Marijuana Possession Lawyer Roanoke County, VA
You were driving through the Roanoke Valley on I‑81 when a traffic stop turned into a search of your vehicle and a charge for marijuana possession. Now you have a court date at the Roanoke County General District Court and a criminal record hanging over your future. A marijuana possession charge in Roanoke County can bring jail time, fines, and consequences that follow you long after the case is over. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent people facing marijuana charges at the Roanoke County courts. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
How an Attorney Can Challenge a Marijuana Possession Charge
A marijuana possession charge in Roanoke County does not mean a conviction is automatic. An experienced attorney reviews every part of the government’s case: whether the traffic stop was lawful, whether the search of your vehicle or person was proper, and whether the substance the officer claims to have found is actually marijuana. If law enforcement missed a procedural step, the evidence may be challenged.
Virginia’s cannabis laws changed significantly in recent years, and not every instance of marijuana possession is a criminal offense. A lawyer who understands the current law can identify whether your charge should be a civil infraction rather than a criminal matter, or whether the amount involved triggers a lesser penalty than what the officer cited. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the specific facts of your case and work to achieve the most favorable outcome. Results may vary.
Going to Court in Roanoke County
Marijuana possession cases in Roanoke County are heard at the Roanoke County General District Court, located at 305 East Main Street in Salem, Virginia. Misdemeanor possession charges are resolved in the General District Court, while felony-level possession cases move up to the Roanoke County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing.
The court calendar moves on its own schedule, and missing a hearing can lead to a warrant for your arrest. An attorney handles the procedural requirements—filing the right motions, appearing at all required hearings, and speaking with the Commonwealth’s Attorney about the case. Having counsel familiar with the Roanoke County courts keeps the process on track from the first appearance through resolution.
Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Virginia
Virginia law now permits adults to possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use. Possession of more than one ounce but not more than four ounces is a civil violation carrying a fine of up to $25. Possession of more than four ounces is a criminal offense, generally a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to twelve months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the amount is large enough or other circumstances suggest an intent to distribute, the charge can be a felony with more severe consequences.
In addition to jail and fines, a criminal conviction creates a permanent record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help clients in Roanoke County evaluate the exposure they face and build a defense aimed at reducing or avoiding those penalties. (Results may vary.)
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings a practitioner’s understanding of how the Commonwealth builds its cases and what weaknesses a defense can expose. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Working alongside Mr. Sris are Of Counsel attorneys who concentrate on criminal defense. The team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel. Results may vary. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. In Roanoke County, the firm has 34 documented case results—4 dismissed or not guilty and 28 reduced or amended—yielding a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. every case is different.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current law on marijuana possession in Virginia?
Adults 21 and older may lawfully possess up to one ounce of marijuana in Virginia. Possession of more than one ounce but not more than four ounces is a civil infraction subject to a fine. Possession of more than four ounces is a criminal misdemeanor. Public consumption remains prohibited, and driving under the influence of marijuana carries separate criminal charges. The law changed significantly in 2021, and not every arrest for marijuana possession should lead to a criminal conviction. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can evaluate whether a charge fits the current law.
Can I be charged with a criminal offense for marijuana possession in Roanoke County?
Yes, possession of more than four ounces of marijuana is a criminal offense in Virginia. A first-time offender may face up to twelve months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Charges involving larger quantities or an indication of distribution can be prosecuted as felonies. Even if the amount is under four ounces, a civil infraction still carries a fine and appears on a court record. Speaking with an attorney soon after an arrest helps you understand the actual charge and the options available.
How can a lawyer help if I am facing a marijuana possession charge?
An attorney can challenge the stop, the search, and the evidence in a marijuana possession case. If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, the evidence may be suppressed. A lawyer can also negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction of the charge or entry into a first-offender program. In some instances, a charge that should be a civil infraction is filed as a criminal offense; counsel corrects that. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear at the Roanoke County General District Court and work to protect the client’s record and freedom.
What should I do after an arrest for marijuana possession in Roanoke County?
Remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts with the police or anyone else except your lawyer. Write down everything you remember about the stop and the search while the details are fresh. Contact an attorney promptly—court dates in Roanoke County General District Court are scheduled quickly, and missing a hearing can lead to a warrant. Early legal involvement often expands the strategies available for resolving the case favorably.
Can a marijuana possession conviction be expunged in Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement of marijuana possession charges that ended in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi. Most convictions are not eligible for expungement under current law. However, if a charge is handled through a deferred-disposition program and ultimately dismissed, the record may be sealed in accordance with Virginia’s newer record-sealing provisions. Consult with counsel about your specific case—eligibility depends on the final disposition and the timing of the charge. The petition for expungement is filed in the Roanoke County Circuit Court.
Virginia primary sources: Virginia Code Title 4.1 · Roanoke County General District Court · Virginia Judicial System
To discuss your case, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Our Shenandoah location serves clients at the Roanoke County courts. By appointment only.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.