Simple Possession Lawyer in Powhatan County, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
A simple possession charge in Powhatan County 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 2 documented results in Powhatan County. A Simple Possession lawyer Powhatan County can help you pursue a first-offender program or dismissal.
What Is Simple Possession Under Virginia Law?
Simple possession of a controlled substance is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-250. This statute makes it unlawful to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription. Unlike possession with intent to distribute, simple possession does not require evidence of selling or distributing the drug. The charge applies to Schedule I, II, III, IV, and V substances, including marijuana (under certain amounts), cocaine, heroin, and prescription medications without a prescription. A drug possession defense lawyer Powhatan County can evaluate whether the evidence supports this charge or if a reduction is possible.
Last verified: April 2026 | Powhatan County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-250 (Official Virginia General Assembly) — The primary statute defining simple possession.
- Powhatan County General District Court (Official Court Website) — Where simple possession cases are initially heard.
Insider Procedural Edge: How Simple Possession Cases Move Through Powhatan County Court
In Powhatan County General District Court, prosecutors often offer first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for first-time simple possession charges. Successful completion results in dismissal of the charge. This is a critical opportunity for defendants with no prior record.
- Arrest and Bond: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense simple possession.
- First Court Appearance: You appear at Powhatan County General District Court (3834 Old Buckingham Rd, Suite C) for arraignment. Enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery and Motion Practice: Your attorney reviews the evidence — police report, lab results, body camera footage — and files motions to suppress if the search was illegal.
- Negotiation and First-Offender Program: Your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a first-offender program under § 19.2-303.2, which leads to dismissal upon completion.
- Trial or Dismissal: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. If the program is completed, the charge is dismissed and can be expunged under § 19.2-392.2.
In Powhatan County, simple possession of a controlled substance under Va. Code § 18.2-250 carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 5 felony depending on the substance and prior record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Possession (First Offense, Schedule I/II) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month license suspension | Possible first-offender program; permanent criminal record if convicted |
| Simple Possession (Subsequent Offense) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500 at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | License suspension | Felony record; loss of voting rights; employment barriers |
| Marijuana Possession (First Offense, under 1 oz) | Civil Penalty | None | $25 | None | No criminal record; no jail time |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Simple Possession Case?
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. The firm has documented 4,739+ 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, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia’s legal system. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Powhatan County builds possession cases.
Our firm-wide track record includes thousands of drug possession cases resolved through dismissals, reductions, and first-offender programs. A personal use defense lawyer Powhatan County from our team can apply this experience to your specific situation.
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 Powhatan County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 total documented case results across all practice areas in Powhatan County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and successful completion of first-offender programs for drug possession charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Powhatan County Legal Services
Our Richmond location is approximately 30 minutes from Powhatan County General District Court, accessible via Route 522 and Route 711. We serve clients throughout Powhatan County and the surrounding areas.
Looking for a Simple Possession lawyer near Powhatan? We represent clients in Powhatan, Fighting Creek Park, and the rural western Henrico border area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Possession in Powhatan County
Can a first-time simple possession charge be dismissed in Powhatan County?
Yes. Virginia’s first-offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allows dismissal upon successful completion of probation and drug education. This is available for first-time simple possession charges in Powhatan County General District Court.
What is the penalty for simple possession in Powhatan County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Subsequent offenses can be charged as a Class 5 felony with 1-10 years in prison. Marijuana possession under 1 oz is a civil penalty of $25.
How long does a simple possession case take in Powhatan County?
A misdemeanor simple possession case typically resolves in 4-8 weeks from arraignment in General District Court. Felony cases take 3-9 months if they proceed to Circuit Court for trial.
Can I get my record expunged after a simple possession charge in Powhatan County?
Yes. Virginia allows expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi. If you complete a first-offender program and the charge is dismissed, you can petition for expungement.
Do I need a lawyer for a simple possession charge in Powhatan County?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor simple possession charge carries up to 12 months in jail and creates a permanent criminal record. A lawyer can negotiate for a first-offender program or challenge the legality of the search.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.