What You Need To Know About

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  Contact The Coastal Virginia Law Firm Today For Criminal Defense Help

  The Coastal Virginia Law Firm attorneys can help you determine the best course of action for tackling criminal charges! Count on our years of legal criminal defense knowledge as local attorneys with daily Virginia Beach courtroom experience!
  

  Criminal defense cases can be highly pressured, and our firm recognizes the stress of being charged or arrested for a crime in Virginia Beach.

  The approach of our VA firm is to offer the strongest possible criminal defense attorneys, guiding you through suitable strategies to ensure that you present a calm, informed, and structured case in court. An attorney will help develop your case so that it addresses the concerns of your judge during the trial.

  Our lawyers also look to identify possible actions to avoid proceeding to a courtroom trial and potentially secure the dismissal of the criminal charges against you.
  

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  Dealing With Drug Possession Charges In VA

  Drug possession statutes fall under the same set of laws in Virginia Beach. Generally, possession of drugs without a prescription is unlawful based on other Virginia laws, according to the Virginia Code Section 18.2-250 Titled: Possession of Controlled Substances Unlawful.

  As with the Federal Government, Virginia has categorized each drug within a “Statutory Schedule.” Some drugs that you’ll face criminal charges for possession of include:

  • marijuana
  • cocaine
  • crystal meth
  • heroin
  • hydrocodone
  • oxycontin
  • other “painkillers”

  If you are found in possession of any of these drugs, you will be faced with Virginia Beach criminal charges.

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  Learn The Legal Definition of "Possession" In Virginia

  There are two types of possession in Virginia: actual possession and constructive possession. Actual possession is direct control over the drug, as if it were found in your pocket. Constructive possession can be a bit more difficult to prove. In order for you to be found guilty of constructively possessing a drug, the Commonwealth of Virginia must show that you had “dominion and control” over the drug and that you knew the “nature and character of the drug.” This means that if drugs are found in your car, or in a car you happen to be riding in, it does not necessarily mean you ‘possessed’ the drug.

  In addition, before the drug is even found, the Commonwealth must show that they had a valid reason to search you or your car or house to begin with. Often, police search a person or a vehicle in violation of his or her 4th Amendment Right Against Illegal Search and Seizures. If this is the case, any evidence collected (marijuana, cocaine, etc.) may be suppressed by the court at trial, usually resulting in a dismissal of the criminal charge.

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  Key Parts Of Your Virginia Beach Drug Case

  While speaking with an attorney early on in the process of your criminal defense case is important, equally important is to NOT speak with the police. Along with your 4th Amendment Right Against Illegal Search and Seizure, you also have the right to remain SILENT about your crimes and what you know! Certainly, be polite and respectful, but also be as quiet as you can while waiting to speak with your Virginia Beach criminal attorneys.
  

  An experienced criminal defense attorney, fully conversant in Virginia Beach law, has the skills and experiences as a lawyer that can help you develop an effective strategy for your case.

  If you have previous violent charges or a DUI record, it is crucial that you discuss your case with our attorneys BEFORE making any recorded statements about your past court cases to the police or anyone else.

  Appointing a Criminal Defense Lawyer

  If you need a Virginia Beach criminal defense attorney and aren’t sure where to start with your case, get in touch with our firm lawyers.

  
  We can appoint a Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer to consult via phone or in person. The lawyer will:

  • Explain the complexities of Virginia Beach law and the next advisable steps in the legal process.
  • Act as your attorney to strive for case dismissal or reduction to a lesser charge, particularly where court cases may impact your ability to care for a child.
  • Provide an aggressive criminal defense at every stage of the case and trial, fighting to protect your rights and freedoms.
  • Represent your interests since attorneys are aware of how simple mistakes or misjudgments can have severe consequences in a case.

  Our Virginia Beach attorneys uphold the highest standards of professionalism, best practices, and due diligence, achieving successful results for clients across a wide range of criminal defense cases. Our lawyers respect and fairly represent their clients.
  

  Drug Cases That Result in a Virginia Beach Criminal Record

  The objective of your criminal defense will depend on the nature of the charges we are defending against as your attorneys. Whether your drug case relates to linked potential charges associated with a DUI, traffic incident, child or family matter, or domestic violence, our lawyers will guide you carefully through the trial process.

  As experienced criminal defense attorneys, we take a balanced view to ascertain the facts and establish an appropriate response, analyzing whether the arresting officers have followed the correct Virginia Beach regulations. We put our clients first in and out of the courtroom. 
  

  Our firm aspires to ensure that, where possible, criminal defense cases do not result in a criminal record. And our attorneys will handle your case with the utmost urgency.

  The Benefit of Hiring Expert Local Attorneys for Criminal Defense Cases

  With the expert criminal lawyers of The Coastal Virginia Law Firm, you and your criminal charges are in good hands. 
  

  Choosing the best Virginia criminal defense attorney, with a precise grasp of the relevant laws and where they offer capacity for a powerful defense, can make a profound difference in the outcome of your case and trial.

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  First Offender Status In Virginia Beach