In Fairfax County, simple possession of marijuana under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1 is a misdemeanor carrying up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County. A Simple Possession lawyer Fairfax can help you pursue a first-offender deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
Virginia Simple Possession Laws in Fairfax County
Virginia Code § 18.2-250.1 makes it unlawful to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance, including marijuana, unless obtained through a valid prescription. In Fairfax County, simple possession is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A drug possession defense lawyer Fairfax can explain how the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the Fairfax County General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-250.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-250.1 (Possession of controlled substances)
- Fairfax County General District Court official website
How Simple Possession Cases Work in Fairfax County
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor simple possession trials. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. First-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion of terms.
- Arrest or summons issued by law enforcement in Fairfax County.
- Initial appearance at Fairfax County General District Court, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea. Your Simple Possession lawyer Fairfax can negotiate a deferred disposition.
- If deferred disposition granted, complete court-ordered terms (community service, drug education).
- Upon successful completion, case dismissed and eligible for expungement.
In Fairfax County, simple possession of marijuana carries up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine for a first offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Possession (First Offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record; possible deferred disposition under § 19.2-303.2 |
| Simple Possession (Subsequent) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; no deferred disposition eligibility |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Simple Possession Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). A personal use defense lawyer Fairfax from our team understands local court procedures and prosecutor practices.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Fairfax County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable — a 97% favorable outcome rate. Examples include possession of marijuana charges dismissed or resolved by nolle prosequi at Fairfax County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax Location Serving Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location is minutes from the Fairfax County General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and Route 50. We serve Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. If you need a Simple Possession lawyer Fairfax, we are near you.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Possession in Fairfax County
Can a simple possession charge be dismissed in Fairfax County?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, first-time offenders may qualify for a deferred disposition. Successful completion of court-ordered terms results in dismissal and expungement eligibility.
What is the penalty for first-time simple possession in Fairfax County?
Up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. The charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1. First-offender programs may avoid jail time entirely.
Do I need a lawyer for a simple possession charge in Fairfax County?
Yes. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record. A drug possession defense lawyer Fairfax can negotiate a deferred disposition or dismissal, protecting your record.
How long does a simple possession case take in Fairfax County?
It depends. GDC misdemeanor trials typically occur 4-8 weeks from arraignment. Deferred disposition programs may take 3-6 months to complete before dismissal.
Can I get an expungement for a simple possession charge in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi. Convictions generally cannot be expunged in Virginia.
What is the difference between simple possession and possession with intent to distribute?
Simple possession under § 18.2-250.1 is a misdemeanor for personal use. Possession with intent to distribute under § 18.2-248 is a felony with much harsher penalties.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Fairfax County DUI Lawyer
- Fairfax County Reckless Driving Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.