Norfolk Drug Crime Lawyers

Serving Residents Facing Drug Charges in Virginia

Drug crimes are some of the most common criminal offenses in the Commonwealth of Virginia, from possession and distribution to manufacturing and trafficking. Getting convicted of a drug crime can result in serious criminal penalties, including a long period of incarceration and a permanent mark on your criminal record that will negatively impact your life. In order to avoid conviction or a harsh sentence, you must hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.

If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in Virginia, look no further than Protogyrou Law to defend you inside and outside the courtroom. Our Norfolk drug crime attorneys have over a century of combined legal experience – which includes spending years on the outside side of the courtroom as former prosecutors – and has handled thousands of cases in state and federal courts, including appellate court and the U.S. Supreme Court. No matter what type of drug charges are filed against you, you can count on our Norfolk drug crime defense lawyers to fight for you from start to finish.

Do not wait to contact us today at (757) 267-6611 for a free consultation with our Norfolk drug crime lawyers.

Types of Drug Offenses in Virginia

Our Norfolk drug crime attorneys handle the following types of drug crimes:

• Drug possession
• Drug sale or distribution
• Drug trafficking
• Drug manufacturing/cultivation
• Drug possession with intent to sale or distribution
• Drug transportation

Drug Schedules in Virginia

In Virginia, drugs are classified according to five “schedules” -- similar to federal drug laws:

• Schedule I controlled substances (e.g., heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and psilocybin [magic mushrooms]) and Schedule II controlled substances (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamines, oxycodone, PCP, and fentanyl) are considered the most addictive with the least accepted medical use.
• Schedule III (e.g., Vicodin, ketamine, steroids, etc.) through VI substances are not as addictive with some and wide accepted medical use.

What are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Virginia?

1. Possession of a small amount of either a Schedule I and II narcotic is a Class 5 felony.

Punishable by:

2. Possession of small amount of a Schedule III substance is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Punishable by:

3. Possession of a Schedule IV drug is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

4. Possession of a Schedule V drug is a Class 3 misdemeanor.

5. Possession of a Schedule IV substance is a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Whether it’s possession with intent or trafficking, these drug crimes are often felony offenses. However, if a drug crime involves a significant amount or an operation across multiple states, then you may face federal charges, which carry harsher penalties, including a long federal prison sentence.

What Are the Defenses Against Drug Crime Charges?

When facing drug crime charges in Norfolk, it’s crucial to understand that there are several potential defenses that may be raised, depending on the specifics of the case. Each case is unique, and the most effective defense will depend on the details of the arrest, the nature of the charges, and the evidence collected.

One of the most common defenses is challenging the legality of the search and seizure. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unlawful searches, and if law enforcement conducted an illegal search, any evidence gathered may be inadmissible in court. If the drugs were found during an improper search, this could lead to a dismissal of the charges.

Another defense is to question whether the accused had knowledge or control of the drugs. In many cases, a person may be unaware that drugs were in their possession, especially in situations involving shared spaces, vehicles, or residences. Establishing a lack of knowledge or intent can be a strong defense.

Chain of custody issues can also serve as a defense. The prosecution must prove that the drugs presented as evidence are the same ones seized at the time of arrest and that they were not tampered with. Any mishandling or gaps in the chain of custody can cast doubt on the integrity of the evidence.

Norfolk Drug Crime Lawyers Ready to Fight for Your Freedom

Just because you have been arrested does not mean you are guilty of the charges you face. With our firm’s help, we can help you get the most favorable result in court. Let us listen to your story, examine your case, and figure out all your legal options to avoid conviction and get your life back on track.

Contact us today at (757) 267-6611 for more information about our experienced and personalized drug crime defense services.