Marijuana Possession Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Simple marijuana possession in Arlington County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1, carrying up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending cannabis charges in Arlington County General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Under Virginia law, possession of marijuana for personal use is a criminal offense. The specific penalties depend on the amount and whether it is a first or subsequent offense. A cannabis charge defense lawyer Arlington County understands that even a misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. The prosecution must prove you knowingly and intentionally possessed the substance.
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-250.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information is available at the Arlington County General District Court website.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or receiving a summons.
- Your attorney will file a motion for discovery to review the prosecution’s evidence.
- We will identify potential defenses, such as an unlawful search or lack of probable cause.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction, diversion, or dismissal.
- If necessary, prepare for and present a defense at trial in Arlington County General District Court.
- If convicted, advocate for the most favorable sentencing alternative.
In Arlington County, a first-offense marijuana possession charge carries up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine, a 6-month driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Marijuana (1st offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | 6-month mandatory suspension | Permanent criminal record |
| Possession of Marijuana (2nd+ offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month mandatory suspension | Enhanced penalties, possible jail |
| Possession with Intent to Distribute | Felony (Class 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | 6-month mandatory suspension | Felony record, severe long-term impacts |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex criminal defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in cases involving evidence analysis.
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
Our team, including former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, has achieved documented results in Arlington County courts. In one case, a felony drug distribution charge was amended down to simple possession. In another, a possession charge was dismissed after a successful motion to suppress evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County General District Court. We are a local marijuana possession lawyer Arlington County near Courthouse, Clarendon, and Ballston. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Arlington County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Arlington County 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 Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. 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 Arlington County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Arlington County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington County 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. Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) is the GDC location.
Is marijuana possession a felony in Virginia?
No. Simple possession of marijuana for personal use is a misdemeanor in Virginia. However, possession with intent to distribute (PWID) is a felony. The amount, packaging, and other circumstances determine the charge. A cannabis charge defense lawyer Arlington County can analyze the evidence to fight a felony upgrade.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also help clients in neighboring areas like Alexandria. In Arlington County, we handle related matters such as DUI defense and reckless driving.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact a marijuana possession lawyer Arlington County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.