Marijuana Possession Lawyer New Kent County, VA
You were traveling along I-64 through New Kent County when a traffic stop led to questions, a search, and ultimately a citation for marijuana possession. Now you have a court date at the New Kent County General District Court, and the uncertainty of what comes next weighs heavily. A possession charge—even one involving an amount that might seem minor—can carry consequences that affect your job, your driving privileges, and your record for years. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent individuals facing marijuana possession charges in New Kent County. Our team understands how these cases are handled in the Ninth Judicial District, and we work to protect your rights at every stage. To schedule a consultation, reach our location at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Facing a Marijuana Possession Charge in New Kent County
Virginia’s cannabis laws changed significantly on July 1, 2021, when adult possession of up to one ounce of marijuana was legalized under Va. Code § 4.1-1100 et seq. But possession of larger amounts remains subject to enforcement. If you were found with more than one ounce but no more than four ounces, you may face a civil penalty. Possession of more than four ounces can result in criminal charges, which are prosecuted in the New Kent County General District Court or, in felony-level cases, the New Kent County Circuit Court. Public consumption of marijuana remains prohibited regardless of amount, and driving under the influence of cannabis is still a criminal offense.
New Kent County sits between Richmond and Williamsburg along the I-64 corridor. The New Kent County General District Court, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124, handles misdemeanor trials and preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes these cases. Because New Kent County is a smaller jurisdiction within the Ninth Judicial District, local practice and the relationships counsel have with the court can influence how a case proceeds. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in this courthouse and understand how possession cases are evaluated there.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Approach Marijuana Possession Cases
When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a marijuana possession matter in New Kent County, the first step is a thorough review of the facts. How did the encounter with law enforcement begin? Was there a valid basis for the stop and the subsequent search? Were your rights observed throughout the process? Our team examines the procedural history carefully, because a violation of your constitutional protections can form the basis for a motion to suppress evidence. If the evidence against you was obtained unlawfully, the prosecution’s case may be significantly weakened.
Beyond evidentiary challenges, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel explore every available resolution path. For some first-offense possession charges, Virginia law provides deferred-disposition options under Va. Code § 18.2-251 that can lead to dismissal upon successful completion of probation conditions. In other cases, negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney may result in an amendment to a lesser charge or a resolution that minimizes long-term consequences. Every case is different, and the strategy depends on the specific facts, your prior record, and the amount involved. Throughout the process, we keep you informed of your options and the likely timeline based on the court’s calendar.
Potential Consequences of a Marijuana Possession Conviction in Virginia
A criminal conviction for marijuana possession in Virginia carries penalties that depend on the classification of the offense. A misdemeanor possession charge can result in jail time and fines, along with a permanent criminal record. A felony possession charge carries more severe consequences, including longer periods of incarceration and the loss of certain civil rights. Beyond the court-imposed sentence, a drug conviction can affect employment opportunities, security clearances, professional licenses, and eligibility for certain forms of public assistance. For non-citizens, a drug conviction may have immigration consequences. Because of what is at stake, it is important to address a possession charge with experienced counsel rather than simply paying a fine or pleading guilty without understanding the full impact.
Virginia law also addresses marijuana possession in specific contexts. Possession on school grounds, for example, or possession with the intent to distribute, are treated more seriously than simple possession. If you were charged with possession of marijuana in a vehicle, additional charges—such as a traffic infraction or a DUI—may apply. The interplay of multiple charges can complicate your case, and an attorney who understands how these charges interact in New Kent County can help you evaluate the full picture. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997 and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. With a background as a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings an understanding of how the prosecution builds its case to every criminal matter the firm handles. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), reflecting a sustained engagement with Virginia law. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Mr. Sris is supported by an Of Counsel team that includes attorneys with substantial criminal-defense experience. One member of the team is a former Virginia State Trooper who served for 15 years in law enforcement, conducting criminal and traffic investigations across Virginia. This background provides insight into law-enforcement procedures, traffic-stop protocols, and investigative methods—insight that can be critical in challenging the prosecution’s evidence in a marijuana possession case. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel serve clients in New Kent County through the firm’s Richmond location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for marijuana possession in New Kent County, Virginia?
Penalties for marijuana possession in New Kent County depend on the amount involved and any prior record. Possession of more than one ounce but no more than four ounces is a civil violation with a fine of up to $25. Possession of more than four ounces, or any amount of marijuana possessed with intent to distribute, can result in criminal charges ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a felony, with potential penalties including jail time, fines, a criminal record, and in some cases loss of driving privileges. The specific charge and sentencing range are determined by the amount, the circumstances, and any applicable prior offenses.
How does a lawyer defend against marijuana possession charges in New Kent County?
Defense strategies in a marijuana possession case often begin with examining the lawfulness of the stop and search that led to the charge. If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion for the stop or probable cause for the search, a motion to suppress may be filed. Other strategies include challenging the chain of custody of evidence, negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a deferred disposition or an amendment to a lesser charge, and presenting mitigating circumstances to the court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate the specific facts of each case to determine the most appropriate approach for the New Kent County General District Court or Circuit Court.
What should I do if I am facing marijuana possession charges in New Kent County?
If you are charged with marijuana possession, contact an attorney before speaking further with law enforcement or appearing in court. Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone other than your lawyer. Preserve any documents, photographs, or other evidence that may be relevant. Make a note of everything you remember about the encounter, including the reason given for the stop, what was said, and whether any search was conducted with or without your consent. The steps you take in the days after a charge can affect the options available to you. To discuss your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can marijuana possession charges be expunged in New Kent County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for charges that result in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi. If your marijuana possession charge was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you may petition the New Kent County Circuit Court to seal your records. Virginia’s 2021 record-sealing framework also provides for sealing of certain convictions in defined circumstances. A conviction for possession generally cannot be expunged under current law, but an experienced attorney can determine whether your specific disposition qualifies for expungement or sealing and guide you through the petition process.
Do I need a lawyer for a marijuana possession charge in New Kent County?
You are not required to hire a lawyer for a marijuana possession charge, but proceeding without counsel carries significant risk. A criminal conviction—even for a misdemeanor—creates a permanent record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. An attorney can identify procedural issues you may not recognize, negotiate with the prosecutor for a resolution that reduces the impact on your record, and advise you of collateral consequences you might not anticipate. The New Kent County General District Court handles a high volume of cases, and having counsel who is familiar with local practice can help ensure your matter receives the attention it deserves. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between General District Court and Circuit Court in New Kent County?
New Kent County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while New Kent County Circuit Court handles felony trials and appeals from the General District Court. If your marijuana possession charge is a misdemeanor, your case will be heard in the General District Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle in New Kent. If the charge is a felony, you have the right to a preliminary hearing in General District Court and, if the case is certified, a trial in Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense that carries potential jail time. The court where your case is heard affects the procedures, timeline, and potential outcomes.
Speak with a Marijuana Possession Lawyer Serving New Kent County
A marijuana possession charge does not have to define your future, but the decisions you make now matter. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. are available to discuss your New Kent County case and explain your options. We represent clients in the General District Court and Circuit Court, and we work to achieve favorable outcomes under the specific facts of your situation. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747 or reach our Richmond location. Phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For a full statutory breakdown, see our comprehensive analysis.
Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395
Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 201-9009
By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
Virginia Code Title 4.1 — Cannabis Control · Virginia Judicial System
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