Loudoun County Deputies Arrest D.C. Man for Marijuana Possession & Eluding Police
Loudoun County sheriff’s deputies arrested a man from Washington, D.C., for the drug crime of marijuana possession and the traffic violation of eluding police, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror.
The underlying incident occurred in Ashburn, early in the morning on Saturday, February 8th. At approximately 2:30 a.m., deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Parkview Drive and Legacy Park Drive.
After coming to a stop, the D.C. man jumped out of his vehicle and tried to run away from the deputies. A short time thereafter, the deputies were able to apprehend the D.C. man and take him into custody.
In the process of completing the arrest, the sheriff’s deputies discovered marijuana in the D.C. man’s possession. They also ran this man’s criminal record, which turned up an arrest warrant and a currently suspended driver’s license.
At this moment, the D.C. man remains in custody at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, and faces Virginia charges for possession of marijuana and eluding police. While this man awaits trial, it seems like an opportune moment to review Virginia laws against his charges.
Possession of Marijuana
Under Code of Virginia Section 18.2-250.1, it is generally unlawful to possess marijuana. Granted, there is an exception for medical usage. Outside of that, it is a crime to knowingly possess marijuana in Virginia.
Any person who violates Section 18.2-250.1 by possessing marijuana is subject to the following criminal penalties:
- First Offense – The offender is guilty of a misdemeanor and can face up to 30 days in jail and $500 in fines; or,
- Second or Subsequent Offense – The offender is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and can face up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 in fines.
Eluding Police
Under Code of Virginia Section 46.2-817, it is unlawful to elude or otherwise disregard the commands of police officers. To qualify as a violation, a person must know, or should know, that a police officer is directing them to stop or pull over.
Any person who violates Section 46.2-817 by eluding police is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. If convicted, the offender can face up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines. Additionally, the offender will face driver’s license suspension for at least 30 days and at most 12 months.
If a violation of Section 46.2-817 causes the death of a police officer, the charge becomes a Class 4 felony. If convicted, the offender can face up to 10 years in prison and $100,000 in fines.
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you need legal help with drug crimes, traffic violations, or other criminal charges in Virginia, it can be decidedly productive to consult with an adept criminal defense lawyer. The Leesburg criminal defense lawyers at Simms Showers LLP understand how to defend against a variety of criminal charges, including drug crimes and traffic violations. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Resource:
loudountimes.com/news/d-c-man-arrested-in-ashburn-charged-with-marijuana-possession/article_95b2c8b6-4c3c-11ea-953c-87b7629ca4b9.html
https://www.simmsshowerslaw.com/how-does-virginia-define-punish-crimes-against-animals/
