Marijuana Possession Lawyer Lexington — What Are Your Defense Options?
Marijuana possession in Lexington is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1, carrying 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 at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street). Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Marijuana Possession Law
Simple possession of marijuana is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1. The law prohibits knowingly possessing marijuana without a valid prescription. Possession of any amount up to one ounce is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Possession of more than one ounce but less than one pound is a Class 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. The statute provides specific defenses, including that the substance was not marijuana or that the possession was unknowing. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this detailed knowledge to build defenses.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, review Va. Code § 18.2-250.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and local rules are available on the Lexington General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Marijuana Charges
In Lexington, marijuana possession cases begin at the Lexington General District Court. Prosecutors may offer first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants. The court routinely sees cases involving VMI and Washington and Lee University students. A strong defense often challenges the legality of the search or seizure that led to the discovery of the marijuana.
- Receive a summons or warrant for possession of marijuana.
- Attend your arraignment at Lexington General District Court to enter a plea.
- Work with your cannabis charge defense lawyer Lexington to review evidence and file pre-trial motions.
- Negotiate for a reduction, dismissal, or entry into a first-offender program.
- Proceed to trial or a plea hearing based on the best strategy for your case.
Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Lexington
In Lexington, simple possession of marijuana (one ounce or less) is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession ≤ 1 oz | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible 6-month suspension | Permanent criminal record |
| Possession >1 oz – <1 lb | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 6-month suspension | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Distribution/Possession with Intent | Felony (varies by weight) | 5-40 years | Up to $500,000 | Mandatory suspension | Severe federal implications |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience & Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have achieved over 4,739 documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we use every resource for your defense. For marijuana charges, this includes former prosecutor insight into how cases are built and a former trooper’s understanding of search and seizure procedures.
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
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable results in drug cases. In Fairfax County General District Court, we have successfully negotiated amendments for clients charged with distribution of marijuana, resulting in the charges being reduced to simple possession.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, brings decades of high-level strategic experience to complex cases.
Contact Our Lexington Marijuana Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Lexington courts. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. If you need a marijuana arrest lawyer Lexington near Virginia Military Institute or Washington and Lee University, we can help. We serve the Lexington community. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Marijuana Possession Defense FAQs
What is the penalty for marijuana possession in Lexington, Virginia?
Possession of one ounce or less is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Possession of more than one ounce is a felony.
Can I get a first-time marijuana possession charge dismissed in Lexington?
It depends. Lexington General District Court may offer first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. Successful completion of terms like community service and drug education can lead to dismissal. Eligibility depends on your criminal history and the case facts.
Will a marijuana conviction suspend my driver’s license in Virginia?
Yes. A conviction for any drug offense, including misdemeanor marijuana possession, triggers a mandatory six-month driver’s license suspension by the DMV, separate from any court penalty.
What should I do if I’m arrested for marijuana possession in Lexington?
Four key steps: Remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not consent to any searches. Contact a marijuana possession lawyer Lexington as soon as possible. Attend all court dates. An early intervention by a cannabis charge defense lawyer Lexington can significantly impact the outcome.
How can a lawyer help with a marijuana possession case?
A marijuana arrest lawyer Lexington can challenge the legality of the stop or search, negotiate for a reduction or diversion program, and represent you at trial. They protect your rights and work to avoid a permanent criminal record that affects employment and education.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page, or learn about related issues like DUI defense in Lexington. We also serve neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.