Marijuana possession became legal in Virginia on July 1, 2021. In addition to medical marijuana being available, you can now purchase it for recreational use. There are, however, some caveats to the law. Just like with alcohol use, a person must be 21 or over to...
Drug Crimes
What happens if you are convicted for cocaine possession or sale?
Cocaine remains an illegal substance in all American states and is a popular recreational drug among college students and others. If you get caught with cocaine in your possession, you can expect a swift response on the part of law enforcement. Prosecutors serving the...
The role of a confidential informant in drug cases
They say that crime doesn’t pay, but when it comes to confidential informants it does. Confidential informants are not employed by law enforcement, but they are paid. A confidential informant is a citizen that is paid by law enforcement to help make cases against...
What if you were exposed to secondary marijuana smoke?
Many college students smoke marijuana recreationally. You may not, but odds are that you know quite a few people who do. It is one of the most common drugs on campuses across America, after alcohol. If you’re around these individuals, could you theoretically get...
Could drug court be the solution you need in your life?
If you've been charged with a drug crime, could "drug court" offer you an unexpected solution to your problems? Local officials established the Harrison-Rockingham Drug Treatment Court in Dec. 2017. Many defendants convicted of drug-related offenses often faced...
Can your roommate give the police consent to search?
You’re young and -- now that you’re no longer living at home -- you’re excited about your newfound sense of agency and freedom. All that freedom can be lost in an instant, however, if the police end up inside the apartment or house you share with your roommates and...
Drugs can stay in your system longer than you realize
Anything you ingest tends to stay in your body for longer than you may realize. For instance, food doesn’t completely move through your digestive tract for a full 36 hours. But what if you have used some sort of drug or substance? The effects may wear off after just a...
Man convicted of multiple federal drug charges
A man in Virginia was convicted of multiple charges that stemmed from fleeing from authorities. In July 2019, the man tried to flee Carroll County when he learned that he was being pursued by authorities. He was eventually arrested after leading the police on a...
How Courts Establish Possession Beyond Your Pockets
You are in your first semester at college, meeting lots of interesting people and exploring the campus. Students and faculty alike welcome you to check out campus clubs, Greek organizations and intramural sports. You will meet many new people and experience a wealth...
Possessing small amounts of marijuana decriminalized in Virginia
Possessing small amounts of marijuana is no longer a criminal offense in Virginia. As of July 1, the penalty for Virginians found to be in possession of an ounce or less of the drug will be a $25 civil fine. Police in the state have enforced marijuana laws rigorously...