The drug charge lawyers at Greenspun Shapiro PCUnlike many other states, Virginia aggressively prosecutes drug offenses, including possession of small amounts of marijuana. The penalties can be harsh—decades in prison, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing any type of drug law charge in Fairfax or another location in Northern Virginia, you need to learn all you can about the crime you are charged with committing and the penalties you may face. Even if you believe you are guilty, you may have strong defenses that can result in the charges being dismissed or reduced to a less serious offense.

Our experienced Fairfax criminal defense attorneys have decades of experience defending people charged with Virginia drug crimes and are here to help when you’re facing these charges. To schedule a free consultation, call our Fairfax office today at (703) 352-0100.

Serving all of Northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland

How Are Controlled Substances Classified in Virginia?

Under Virginia’s Drug Control Act, a controlled substance is a drug or substance that is included in its classification of drugs. There are six classifications of controlled substances under this Virginia drug law—with Class I drugs involving the most severe offenses and Class VI being the least serious. The top three classifications include:

  • Class I drugs. This includes heroin, ecstasy, LSD, and marijuana.
     
  • Class II controlled substances. These may have some medical uses and include PCP, cocaine, morphine, Ritalin, and methamphetamine (crystal meth).
     
  • Class III drugs. Some of the class III drugs have accepted medical uses—but also have the potential for abuse and dependency. Codeine, anabolic steroids, and some depressants are a few of the drugs in this classification.