In Gloucester County, simple possession of a controlled substance under Va. Code § 18.2-250 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 9 documented results in Gloucester County. A Simple Possession lawyer Gloucester County can help protect your record.
Simple Possession Law in Gloucester County, Virginia
Under Va. Code § 18.2-250, it is unlawful for any person to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance (Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V) without a valid prescription. This includes drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription medications not prescribed to you. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record visible to employers and landlords. A Simple Possession lawyer Gloucester County understands how these charges are prosecuted locally.
Last verified: April 2026 | Gloucester County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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Insider Procedural Edge: Gloucester County Drug Possession Cases
In Gloucester County General District Court, prosecutors often offer first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for simple possession. Successful completion leads to dismissal. The court at 7400 Justice Drive, Room 102 handles these cases.
- Step 1 — Arraignment: Appear at Gloucester County General District Court for your first hearing. Enter a plea of not guilty.
- Step 2 — Discovery: Your attorney requests the police report and lab results from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Step 3 — Motion Practice: File motions to suppress evidence if the search was illegal.
- Step 4 — Negotiation: Your attorney negotiates a first-offender program or reduced charge.
- Step 5 — Trial or Plea: If no agreement, proceed to trial. If agreement, enter plea and complete terms.
- Step 6 — Expungement: After dismissal, file for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
In Gloucester County, simple possession of a controlled substance carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Possession (Schedule I/II) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month license suspension | Permanent criminal record |
| Simple Possession (Schedule III/IV) | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 6-month license suspension | Permanent criminal record |
| Marijuana Possession (first offense) | Civil Penalty | None | $25 | None | No criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Simple Possession Cases in Gloucester County
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). A Simple Possession lawyer Gloucester County from our firm brings this depth of experience to your case.
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 in Gloucester County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 9 total documented case results across all practice areas in Gloucester County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location — Our Richmond location is accessible from Gloucester County via Route 17 and Route 14. We serve clients at Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive).
Simple Possession lawyer near Gloucester — Serving Gloucester, Gloucester Point, and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Possession in Gloucester County
Can I get a first-offender program for simple possession in Gloucester County?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, first-time offenders may qualify for deferred disposition. Successful completion results in dismissal. Your attorney must request this at your first court date in Gloucester County General District Court.
What is the penalty for simple possession in Gloucester County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Marijuana possession under one ounce is a civil penalty of $25.
Can simple possession charges be expunged in Gloucester County?
Yes. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Gloucester County Circuit Court.
Do I need a Simple Possession lawyer Gloucester County for a first offense?
Yes. Even a first-offense simple possession charge creates a permanent criminal record visible to employers. A lawyer can negotiate a first-offender program resulting in dismissal and expungement.
How does bail work for simple possession in Gloucester County?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for repeat offenses. Bond can be appealed to Gloucester County General District Court.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.