Cannabis Possession Lawyer Lexington — What Are Your Defense Options?
Simple marijuana possession in Lexington is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1, carrying up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. A cannabis possession lawyer Lexington from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the evidence and seek dismissal or a first-offender program.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Marijuana Possession Law
Virginia law classifies simple possession of marijuana (one ounce or less) as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-250.1, defines the offense and its penalties. Possession of more than one ounce is a Class 5 felony. A cannabis possession lawyer Lexington understands the nuances of these charges and the procedural pathways in Lexington General District Court. The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background that provides a strategic advantage in building a defense.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-250.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found on the Lexington General District Court website.
Local Court Process for a Marijuana Charge
In Lexington, marijuana possession cases begin at the Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street. Prosecutors there may offer first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants. A marijuana charge defense lawyer Lexington can negotiate for this outcome, which typically involves probation and education with dismissal upon completion.
- Receive a summons or warrant for a court date at Lexington General District Court.
- Consult with a cannabis arrest lawyer Lexington to review the charging documents and police report.
- Appear for arraignment and enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all legal options.
- Your attorney will file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence if constitutional violations occurred.
- 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 in GDC.
Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Lexington
In Lexington, simple marijuana possession carries a penalty of up to 30 days in jail and a fine up to $500, with a mandatory minimum $250 fine for a first conviction.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession ≤ 1 oz (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | Possible 6-month suspension | Criminal record, difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Possession ≤ 1 oz (subsequent) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 6-month suspension | Enhanced penalties, possible jail time |
| Possession > 1 oz | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 6-month suspension | Felony record, loss of firearm rights, ineligibility for certain professions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your Lexington case.
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 in Lexington
Our firm has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. For example, our team has successfully secured dismissals for charges like “No Registration Card/License in Possession” in other Virginia jurisdictions through motions to suppress or negotiated resolutions. 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 who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute and maintains a multi-state practice.
Contact Our Lexington Cannabis Possession Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. We provide a cannabis possession lawyer near Lexington and serve the surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Lexington, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Lexington, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Lexington Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Lexington, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Lexington General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Lexington, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Lexington?
Lexington General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) is the GDC location.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges in Lexington, consider our DUI/DWI lawyer or family law lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Consult an attorney for current legal advice.