Cannabis Possession Lawyer Manassas Park — What Are Your Defense Options?
Simple marijuana possession in Manassas Park is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1, carrying up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine for a first offense. A cannabis possession lawyer Manassas Park from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the evidence and seek dismissal or a first-offender program.
Virginia Marijuana Possession Law
Virginia law prohibits the knowing or intentional possession of marijuana without a valid prescription. The specific statute is Va. Code § 18.2-250.1. For adults 21 and over, possession of up to one ounce is a civil penalty with a $25 fine. Possession of more than one ounce but less than one pound is a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Possession of one pound or more is a felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas Park General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides defense for these charges. Our team includes attorneys with backgrounds as former prosecutors and law enforcement, offering insight into case strategies.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s drug laws, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and information for the Manassas Park General District Court can be found on the Virginia Courts official website.
Defending a Marijuana Charge in Manassas Park
In Manassas Park General District Court, prosecutors must prove you knowingly possessed the marijuana. A cannabis arrest lawyer Manassas Park can examine the stop, search, and seizure for constitutional violations. Common defenses include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the probable cause for search, or the chain of custody of the evidence. The court also considers first-offender programs under Va. Code § 18.2-251.
- Initial Consultation: Contact a cannabis possession lawyer Manassas Park immediately after arrest or receiving a summons.
- Case Review: Your attorney will obtain police reports, body cam footage, and lab analysis to identify weaknesses.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence if the search violated your Fourth Amendment rights.
- Negotiation or Trial: Work toward a favorable plea agreement or prepare for a bench trial in General District Court.
- Appeal or Expungement: If convicted, you may appeal to Circuit Court for a jury trial. If the case is dismissed, file for expungement.
Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Virginia
In Manassas Park, marijuana possession penalties range from a civil fine to felony incarceration, depending on the amount and prior record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession ≤ 1 oz (21+) | Civil Violation | None | $25 | None | No criminal record |
| Possession >1 oz & <1 lb | Class 3 Misdemeanor | None | Up to $500 | Possible 6-month suspension* | Criminal record |
| Possession ≥ 1 lb | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Possible 6-month suspension* | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Subsequent Offense (>1 oz) | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Possible 6-month suspension* | Enhanced penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*Driver’s license suspension is mandatory for any drug conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-259.1, but restricted privileges may be available.
Our Experience in Drug Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have handled thousands of criminal cases, including drug possession charges. Our approach is to scrutinize every detail of the prosecution’s case, from the initial police contact to the forensic analysis.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
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 favorable outcomes. In Manassas Park, we have achieved dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements for clients. For example, we have successfully argued motions to suppress evidence, skilled to case dismissals. In other instances, we have secured first-offender dispositions for eligible clients, resulting in dismissal after completing court-ordered terms.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions who provides strategic oversight.
Cannabis Possession Lawyer Near Manassas Park
Our Fairfax location is centrally located to serve clients at the Manassas Park General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue). If you need a marijuana charge defense lawyer Manassas Park, we are accessible via Route 28 and I-66. We serve clients throughout Manassas Park and surrounding communities.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana possession a felony in Manassas Park?
It depends on the amount. Possession of less than one pound is a misdemeanor. Possession of one pound or more is a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1, punishable by 1-10 years in prison.
Can I get a first-offender program for marijuana in Manassas Park?
Yes. Eligible first-time offenders may qualify for a deferred disposition under Va. Code § 18.2-251. Successful completion typically results in dismissal of the charge, though it may remain on your criminal history for certain purposes.
Will I lose my driver’s license for a marijuana conviction?
Yes. Va. Code § 18.2-259.1 mandates a six-month driver’s license suspension for any drug conviction, including misdemeanor marijuana possession. A restricted license for work may be available.
What should I do if I’m arrested for cannabis possession?
Remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with police. Contact a cannabis arrest lawyer Manassas Park as soon as possible to begin building your defense and protecting your rights.
Can a marijuana charge be expunged in Virginia?
It depends. If the charge is dismissed, you are found not guilty, or you complete a first-offender program, you may petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged.
Related Pages: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Fairfax County and Prince William County. If you have other legal needs, consider our Manassas Park DUI Lawyer or Manassas Park Family Lawyer services.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding your specific case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.