Simple possession in Chesterfield County under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County General District Court. A Simple Possession lawyer Chesterfield County can help you explore first-offender programs and dismissal options.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-250.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, simple possession of a controlled substance is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The statute prohibits knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription. A Simple Possession lawyer Chesterfield County understands that first-time offenders may qualify for deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, which can lead to dismissal upon successful completion of terms.
For additional resources, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website for court procedures and scheduling information.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before the magistrate at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road) for bond setting.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea at your first court date. A Simple Possession lawyer Chesterfield County can enter a not guilty plea and request discovery.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the police report, lab results, and any body camera footage to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer files motions to suppress evidence if the search was illegal or the stop was unlawful.
- Negotiation: Your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a first-offender program or reduction to a lesser charge.
- Disposition: The case resolves through dismissal, first-offender completion, or trial. A drug possession defense lawyer Chesterfield County guides you through each step.
In Chesterfield County, simple possession of a controlled substance carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Possession (§ 18.2-250.1) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month license suspension (if convicted) | Permanent criminal record; employment barriers; housing denial |
| Marijuana Possession (first offense) | Civil Penalty | None | $25 | None | No criminal record; civil penalty only |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm combines 120+ years of combined attorney experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location is approximately 20 minutes from Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95 and Route 10. We serve Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. A personal use defense lawyer Chesterfield County is available to meet by appointment at our Richmond location.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Can simple possession charges be dismissed in Chesterfield County?
Yes. First-time offenders may qualify for deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. Successful completion of court-ordered terms results in dismissal. A Simple Possession lawyer Chesterfield County can evaluate your eligibility for this program.
What is the penalty for simple possession in Chesterfield County?
It depends. Simple possession is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. First-time marijuana possession carries only a $25 civil penalty with no criminal record.
Do I need a drug possession defense lawyer in Chesterfield County?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor possession charge creates a permanent criminal record visible to employers and landlords. A drug possession defense lawyer Chesterfield County can negotiate for first-offender treatment or dismissal.
How long does a simple possession case take in Chesterfield County?
It depends. GDC misdemeanor trials typically resolve in 4-8 weeks from arraignment. First-offender programs may take 6-12 months to complete before dismissal is granted.
Can I get an expungement for a simple possession charge in Chesterfield County?
Yes. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. A personal use defense lawyer Chesterfield County can file the petition in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.