Penalties for Possession of Marijuana in Virginia
November 20, 2020 by Jean Humbrecht
Marijuana possession in Virginia is no longer a crime. The offense used to charged as a misdemeanor and was punished with a fine, jail time, mandatory driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. However, the law recently changed and a possession of marijuana charge in Virginia is no longer a criminal offense. For more information on the penalties for possession of marijuana in Virginia, read the post below.
The Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Virginia are No Longer Criminal
Is is Still Against the Law to Possess Marijuana in Virginia?
Yes. It is still against the law to possess marijuana in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-250.1 without a prescription. A violation now, however, is not a crime but it punished with a civil penalty.
Penalties for Possession of Marijuana in Virginia
The penalties for possession of marijuana in Virginia are no longer criminal. If convicted, the offender will have to pay a fine up to $25. Anyone convicted of marijuana possession in Virginia will no longer have to pay court costs (which are required for criminal convictions and sometimes even if a person is not convicted). Additionally, a conviction will no longer be reported on a person’s permanent criminal record.
However, if the offender was operating a commercial motor vehicle at the time of the possession, the conviction will be sent to the DMV and will be reported on the person’s driving record.