DRUG CRIMES
Drug Charges in Northern Virginia? What Started as a Traffic Stop May Have Just Changed Your Life.
Charged with drug possession or intent to distribute? Don’t speak to the Commonwealth without an attorney.
They Weren’t Looking for a Broken Taillight. They Were Looking for This:
Many drug cases in Virginia start the same way: a simple traffic stop. Maybe you were pulled over for drifting over the line, expired tags, or “suspicious behavior.” Next thing you know, the officer is searching your car and you’re in handcuffs.
That’s not an accident.
It’s a policing strategy. And it may not have been legal.
Intent to distribute? That’s a felony under § 18.2-248, and you could be facing prison time—even for small amounts.
What Drug Charges Mean Under Virginia Law
Virginia has some of the toughest drug laws in the country. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-250, it's illegal to knowingly possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription.
Possession charges are based on schedule level, with Schedule I and II (heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, meth) being the most serious.
• Schedule I/II - Heroin, Cocaine, Meth- Felony, up to 10 years
• Schedule III - Codeine, Ketamine - Misdemeanor, up to 12 months
• Schedule IV - Xanax, Valium - Misdemeanor, up to 6 months
• Marijuana (simple) § 4.1-1100 - Civil penalty, but repeat offenses escalate quickly
DUI, Then Drugs? That’s the Pattern.
Police routinely look for drugs once they have you pulled over for suspected DUI or minor traffic issues. A "whiff" of marijuana or a claim that you were “nervous” can be enough to justify a search—or so they say.
But here’s the truth:
• That search may have violated your Fourth Amendment rights
• The drugs might not have even been yours
• You may be eligible for first offender programs or diversion
First Offense Doesn’t Mean Light Consequences
Even if this is your first charge, you could be looking at:
A felony record
Jail time
Loss of employment, housing, or financial aid
Immediate driver’s license suspension if drugs were found during a DUI stop
Let us evaluate your eligibility for Virginia's First Offender Program under § 18.2-251, which may allow for dismissal after probation, treatment, and clean drug screens.
CONTACT BATTLEFIELD LAW GROUP, PLLC
We Handle All Drug-Related Charges, Including:
Possession of a controlled substance
Possession with intent to distribute
Drug charges arising from DUI traffic stops
Prescription fraud
Marijuana possession and distribution
School zone enhancements
Search and seizure violations
Why Choose Battlefield Law Group?
We understand the tactics law enforcement uses—because we see it every day. We build your defense from the ground up:
Was the traffic stop legal?
Was there probable cause to search?
Can the prosecution prove you knowingly possessed anything?
This isn’t about punishment—it’s about your freedom, your future, and your record.
Facing drug possession or distribution charges in Prince William County or anywhere in Northern Virginia, We don’t judge—we defend. Call Battlefield Law Group today for a confidential consultation.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Our trial attorneys know Virginia law and understand how tough prosecutors can be. We make sure your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and your future is defended. With aggressive defense strategies tailored to your case, our mission is simple: to fight for the best possible outcome for you.
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