Marijuana Possession Lawyer in King George County, Virginia
A marijuana possession charge in King George County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense for cannabis charges in King George County General District Court.
Virginia Marijuana Possession Law
In Virginia, simple possession of marijuana (cannabis) is defined and penalized under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1. Possession of up to one ounce by a person 21 years or older is a civil violation with a $25 fine. However, possession of more than one ounce, or any amount by a person under 21, remains a criminal offense. For adults, possession of more than one ounce but less than one pound is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Possession of one pound or more is a felony. The law also prohibits possession with intent to distribute, which carries significantly heavier penalties. A skilled marijuana possession lawyer King George County can handle these distinctions to build your defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | King George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-250.1 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court information and procedures can be found at the King George County General District Court website.
Defending a Cannabis Charge in King George County
Facing a cannabis charge in King George County requires a specific strategy. The King George County General District Court handles all misdemeanor marijuana possession trials. Prosecutors there may offer first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, which can lead to dismissal upon successful completion. A key procedural step is filing a motion to suppress evidence if the search or seizure skilled to the charge violated your Fourth Amendment rights. An experienced marijuana arrest lawyer King George County will scrutinize police reports for procedural errors.
- Case Review & Strategy: Your attorney will obtain all police reports, lab reports, and evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss the charge based on procedural defects.
- Negotiation: Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction to a lesser charge, a first-offender program, or outright dismissal.
- Trial Preparation: If no favorable plea is offered, prepare a vigorous defense for trial in King George County General District Court.
- Post-Trial Relief: If convicted, explore options for appeal to King George County Circuit Court or petition for expungement if eligible.
Penalties for Marijuana Offenses in King George County
In King George County, marijuana possession of more than one ounce is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Possession with intent to distribute is a felony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession >1 oz (Adult) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Criminal record |
| Possession ≤1 oz (Adult) | Civil Violation | None | $25 | None | Civil penalty |
| Possession Any Amount (<21) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Criminal record, mandatory drug program |
| Possession with Intent to Distribute | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Varies | License suspension | Felony record, severe long-term impacts |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the local legal field and are committed to providing strong, case-specific defense strategies for clients in King George County.
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 team has a documented history of achieving positive results for clients. In prior cases, we have successfully negotiated for charges like distribution of marijuana to be amended down to simple possession. In another instance, a client facing serious drug-related charges saw the case dismissed after we challenged the legality of the evidence. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight with his multi-state experience.
Local Defense Near You
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the King George County courts. We are accessible via Route 3, Route 301, and Route 206. If you need a marijuana possession lawyer near King George or Dahlgren, we are here to help. We serve the communities of King George and Dahlgren.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings 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
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King George County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King George County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include simple assault, petit larceny, and marijuana possession.
Can marijuana charges be expunged in King George County, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. A first-offense marijuana possession charge that is dismissed after completing a first-offender program may be eligible for expungement. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in King George County Circuit Court.
Do I need a cannabis charge defense lawyer King George County for a first-time offense?
Yes. Even a first-time misdemeanor for marijuana possession in King George County carries up to 12 months in jail and creates a permanent criminal record visible to employers, landlords, and schools. A lawyer can seek a first-offender dismissal or a reduction to a civil violation.
How does bail work for a marijuana arrest in King George County?
After a marijuana arrest, a magistrate sets a bond. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanor possession. A secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman, is more likely for felony possession with intent to distribute charges. Bond decisions can be reviewed in King George County General District Court.
What should I do if I am arrested for marijuana possession in King George?
First, remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with law enforcement. Contact a marijuana arrest lawyer King George County as soon as possible. An attorney can advise you on your rights, begin investigating the arrest circumstances, and represent you at your initial court hearing.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.