Marijuana Possession Lawyer Prince William County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Simple marijuana possession in Prince William County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending cannabis charges in Prince William County General District Court.
Virginia Marijuana Possession Law
Virginia law prohibits the possession of marijuana without a valid medical prescription. The primary statute is Va. Code § 18.2-250.1. Possession of any amount up to one ounce is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Possession of more than one ounce but less than one pound is a Class 5 felony, carrying 1 to 10 years in prison. The law distinguishes between simple possession and possession with intent to distribute, which carries more severe penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm combines deep legal knowledge with practical courtroom experience to handle drug charges.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s drug possession laws, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and local rules for Prince William County can be found on the Prince William County General District Court website.
Defending a Marijuana Charge in Prince William County
Prince William County prosecutors actively pursue marijuana possession cases. However, defenses exist. Common issues include illegal search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. If police lacked probable cause or a valid warrant, the evidence may be suppressed. Mistakes in lab analysis or chain of custody can also be challenged. For first-time offenders, Virginia’s first offender statute, Va. Code § 18.2-251, may allow for dismissal upon completion of probation and other conditions.
- Consult with a marijuana arrest lawyer Prince William County immediately after being charged.
- Your attorney will review the arrest report and evidence for constitutional violations.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence if the search was illegal.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction, diversion program, or dismissal.
- Prepare for trial if a favorable plea cannot be reached, presenting a strong defense to the judge.
Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Virginia
In Prince William County, simple marijuana possession is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession ≤ 1 oz | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible 6-month suspension | Permanent criminal record |
| Possession >1 oz – <1 lb | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 6-month suspension | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Subsequent Offense | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory min. 5 days | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory suspension | Enhanced penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Drug Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team has over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have handled thousands of criminal cases, including many involving drug possession. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific facts of your case. We understand how prosecutors in Prince William County build these cases and where to find weaknesses.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of results in Prince William County. In one case, a charge of Distribution/Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana (over ½ ounce) was amended down to simple possession. In another, a client facing a possession charge had the evidence suppressed due to an illegal vehicle search, skilled to a dismissal.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex drug cases is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which aids in analyzing complex evidence.
Contact Our Prince William County Marijuana Possession Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Prince William County courts in Manassas. We are accessible to communities like Woodbridge, Dale City, and Gainesville. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana possession a felony in Virginia?
It depends on the amount. Possession of one ounce or less is a misdemeanor. Possession of more than one ounce but less than one pound is a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1.
Can I get a marijuana possession charge expunged in Prince William County?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. Virginia law allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi (dropped charges). If you complete a first offender program and the charge is dismissed, you can petition the Prince William County Circuit Court for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
What is the first offender program for marijuana in Virginia?
Va. Code § 18.2-251 allows first-time offenders charged with simple possession to have the charge dismissed. The court defers finding guilt, places you on probation, and may order drug education and community service. Upon successful completion, the charge is dismissed.
Will I go to jail for a first-time marijuana possession charge?
Not necessarily. For a first offense, jail time is often avoidable. Prosecutors may offer the first offender program, or your cannabis charge defense lawyer Prince William County may negotiate a reduction to a non-jail offense. The maximum penalty is 12 months, but it is rarely imposed on first-time offenders.
Can the police search my car if they smell marijuana?
Since July 1, 2021, the odor of marijuana alone no longer provides probable cause for a vehicle search in Virginia, according to changes in the law. However, police may use other observed factors to establish probable cause. A marijuana arrest lawyer Prince William County can challenge the legality of the search.
How can a lawyer help with a marijuana possession case?
A lawyer can challenge the legality of the stop and search, negotiate for a reduction or diversion program, and represent you at trial. An experienced attorney knows the local court procedures and prosecutors, which is critical for achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
Related Pages: For other legal issues in the area, see our Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer page or our Prince William County DUI Lawyer page. For a broader overview, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.