Marijuana Possession Lawyer Loudoun County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Simple marijuana possession in Loudoun County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for cannabis charges at the Loudoun County General District Court. Our Ashburn location is minutes from the courthouse.
Virginia Marijuana Possession Law
Virginia law prohibits the possession of marijuana without a valid medical prescription. The specific statute is Va. Code § 18.2-250.1. Possession of up to one ounce by a person 21 years or older is a civil violation punishable by a $25 fine. However, possession of more than one ounce, or any amount by a person under 21, remains a criminal offense. Possession with intent to distribute is a felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Loudoun County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s drug laws, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and locations for Loudoun County can be found on the Loudoun County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for a Cannabis Charge
In Loudoun County, marijuana possession cases begin with an arrest or summons. The case is heard at the Loudoun County General District Court at 18 East Market Street in Leesburg. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes the charge. For a first offense, you may be eligible for a first offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, which can lead to dismissal upon completion of terms.
- Receive a summons or be arrested and released on bond.
- Attend your arraignment at Loudoun County GDC, where you enter a plea.
- Your attorney reviews evidence and files any pre-trial motions to suppress.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction, dismissal, or first offender program.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to a bench trial before a judge.
- If convicted, you have 10 days to appeal to Loudoun County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Loudoun County
In Loudoun County, criminal marijuana possession carries up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, a driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession ≤ 1 oz (21+) | Civil Violation | None | $25 | None | No criminal record |
| Possession > 1 oz | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | Permanent criminal record |
| Possession < 21 years old | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | Mandatory drug education |
| Possession with Intent to Distribute | Felony | 1-10 years | Variable | Suspension | Severe federal implications |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Drug Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing insight into how these cases are built and challenged. We focus on achieving dismissals, reductions, and favorable first-offender dispositions.
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
Our firm has a documented record of results in Loudoun County. In one case, a felony distribution charge was amended down to simple possession. In another, a possession charge was dismissed after our attorney successfully challenged the legality of the traffic stop. We have secured first-offender dismissals for numerous clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, brings decades of experience and a strategic approach to complex cases, including those involving multiple charges or prior records.
Contact Our Ashburn Location
Our Ashburn location serves clients facing charges at the Loudoun County courts. We are a short drive from the Loudoun County General District Court in Leesburg.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Ashburn/Loudoun
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza Suite 400 Room No 403
Ashburn, VA 20147
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 571-279-0110
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only. We serve Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Purcellville, South Riding, Brambleton, Aldie, Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Round Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana possession a felony in Virginia?
No. Simple possession of marijuana is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, possession with intent to distribute is a felony. The specific charges depend on the amount and circumstances.
Can I get a marijuana possession charge expunged in Loudoun County?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for charges that result in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi. If you complete a first offender program and the charge is dismissed, you may petition the Loudoun County Circuit Court for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
What should I do if I am arrested for marijuana possession in Loudoun County?
Remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with law enforcement. Contact a marijuana arrest lawyer Loudoun County as soon as possible to begin building your defense and protect your rights.
Will I go to jail for a first-time marijuana possession charge?
Not necessarily. For a first offense, jail time is often avoidable. An attorney can frequently negotiate for a first offender program, community service, or a reduction to a civil infraction, especially with a clean record.
How can a lawyer help with a cannabis charge?
A cannabis charge defense lawyer Loudoun County can challenge the legality of the stop or search, negotiate with the prosecutor for a favorable disposition, argue for first offender eligibility, and represent you at trial. Their goal is to avoid a conviction on your record.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist with related matters like DUI defense in Loudoun County and reckless driving tickets.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal guidance.