Marijuana Possession Lawyer King George County, VA

You were driving on Route 3 near the Dahlgren Naval Surface Warfare Center when a King George County deputy pulled you over for a traffic infraction. The deputy said your car smelled like marijuana and searched the vehicle, turning up a small plastic bag. Now you are summoned to appear at the King George County General District Court on a marijuana possession charge. The charge may be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the weight, and a conviction can send you to jail, incur steep fines, and create a criminal record that follows you for years. You want an attorney who understands marijuana laws in Virginia, has experience before the judges of the Fifteenth Judicial District, and can build a defense that fits your situation. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Strategy Options for a Marijuana Possession Charge in King George County

Virginia legalized adult possession of up to one ounce of marijuana on July 1, 2021, but possession of larger amounts, distribution, and public consumption remain illegal. A charge in King George County is prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney; the case usually starts in the General District Court on Government Center Boulevard. Our defense strategy is tailored to the specific facts of your arrest: how much marijuana was found, how the search was conducted, whether you qualify for a first-offender program, and what your immigration or employment situation demands. We examine the traffic stop, the deputy’s reason for the search, the handling of evidence, and any Miranda or constitutional violations. Depending on the circumstances, we may move to suppress evidence, negotiate a reduction or deferred disposition under Va. Code §Va. Code ? 18.2-251, or take the case to trial.

For a first-offense possession of marijuana, Virginia’s first-offender statute (Va. Code § 18.2-251) allows the court to defer proceedings and place you on probation with substance-abuse screening and treatment. If you successfully complete the terms, the charge is dismissed and may be eligible for expungement. In King George County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the judges are familiar with the deferred-disposition framework; presenting a solid plan early improves your chances. Even if your case cannot be dismissed outright, negotiating a reduction to a lower offense or a civil penalty can protect your record and your future.

What to Expect at the King George County General District Court

The King George County General District Court is located at 10446 Government Center Blvd, Ste 105, King George, VA 22485. The Hon. Hugh S. Campbell presides; court hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m. For a misdemeanor marijuana charge, your first appearance is typically an arraignment where you are informed of the charge and you enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, a trial date is set; the trial usually takes place within four to eight weeks. Felony charges (possession of a large amount or with intent to distribute) involve a preliminary hearing in the General District Court, and if probable cause is found, the case is certified to the King George County Circuit Court for a jury trial.

At the General District Court, the judge hears evidence, rules on motions, and decides guilt or innocence. There is no jury at this level. Defendants have an absolute right to appeal to the Circuit Court for a jury trial de novo. Throughout the process, your attorney can appear on your behalf, reducing the number of times you need to be in court. We handle the procedural steps—filing motions, exchanging discovery, and negotiating with the prosecutor—so you can focus on your life and work.

A Note on Local Practice

Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Virginia (Narrative Overview)

Virginia classifies marijuana offenses by weight. Adult possession of up to one ounce is lawful as of July 1, 2021 (Va. Code § 4.1-1100). Between one and four ounces is a civil penalty with a fine of up to $25. Possession of more than four ounces is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Larger quantities lead to felony charges: possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II substance, including marijuana, can be a Class 5 felony with a sentence of 1 to 10 years, or at jury discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A conviction also carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension for six months, community service, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and federal student aid eligibility.

The King George County courts have seen an evolving landscape since legalization. While simple possession of small amounts is no longer a crime, any amount over the threshold or any allegation of distribution will be prosecuted vigorously. Understanding the charging statute and the applicable sentencing guidelines is critical; we integrate this knowledge into a defense strategy that aims for favorable outcomes given your particular circumstances.

Attorney Credentials: Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has represented clients in King George County courts for years. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, including a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement service and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. This background gives the team a working knowledge of how police build cases and how prosecutors approach charging decisions. Results may vary. The team’s collective experience means your defense is informed by both sides of the courtroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am stopped and the officer smells marijuana in King George County?

If an officer smells marijuana and asks to search your vehicle, you may refuse consent. You are not required to consent to a search. The officer may still proceed if they have probable cause. Stay calm, do not admit to ownership of anything, and politely state that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and contact an attorney. Immediately ask to speak with an attorney; do not answer questions about where you were going, who was with you, or what is in the car. After the stop, write down everything you remember while it is fresh. Call (888) 437-7747 to reach our firm for guidance before you make any statements or accept any plea offer.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against marijuana possession charges?

Defense strategies include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the search, the chain of custody of evidence, and whether the substance was properly tested. Under Virginia law, if the stop was not based on reasonable suspicion or the search exceeded the scope of consent, the evidence may be suppressed. We also examine whether the quantity charged matches the lab report and whether you qualify for a first-offender deferred disposition under Va. Code § 18.2-251. In King George County, we may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for dismissal upon completion of a treatment program or community service.

What is the penalty for a first-offense marijuana possession in King George County?

A first-offense possession of more than four ounces is a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. For possession between one and four ounces, it is a civil penalty of up to $25. However, a conviction for any marijuana offense can result in a driver’s license suspension for six months, mandatory community service, and a criminal record that appears on background checks. Virginia also allows deferred disposition for first‑time drug possession—after completing probation and any required treatment, the charge may be dismissed and later expunged. Every case is different; Results may vary.

Can a marijuana possession charge be expunged in Virginia?

Yes, if the charge is dismissed, you are acquitted, or the prosecutor enters a nolle prosequi, you may petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Convictions generally cannot be expunged under current Virginia law, but the 2021 record-sealing framework (Va. Code §§ 19.2-392.5 through 19.2-392.16) will, once fully implemented, seal some records automatically. In King George County, expungement petitions are filed in the Circuit Court. If you successfully complete a first‑offender program, the dismissal makes you eligible for expungement. Discuss your specific situation with an attorney to determine eligibility and timelines.

Do I need a lawyer for a marijuana possession charge in King George County?

While you may appear pro se, having an attorney experienced in the King George County courts is strongly advised. Even a misdemeanor marijuana conviction can result in jail, fines, and a permanent record that can impact employment, security clearances—especially important near the Dahlgren Naval Surface Warfare Center—and federal student aid. A lawyer can evaluate the strength of the State’s case, negotiate a favorable plea, or present a defense at trial. The firm’s familiarity with local judges and prosecutors allows us to advise you realistically about likely outcomes and options. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

How do I find a marijuana possession lawyer near King George County?

You can contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 or use the firm’s website to request a consultation. Our attorneys appear regularly in the King George County General District Court and Circuit Court. The Fairfax Location represents clients throughout the Fifteenth Judicial District, including King George and Dahlgren. Consultations are by appointment; we provide initial case evaluations and will discuss your options under Virginia’s marijuana laws. Call us to schedule a meeting at your convenience.

For a full statutory breakdown of Virginia criminal laws, see our comprehensive analysis at Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer.

Last reviewed: July 2026