What is the Penalty for Marijuana Possession in Virginia?
December 14, 2020 by Jean Humbrecht
The Penalty for Marijuana Possession in Virginia is Now a Fine
Marijuana possession in Virginia is no longer a crime. Possessing marijuana in Virginia used to be a misdemeanor, punished with a fine, jail time, mandatory driver’s license suspension and a permanent criminal record. However, in July 2020 the law changed the penalty for marijuana possession in Virginia to a fine. If you are wondering, what is the penalty for marijuana possession in Virginia, read the post below.
Is Marijuana Possession in Virginia Still Against the Law?
Although it is not 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 criminal offense.
What is the Penalty for Marijuana Possession in Virginia?
The penalty for marijuana possession in Virginia is now civil and no longer criminal. The penalty for a conviction of marijuana possession in Virginia will be a fine up to $25. It is not punished with jail or driver’s license suspension which a conviction could be punished with in the past. Additionally, there will be no court costs if a person is convicted (as there are for all other convictions), and a conviction will not be reported on a person’s criminal record.
Marijuana possession in Virginia while operating a commercial motor vehicle will, however, be reported to the Virginia DMV and will be reported on the person’s driving record.