Law Office of Seth C. Weston, PLC at once.
Seth C. Weston is a skilled drug crime attorney with years of experience representing clients accused of various drug crimes in Virginia. Let him lead the fight to protect your future and your freedom.
To schedule a free consultation with our team, call (540) 384-4585 or fill out the brief form on our website.
