Virginia Beach Drug Crimes Attorney

Determined Criminal Defense for Individuals Charged with Drug Offenses in Norfolk

Drug charges carry a stigma and create labels. Any drug arrest must be taken very seriously. Even a first-offense misdemeanor charge for possession of a small amount of marijuana could land you in jail, cost you your job, or severely limit your future prospects in this age of easy internet criminal background checks. Before you take a fast guilty plea, let’s evaluate the evidence and discover your defense.

Whether you are a loving parent trying to protect your son's or daughter's future, a student who needs legal advocacy, or an adult accused of a drug offense, we urge you to contact Hallauer Law Firm now. Our Virginia Beach drug crimes attorney wants to hear your perspective on what happened and find the best path to resolution for you through negotiation or at trial.

Located in Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, and Portsmouth? We can help when you contact us online or by phone at (757) 474-0089 for a free consultation.

Handling Charges from Possession of Marijuana to Felony Drug Sales

Our firm, led by former prosecutor and veteran Virginia Beach drug possession defense attorney Scott Hallauer, welcomes the opportunity to help you through a legal challenge involving:

• Any drug charge ranging from marijuana possession to drug sales and distribution or felony-level drug conspiracy
• Possession, use, or sale of other illegal substances such as cocaine, Ecstasy, heroin, and methamphetamine
• A prescription drug offense including prescription fraud or possession/distribution of medications such as OxyContin, Ritalin, Adderall, Xanax, Ambien, or other painkillers, stimulants, and sedatives

What Constitutes a Drug Crimes in Virginia?

Virginia law classifies drug crimes into different categories, each carrying distinct penalties. Common charges include:

• Possession: Being found with illegal substances, even in small amounts, can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
• Distribution: Selling or distributing drugs can result in severe penalties, especially if large quantities are involved.
• Trafficking: This serious charge is applied when large amounts of drugs are involved, often resulting in lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.
• Manufacturing: Producing illegal drugs can lead to significant legal repercussions, including felony charges.

What Drugs are Illegal in Virginia?

In Virginia, illegal drugs include a variety of substances classified as controlled substances. This includes drugs such ascocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and certain prescription medications if obtained without a valid prescription (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines). Marijuana is also illegal for possession in certain amounts, though recent legislation has decriminalized possession of small quantities for adults.

What are the Consequences of Drug Crime Charges in Virginia?

Facing drug crime charges can be a daunting experience, and understanding the potential consequences is crucial for anyone in this situation.

The penalties for drug-related offenses can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of drug, the amount involved, and whether it’s a first-time or repeat offense. Here’s a brief overview of what you might face:

• Misdemeanor Charges: These may result in fines, probation, or a short jail sentence, typically less than one year.
• Felony Charges: Serious offenses can lead to significant prison time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record that impacts future employment and housing opportunities.
• Drug Treatment Programs: In some cases, first-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs that allow them to avoid jail time through rehabilitation.

At Hallauer Law Firm, we believe that knowledge is power. Our experienced Virginia Beach drug crimes attorneys will help you navigate the complexities of your case and outline all potential outcomes.

Understanding your rights and the legal landscape surrounding drug crimes can significantly influence the direction of your defense. We are committed to providing personalized legal strategies that aim to achieve the best possible outcome for your unique situation.

Schedule your free legal consultation with our drug crimes lawyers in Virginia Beach by calling us at (757) 474-0089 or contacting us online today. We’re here to help defend your rights!

What are Potential Defenses Against Drug Charges?

When facing drug charges, various defenses may be available, and our attorneys can help you navigate them effectively. A key defense is challenging illegal search and seizure; if law enforcement conducted an unlawful search without a warrant or probable cause, any evidence obtained may be inadmissible, weakening the prosecution's case.

Another potential defense is lack of knowledge—if you were unaware of possessing illegal substances, this could be a viable argument. Additionally, entrapment may apply if law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed.

Our Virginia Beach drug crimes attorneys can also investigate chain of custody issues, as gaps in how evidence was handled can undermine its reliability. Lastly, substance misclassification can be crucial; challenging the classification of a drug, particularly if misidentified, can support your defense. With a tailored defense strategy, our team is dedicated to defending your rights and achieving the best possible outcome.

Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in Virginia?

First-time drug offenders in Virginia may face different outcomes depending on the specifics of the charge. For minor offenses, such as possession of small amounts of marijuana, first-time offenders might receive a fine or be offered a diversion program instead of jail time.

However, for more serious charges, such as possession of harder drugs, jail time is still a possibility, though alternatives like probation or treatment programs may be available. Legal representation can significantly influence the outcome for first-time offenders.

A Comprehensive Approach to Defending Your Rights and Interests

Our lawyer can investigate the charge and all circumstances of your arrest, work to understand your personal needs and priorities, and be prepared to proceed by:

• Uncovering any procedural problems or constitutional violations that could enable an acquittal or dismissal of your case, including any illegal search and seizure, illegal traffic stop, or false arrest
• Advocating assertively for first-offender status if you can qualify, which can lead to a dismissal and clean criminal record if you complete treatment, community service, and other requirements as ordered
• Pursuing a not-guilty verdict at trial or reasonable consequences through negotiation with prosecutors, bringing all evidence and testimony in your favor forward on your behalf

We work frequently with parents of students at Old Dominion, Virginia Wesleyan, Tidewater Community College, Hampton, Norfolk State, Regent and Atlantic Universities, and other schools, as well as military personnel and others across the spectrum of life in Virginia. Our drug crimes lawyer in Virginia Beach can help you if you are facing drug charges in Virginia, beginning with a free consultation.

Time is of the essence – don’t hesitate to contact our team immediately following your arrest for effective representation at (757) 474-0089.