Cannabis Possession Lawyer Manassas, VA

Virginia law allows adults age 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of cannabis in most circumstances. Possession of more than one ounce remains a violation of the state’s Cannabis Control Act, and charges for quantities over four ounces can be prosecuted as criminal offenses in the General District Court or Circuit Court of Manassas. A cannabis possession charge in Manassas can affect your freedom, your driving record, your employment, and your immigration status. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals throughout the Manassas area who are facing cannabis-related charges. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to cannabis possession defense. Reach a member of our team to schedule a consultation at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Cannabis Possession Means in Manassas

The Virginia Cannabis Control Act, codified at Va. Code § 4.1-1100 et seq., legalized adult possession of up to one ounce of cannabis in a private residence effective July 1, 2021. Possession in public or while operating a motor vehicle remains prohibited, and possession of more than one ounce but not more than four ounces is a civil violation subject to a fine. Possession of more than four ounces, however, is a criminal matter. Charges for possession of more than four ounces are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor and are heard in the Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, Virginia 20110. If the quantity or other circumstances elevate the charge to a felony-level offense, the matter proceeds in the Manassas Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Manassas prosecutes cannabis possession cases. A conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a lasting criminal record. Because Virginia’s cannabis laws are still evolving, the legal landscape is nuanced, and an experienced defense attorney can help you understand how the current statutes apply to your specific situation.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Cannabis Possession Cases

When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a cannabis possession matter, our approach begins with a thorough review of the facts and the evidence the Commonwealth intends to introduce. The firm’s attorneys examine the legality of the stop, the search, and any seizure to determine whether law enforcement followed controlling procedure. If a procedural deficiency appears, counsel may file a motion to suppress evidence. In cases where suppression is not available, our attorneys work to negotiate a favorable resolution. Virginia’s first-offender statute for drug possession allows a court, with the defendant’s consent, to defer proceedings and place the person on probation with substance-abuse screening and treatment. Upon successful completion, the charge is dismissed. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have substantial experience guiding clients through this process. We also evaluate whether the defendant may be eligible for expungement of the record after a dismissal or acquittal. Each case receives individual attention, and the strategy is tailored to the facts of the charge and the client’s goals.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor whose background gives him insight into how the Commonwealth builds a cannabis possession case. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to cannabis possession defense; they include practitioners with knowledge of police procedures and courtroom dynamics that can be critical in a possession matter. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case results across multiple practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for cannabis possession over four ounces in Manassas?

Possession of more than four ounces of cannabis is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to . Cases are heard in the Manassas General District Court. A first offense may qualify for deferred disposition under Va. Code § 18.2‑251, which allows the court to place the defendant on probation with treatment requirements and later dismiss the charge. The penalty can be more severe if the facts support an inference of distribution rather than simple possession. Every case is different, and the appropriate penalty or diversion option depends on the individual’s record and the circumstances of the arrest.

Can I be charged with a crime if I possess between one and four ounces in Manassas?

Possession of more than one ounce but not more than four ounces is a civil violation, not a criminal offense, and carries a fine of up to $25. While the matter does not result in a criminal record, it is still a violation of Virginia law. Additionally, possession in public or in a vehicle is prohibited irrespective of the quantity, and those circumstances can give rise to a criminal charge. A lawyer can help you determine whether your situation falls within the civil or criminal category and advise you on the appropriate steps to take.

Is a cannabis possession charge expungeable in Manassas?

Virginia allows expungement of a cannabis possession charge only if the case ended in an acquittal, nolle prosequi, or dismissal, not after a conviction. Under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2, a person whose charge is dismissed may petition the Manassas Circuit Court to seal the police and court records related to the charge. A deferred-disposition dismissal under § 18.2‑251 qualifies for expungement. Convictions, by contrast, generally cannot be expunged. An attorney can evaluate whether you are eligible and guide you through the petition process.

What should I do if I am facing a cannabis charge in Manassas?

Contact a lawyer immediately and do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone else. Preserve any documents or electronic evidence that may be relevant. Avoid posting about the matter on social media. The initial appearance in the Manassas General District Court will be scheduled shortly after the charge is filed. Early legal involvement allows your attorney to request discovery, evaluate the prosecution’s evidence, and explore pretrial diversion or negotiated dispositions before the case advances.

Do I need a lawyer for a cannabis possession charge in Manassas?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, having an experienced lawyer can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of a cannabis possession case. Even a misdemeanor conviction can affect employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. An attorney can identify procedural weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and help you access first-offender or diversion programs that may lead to a dismissal and eventual expungement. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

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