Marijuana Possession Lawyer Dinwiddie County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Simple marijuana possession in Dinwiddie County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1, carrying up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine for a first offense. A marijuana possession lawyer Dinwiddie County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in the locality. We provide 24/7 phone consultations to protect your rights and future.
Virginia Marijuana Possession Law
Virginia law prohibits the possession of marijuana without a valid medical prescription. The specific statute, Va. Code § 18.2-250.1, defines the offense and its penalties. Possession of up to one ounce is a civil violation with a $25 fine. Possession of more than one ounce but less than one pound is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Possession of one pound or more is a felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the Virginia Code § 18.2-250.1. Court procedures and information for Dinwiddie County can be found on the Dinwiddie County Courts website.
Local Court Process for a Cannabis Charge in Dinwiddie County
If you are arrested for a cannabis charge in Dinwiddie County, your case begins at the Dinwiddie County General District Court. Prosecutors here may offer first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants, which can lead to dismissal upon completion. A marijuana arrest lawyer Dinwiddie County can handle this process to seek the best possible outcome.
- Receive a summons or warrant following arrest.
- Attend your arraignment hearing at Dinwiddie County General District Court.
- Your attorney will review evidence and discuss strategy, including potential plea options or trial.
- If applicable, your lawyer may negotiate for a first-offender program or file motions to suppress evidence.
- Resolve the case through dismissal, plea agreement, or proceed to a bench trial in GDC.
- If convicted, you have the right to appeal for a new trial in Dinwiddie County Circuit Court.
Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Dinwiddie County
In Dinwiddie County, marijuana possession of more than one ounce is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, with higher penalties for subsequent offenses or larger amounts.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession ≤ 1 oz | Civil Violation | None | $25 | None | No criminal record |
| Possession >1 oz – <1 lb | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Criminal record |
| Possession ≥ 1 lb | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years* | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*Or, in the discretion of the jury or court, confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.
Firm Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. For a cannabis charge defense lawyer Dinwiddie County, our team leverages deep local knowledge.
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
Case Results in Dinwiddie County
Our firm has 4 documented case results in Dinwiddie County: 2 dismissed/not guilty and 2 reduced/amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. In other jurisdictions, we have successfully amended charges of distribution of marijuana to simple possession. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Dinwiddie County Marijuana Possession Defense
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Dinwiddie County courts, including the Dinwiddie County General District Court. We are a marijuana possession lawyer near Dinwiddie County, accessible via I-85, Route 1, and Route 460. We serve the communities of Dinwiddie and McKenney.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Dinwiddie 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).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Dinwiddie 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 Dinwiddie County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Dinwiddie County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Dinwiddie County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. A marijuana possession lawyer Dinwiddie County can protect your rights.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Dinwiddie County?
Dinwiddie County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Dinwiddie 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.
Related Legal Information
If you need a Virginia criminal defense lawyer, visit our state hub. For defense in nearby areas, see our pages for a criminal defense lawyer in Henrico County or a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield County. In Dinwiddie County, you may also need a DUI lawyer or a family law lawyer.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.