Possession of Marijuana Charge in Virginia
October 1, 2020 by Jean Humbrecht
A possession of marijuana charge in Virginia is no longer a crime. In July 2020, Virginia decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. However, decriminalization of marijuana is not the same thing as legalization of marijuana. It is still against the law to possess marijuana in Virginia. What has changed is the penalty for a Virginia marijuana possession charge.
Possession of Marijuana Charge in Virginia
A Possession of Marijuana Charge in Virginia is No Longer a Crime
A possession of marijuana charge in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-250.1) can result from the knowing and intentional possession of marijuana without a valid prescription.
Previously, marijuana possession in Virginia was a misdemeanor punished with a fine, jail, mandatory driver’s license suspension, and a conviction would remain on an offender’s permanent criminal record and could never be expunged.
Penalty for Possession of Marijuana Charge in Virginia
The penalty for a possession of marijuana charge in Virginia is no longer criminal. After the change in the law, the penalty for a Virginia possession of marijuana charge is a fine up to $25. Additionally, anyone convicted of marijuana possession in Virginia will no longer have to pay courts costs. The offense will not be reported on a person’s criminal record since it is no longer a crime. It will, however, be reported on a person’s driving record if the possession of marijuana occurred while the person was operating a commercial motor vehicle.
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