Virginia Grand Jury Indicts 25 People on 71 Charges for Drug Crimes
A Virginia grand jury in Campbell County recently indicted 25 people on 71 charges for various drug crimes, according to an article by CBS affiliate WDBJ. These indictments followed a long-term police investigation by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Central Virginia Drug Task Force.
Most of the indicted individuals are suspected of distributing, giving, or selling marijuana and other illegal drugs. Outside of marijuana, the other narcotics involved are Schedule I or II controlled substances, including cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine.
While the legal cases against these 25 people continue to develop, it feels like an appropriate occasion to review Virginia laws against the distribution of controlled substances and marijuana.
Distribution, Gift & Sale of Controlled Substances
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-248 creates the overarching rule against the distribution, gift, or sale of controlled substances. It is also illegal under this section to possess controlled substances under circumstances that indicate an intent to distribute, gift, or sell.
Any person who violates Section 18.2-248 by unlawfully distributing, gifting, or selling a controlled substance will face a severe criminal punishment. The applicable penalties, though, can go up or down based on various factors, such as the type or quantity of substance involved.
From a general standpoint, the distribution, gift, or sale of Schedule I/II is normally punishable as follows:
- First Offense — The perpetrator is guilty of a felony and subject to imprisonment for five to 40 years and criminal fines up to $500,000;
- Second Offense — The perpetrator is guilty of a felony and subject to imprisonment for five years to life and criminal fines up to $500,000; or
- Third or Subsequent Offense — The perpetrator is guilty of a felony and subject to imprisonment for 10 years to life and criminal fines up to $500,000.
Distribution, Gift & Sale of Marijuana
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-248.1 establishes a general prohibition against the distribution, gift, or sale of marijuana. This section also makes it unlawful to possess marijuana under circumstances that indicate an intent to distribute, gift, or sell.
Any person who violates Section 18.2-248.1 by unlawfully distributing, gifting, or selling marijuana will face the following charges and penalties:
- Less than one ounce — The perpetrator is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and subject to imprisonment for 12 months and criminal fines up to $2,500;
- One ounce to five pounds — The perpetrator is guilty of a Class 5 felony and subject to imprisonment for one to 10 years and criminal fines up to $2,500; or
- More than five pounds — The perpetrator is guilty of a felony and subject to imprisonment for five to 30 years.
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you need legal assistance with drug crime charges in Virginia, it can be quite productive to contact a knowledgeable Leesburg drug crimes lawyer. The lawyers at Simms Showers LLP have represented clients in hundreds of jury trials, including criminal defense cases involving drug charges. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Resource:
wdbj7.com/2020/07/23/25-indicted-in-campbell-county-on-71-drug-charges/
