State And Federal Drug Crimes Defense

Depending on the specifics of the offense, a drug crime may include state and federal charges. It is critical that your attorney have federal defense experience and be able to battle federal prosecutors to protect your rights. Federal drug sentencing guidelines are extremely harsh and can send you to prison for life. At Dickerson & Smith Law Group, we are experienced in state and federal criminal defense. We provide aggressive defense against a wide range of drug charges. To schedule an appointment with our Virginia Beach drug defense attorneys, please call 757-828-0031, or contact us online.

We Can Defend Your Rights At Every Step

We can help you with drug charges involving marijuana, cocaine, heroin, meth, Ecstasy and prescription drugs such as Xanax, Vicodin, OxyContin and Ritalin. Our lawyers handle state and federal charges such as:

• Drug possession
• Drug manufacturing/cultivation
• Drug distribution/trafficking
• Prescription drug crimes

If you were pulled over and arrested on suspicion of a drug crime, talk with an attorney right away. The police must have a reason to stop your vehicle and/or search it. In many cases, they lack probable cause and do not follow proper police procedures. We will investigate your arrest and determine whether there were violations of your constitutional rights. In all drug crime cases, the legality of the search and seizure is a key issue. We protect your constitutional rights concerning searches and seizures that potentially lead to arrest. Our attorneys will take the necessary steps to have evidence from such searches suppressed and to fight for the dismissal of all charges.

Understanding The Penalties For Drug Charges

Drug crimes at the state and federal level carry serious consequences that can impact your freedom, finances and future. The penalties vary depending on multiple factors, including the type of substance, the amount involved and any prior convictions.

Here are the basics:

• Drug possession: In Virginia, possession of Schedule I or II substances (like heroin or cocaine) is a Class 5 felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $2,500. First-time offenders may be eligible for probation.
• Drug manufacturing or cultivation: Manufacturing methamphetamine or cultivating marijuana beyond Virginia’s legal personal-use limits could lead to prison time of five to 40 years, with enhanced penalties for large-scale operations or proximity to schools.
• Drug distribution or trafficking: Federal penalties for trafficking large quantities (for example, over 5 kilograms of cocaine or 1 kilogram of heroin) start at 10 years and range up to life imprisonment, with fines up to $10 million.
• Prescription drug crimes: Fraudulently obtaining or distributing prescription medications like OxyContin or Xanax is a Class 6 felony in Virginia, carrying up to five years in prison.

Given these harsh penalties, it’s incredibly important to hire a skilled defense attorney who can challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights.

We Will Protect Your Rights. Call Our Drug Possession Attorney Today.

Please call 757-828-0031 to arrange an appointment or speak with an attorney right away.