Penalty for Marijuana Possession Charge in Virginia
August 21, 2020 by Jean Humbrecht
The Penalty for a Marijuana Possession Charge in Virginia is Now a Fine
Marijuana possession in Virginia is no longer a crime. A marijuana possession charge in Virginia used to be a misdemeanor, punished with a fine, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record that could never be expunged. However, in 2020 the law changed and marijuana possession in Virginia will no longer be charged as a crime. For more information on the penalty for marijuana possession charge in Virginia, read the post below.
Is Marijuana Possession in Virginia Still Against the Law?
Even though it is no longer charged as a crime, it is still against the law to knowingly and intentionally possess marijuana in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-250.1 without a valid prescription. A violation, however, will be treated as a civil penalty and not a crime, which means there is no longer any possibility of jail time.
Penalty for Marijuana Possession Charge in Virginia
The penalty for a marijuana possession charge in Virginia will now be a fine up to $25 and is considered a civil, not criminal, penalty. Anyone convicted of marijuana possession in Virginia will no longer have to pay court costs (which are required for criminal convictions). Additionally, a conviction will not go on a person’s permanent criminal record.
Marijuana possession in Virginia while operating a commercial motor vehicle, however, will be reported to the Virginia DMV and will be reported on the person’s driving record.