In Virginia, drug possession charges are very arduous and the penalties are considerably harsh. Under federal law, there are five different “schedules” under which you can be charged for drug possession.
Under schedule I, drugs have an extreme possibility of being abused and have no legitimate medical use. These drugs include GHB, LSD, Ecstasy (MDMA), and Heroin. The biggest penalty for possessing Schedule I drugs is imprisonment for 10 years and a fine of up to $ 2,500.
Under schedule II, drugs have a high feasibility of being abused, but some of them have extremely limited medical uses. These drugs include Ritalin, methadone, cocaine, PCP, morphine, methamphetamine (crystal meth), along with other stimulants. The biggest amends for possessing Schedule II drugs is imprisonment for 2 years and a fine of up to $2,500.
Under schedule III, the drugs have a likelihood of being abused, but are not as high as schedule I and schedule II, and they have some legitimate medical uses. These drugs include “special K” (Ketamine), anabolic steroids, hydrocodone, Dolacet, Lorcet, Vicodin, and codeine. Barbiturates and other depressants are also included in this list. The biggest amends for possessing Schedule III drugs is imprisonment for 6 months and a fine of up to $ 1,000.
Under schedule IV, drugs have a possibility of being abused, but not as extraordinary as those which fall under schedules I to III. These drugs have legitimate medical use. These drugs include prescription drugs like Valium (diazepam), Talwin, Darvon, Xanax, Rohypnol, and Equanil. The list also includes many tranquilizers. The maximum penalty for possessing schedule IV drugs is a fine of up to $500.
Under schedule V, drugs have the least likelihood of being abused when compared to drugs that fall under schedule I to IV. These drugs include Codeine based cough medication. The maximal amends for possessing schedule V drugs is a fine of up to $250.
Even though Marijuana is included in Schedule I, the penalties are not as severe. In fact, for first time offense the punishment is imprisonment up to 30 days and a fine of $500. In the case of the second offense, the biggest amends is imprisonment for 1 year in jail.
Those who are convicted of possessing drugs that falls under any of these schedules also run the risk of losing their driving license.
- If you need a Fairfax marijuana lawyer, the author recommends the Law Office of Brian Murray.
- For legal counsel to assist in getting your license back after revocation from drug charges, a Fairfax VA dwi attorney can help.