Penalty for Virginia Marijuana Possession Charge
April 25, 2021 by Jean Humbrecht
A possession of marijuana charge in Virginia is no longer a crime. The offense used to be a misdemeanor, punished with a fine, jail time, mandatory driver’s license suspension, and a conviction could never be expunged from an offender’s permanent criminal record. However, the law recently changed in Virginia and possession of marijuana charge in Virginia will no longer be charged as a criminal offense. For more information on the penalty for Virginia marijuana possession charge in Virginia, read the post below.
The Penalty for a Virginia Marijuana Possession Charge is Now a Fine
Is Possession of Marijuana Still Against the Law in Virginia?
It still is against the law to possess marijuana in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-250.1 without a prescription. A violation now, however, is punished with a civil penalty and not as a crime.
Penalty for Virginia Marijuana Possession Charge
The penalty for a Virginia possession of marijuana possession charge is now a fine up to $25 and is a civil penalty. 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 not be reported on a person’s permanent criminal record.
If the offender was operating a commercial motor vehicle at the time of the possession and is convicted of possession of marijuana, the conviction will be reported on the person’s driving record.