Marijuana Possession Lawyer Roanoke County, VA
Since July 1, 2021, Virginia law has allowed adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use. Nonetheless, possession of more than one ounce remains a criminal offense in Roanoke County, and underage possession or public consumption can still lead to charges. When you face a marijuana possession charge in Roanoke County, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can explain your legal options and work to protect your record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals charged with marijuana possession in the Roanoke County General District Court and the Roanoke County Circuit Court. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to each case. Results may vary. Our firm has documented case results in Roanoke County criminal matters, including a dismissal. To request a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What Marijuana Possession Means in Roanoke County, Virginia
Under Virginia Code § 4.1-1100, possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by an adult 21 or older is legal in a private residence. Possession of between one and four ounces is a civil violation carrying a $25 fine, while possession of more than four ounces is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Public consumption, underage possession, and possession in a motor vehicle are still prohibited. These cases are heard in the Roanoke County General District Court for misdemeanors; felony-level possession charges—such as possession with intent to distribute—are prosecuted in the Roanoke County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Roanoke County pursues these cases, and a conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, affecting employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
A marijuana possession charge in Roanoke County, even for a first offense, requires careful attention. An attorney can evaluate the evidence, examine whether law enforcement followed proper procedures, and identify potential defenses. Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have appeared in Roanoke County courts and understand the local legal landscape.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Marijuana Possession Cases
When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents a client facing marijuana possession charges in Roanoke County, the process begins with a thorough review of the case. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team examine the arrest report, any search and seizure issues, and the chain of custody for any evidence. They look for constitutional violations, such as an unlawful stop or search, that could lead to evidence suppression. They also review whether the quantity of marijuana is correctly measured—a critical factor in determining whether the charge is a civil violation or a criminal offense.
If a client is eligible for a first-offender deferred disposition under Virginia Code § 18.2-251, our firm works to secure that outcome. When diversion is not an option, we negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to pursue a reduction of the charge—for example, from a misdemeanor to a civil violation when the evidence supports it. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel draw on over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to prepare a thorough defense focused on the trusted resolution. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. As a former prosecutor, he brings insight into the prosecution’s strategies and case-building process, which he applies to defending individuals charged with marijuana possession and other criminal offenses. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a measure that revised Virginia’s equitable distribution law.
Mr. Sris works alongside a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring additional experience to each case. Together, they bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The firm serves Roanoke County clients from its Shenandoah Location, and its attorneys appear regularly in the Roanoke County General District Court and Circuit Court. Consultations are available by appointment; reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana possession still illegal in Virginia?
Possession of up to one ounce of marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older in Virginia; more than one ounce remains illegal. Virginia Code § 4.1-1100 legalized possession of up to one ounce for personal use in a private residence, but public possession of any amount is a civil violation with a $25 fine. Possession of more than four ounces is a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Underage possession is still a criminal offense. To discuss the specifics of your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What are the penalties for possessing more than one ounce of marijuana in Roanoke County?
Possession of more than four ounces of marijuana is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Possession of one to four ounces is a civil violation with a $25 fine. Additional consequences of a criminal conviction can include a permanent record, loss of driving privileges, and difficulty securing employment or housing. If you are charged with a marijuana possession offense in Roanoke County, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can assess your options. For guidance on your specific case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a first-offense marijuana possession charge be dismissed in Roanoke County?
Yes, a first-offense marijuana possession charge in Virginia may be dismissed through deferred disposition under Va. Code § 18.2-251. This law allows a court, with the defendant’s consent, to place a person on probation and order substance-abuse screening and treatment. Upon successful completion of the program’s conditions, the court dismisses the charge. Eligibility depends on the facts of the case, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney must agree. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can evaluate whether your case qualifies. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Results may vary.
What should I do if I am facing marijuana possession charges in Roanoke County?
If you are facing marijuana possession charges, do not discuss your case with anyone except a lawyer and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney promptly. Preserve any relevant documents or communications. An attorney can review the police report, examine the legality of the stop or search, and identify defenses. The earlier you involve counsel, the more time there is to work toward a favorable resolution. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a marijuana possession charge in Roanoke County?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but a marijuana possession conviction can have lasting consequences, and an attorney can protect your record. Even a civil citation for marijuana possession can raise questions in background checks. An attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can evaluate the evidence, challenge procedural errors, and negotiate with the prosecution. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have appeared in Roanoke County courts. To discuss your case, call (888) 437-7747.
How does a lawyer defend against marijuana possession charges in Virginia?
Defense strategies for marijuana possession may include challenging the stop or search, disputing the weight, or seeking deferred disposition under Va. Code § 18.2-251. An experienced attorney will review whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion or probable cause, examine the chain of custody, and determine if any constitutional rights were violated. In Roanoke County, plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney are a key part of the process, as Virginia judges do not participate directly in bargaining. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Our firm handles criminal defense matters across Virginia. Learn about our criminal defense representation in other localities: Criminal defense in Fairfax County, Criminal defense in Fairfax City, Criminal defense in Prince William County, and Criminal defense in Manassas.
Virginia Code Title 4.1 (Cannabis Laws) · Roanoke County General District Court · Virginia Judicial System
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