Cannabis Possession Lawyer New Kent County, VA
Virginia’s cannabis laws have evolved significantly in recent years, and what was once a
straightforward criminal charge now sits at the intersection of civil regulation and
criminal enforcement. If you are facing an allegation involving cannabis possession in
New Kent County—whether it is a civil violation for more than an ounce or a criminal
charge for larger amounts—the way the law is applied and prosecuted matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in New Kent County General District Court
and New Kent County Circuit Court, where Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring decades of
courtroom experience to each matter. To discuss your situation and explore your options,
reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Cannabis Possession Means in New Kent County
Under Virginia law, adult possession of up to one ounce of cannabis is legal. Possession
of more than one ounce remains regulated. The applicable statute is the Virginia Cannabis
Control Act, codified at Va. Code § 4.1-1100 et seq. In New Kent County, any allegation
that exceeds the legal limit—whether it is a civil infraction or a criminal
offense—will be heard in the New Kent County General District Court (for misdemeanors
and civil violations) or the New Kent County Circuit Court (for felonies). The
Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes these cases, and the court sits
at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124.
In Virginia, possession of more than one ounce but less than four ounces of
cannabis by an adult 21 or older is a civil offense punishable by a fine of up to $25;
possession of more than four ounces is a criminal charge.
Source: Va. Code § 4.1-1100 et seq.
Virginia Code § 4.1-1100
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Because New Kent County is located between Richmond and Williamsburg along the I-64
corridor, law enforcement—including the Virginia State Police and the New Kent County
Sheriff’s Office—regularly patrol the area. A traffic stop that results in the discovery
of cannabis in excess of the legal limit can lead to a summons to appear in the General
District Court. The firm’s Richmond location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300,
Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 serves clients throughout New Kent County, including New
Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in
New Kent County courts and understand how these matters are handled locally.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Cannabis Possession Cases
Every cannabis possession matter begins with a careful review of the charge and the
evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the legality of the traffic stop or search,
the chain of custody of any seized substance, and the accuracy of the weight measurement
that determines whether the amount triggers a civil or criminal violation. If procedural
errors or constitutional issues exist, the firm moves to address them through
appropriate filings.
In negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel draw on
their collective experience to seek charge reductions, diversion to a first-offender
program, or dismissal where warranted. For eligible first-time offenders, Virginia law
provides for deferred disposition under Va. Code § 18.2-251, which allows probation
and eventual dismissal upon successful completion of conditions. If a case goes to
trial, the firm is prepared to litigate before the General District Court or, if the
defendant elects, to request a jury trial in Circuit Court. The goal is to protect the
client’s record and minimize the consequences of the allegation.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997 and
is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He
is a former prosecutor who uses that perspective to anticipate and respond to how the
state builds its case. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice
Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris works alongside Of Counsel attorneys who bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, supported by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Together they have handled matters across multiple practice areas since 1997.
In New Kent County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented 4 case results, with
favorable outcomes in all reported instances—3 dismissed or not guilty, and 1
reduced or amended.
To discuss your case, contact the firm at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for cannabis possession in New Kent County, VA?
Penalties depend on the amount possessed, ranging from a $25 civil fine
to criminal sanctions. Under Va. Code § 4.1-1100, adults 21 and over may
possess up to one ounce of cannabis legally. Possession of more than one ounce but less
than four ounces is a civil infraction punishable by a $25 fine. Possession of more
than four ounces is a criminal matter; the specific charge and potential sentence
depend on the amount and the circumstances. A conviction can result in jail time,
fines, and a permanent criminal record. For case-specific guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a lawyer defend against cannabis possession charges in New Kent County?
Defense strategies may challenge the legality of the search, the accuracy of the
weight measurement, or the chain of custody of the evidence. A criminal defense
attorney will examine whether law enforcement had probable cause for the stop, whether
any search exceeded the scope of consent, and whether laboratory testing confirms the
substance and its weight. If the charge involves an amount alleged to exceed the
one-ounce threshold, the defense may contest the reliability of the field test or the
scale calibration. For first-time offenders, an attorney can also negotiate for
deferred disposition under Va. Code § 18.2-251, which may lead to dismissal after
successful completion of probation. To discuss the details of your matter, contact
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can I get a cannabis possession charge expunged in New Kent County?
Expungement is available in Virginia only for charges that result in acquittal,
dismissal, or nolle prosequi. Under Virginia law, a person whose charge was
dismissed or who was found not guilty may petition the New Kent County Circuit Court
to expunge the police and court records related to the charge. If the charge resulted
in a conviction—even a deferred disposition that was eventually dismissed under
§ 18.2-251—expungement may not be available under current law, though sealing
provisions are evolving. An attorney can help determine eligibility and prepare the
petition. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a cannabis possession charge in New Kent County?
Yes, even a civil or misdemeanor cannabis charge carries consequences that can
affect employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. A charge in
New Kent County General District Court may seem minor, but a conviction—even for a
civil infraction—creates a record. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate
whether the charge can be challenged, reduced, or diverted to a program that results
in dismissal. Early intervention often has the greatest impact on the outcome. To
schedule a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
How does the court process work for a cannabis possession charge in New Kent County?
A cannabis possession case typically begins with a summons to appear in the New
Kent County General District Court. If the charge is a misdemeanor or civil
violation, the General District Court handles the trial. If the charge is a felony
(over four ounces), a preliminary hearing is held in the General District Court and, if
probable cause is found, the case is certified to the New Kent County Circuit Court for
trial. A defendant has the right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense
carrying potential jail time. Throughout the process, the Commonwealth’s Attorney
may negotiate plea agreements under Virginia Supreme Court Rule 3A:8. For more
information about what to expect, call (888) 437-7747.
Related Pages:
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer |
New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer |
Virginia Cannabis Possession Lawyer
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar
outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (888) 437-7747. Consultation by appointment. Principal
office: 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.