Drugs

Mary Jane / marijuana / reefer post-July 1, 2020 use and possession is now a Virginia civil offense carrying a $25 fine. However, as a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that marijuana use can continue to be a security clearance and immigration issue, and its...

Beware what happens when police find contraband in the automobile in which you are in the driver's or passenger's seat. As a Fairfax criminal defense lawyer, I know that too many Virginia police and prosecutors will pursue a prosecution of everyone in the car, leaving...

Imitation drug ("ID") selling does not insulate a Virginia criminal defendant from a conviction. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that an ID is "(i) a counterfeit controlled substance" or (ii) a substance that is not a controlled substance but which by such factors...

Contraband items can come in the form of illegal drugs, illegal weapons, and a whole host of other illegal items. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that defenses against such prosecutions sometimes includes challenging the proximity of the defendant to the suspect items in...

LEO -- law enforcement officers -- home searches can only lawfully take place with a valid search warrant, sufficient consent from an authorized person, or (infrequently) exigent circumstances. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that police search caselaw is not as friendly to criminal...

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that a Virginia conviction for meth possession carries up to ten years in prison, as opposed to a conviction for meth (or any other Schedule I or II drug) possession with...

Blabbermouthing with police is a dangerous thing. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know the importance for criminal suspects and arrestees to remain silent with the police, and too often see them foster a conviction by not asserting their rights under the United States Constitution's...

Conspiratorial conduct -- known as a conspiracy -- arises when two or more people enter an agreement to commit a crime or series of crimes.  As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that for certain non-drug felony conspiracies, the Virginia sentencing maximum is less than...

420 is another word for marijuana, referencing a 4:20 p.m. time to toke and today's 4/20 date to celebrate. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer. I  spiritedly defend against marijuana and other drug prosecutions, running from simple possession to multiple plants and distribution / possession with...

Toking pot is popular with millions of people. As a Fairfax criminal defense lawyer, I know that Virginia's governor has approved legislation decriminalizing marijuana, with a few minor recommended amendments.  Virginia SB 2.  July 1, 2020 is the default date for new Virginia legislation to...