Cannabis Possession Lawyer King William County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Simple marijuana possession in King William County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1, carrying up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for cannabis charges in King William County General District Court.
Virginia Marijuana Possession Law
Last verified: April 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Under Virginia law, simple possession of marijuana (cannabis) is defined as knowingly possessing the substance without a valid prescription. The primary statute is Va. Code § 18.2-250.1. For adults 21 and over, possession of up to one ounce is a civil penalty with a $25 fine. However, possession of more than one ounce but less than one pound is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Possession of one pound or more is a felony. For those under 21, any possession is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The law is complex, and a cannabis arrest lawyer King William County can explain how these statutes apply to your specific situation.
External Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-250.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the King William County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for a Marijuana Charge
King William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor marijuana possession cases. Prosecutors there often consider first-offender programs under Va. Code § 18.2-251 for eligible defendants, which can lead to dismissal upon completion of terms.
- Receive a summons or be arrested and taken before a magistrate.
- Attend your arraignment at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201) to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review discovery, file pre-trial motions, and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- If no plea agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge.
- If convicted, you can appeal to the King William County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Marijuana Possession in King William County
In King William County, simple possession of more than one ounce of marijuana is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, with additional driver’s license suspension for six months.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession ≤ 1 oz (Adult 21+) | Civil Violation | None | $25 | None | No criminal record |
| Possession >1 oz & <1 lb | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | Criminal record |
| Possession ≥ 1 lb | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years* | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | Felony record |
| Possession (Under 21) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | Mandatory drug program |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*Or in the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500, either or both.
Our Experience with Cannabis Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, our team understands how to build an effective defense against drug charges. Our approach is grounded in a detailed review of the stop, search, and seizure that led to your arrest, as constitutional violations are a common path to having evidence suppressed.
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
Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in drug possession cases. In King William County, we have secured results including reductions to lesser offenses and dismissals through first-offender programs. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Of Counsel attorney Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, brings essential prosecutorial insight to case strategy and negotiations.
Cannabis Possession Lawyer Near King William County
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the King William County General District Court. We represent individuals in King William, West Point, and Aylett. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Results may vary.
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in King William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Results may vary.
How does bail work in King William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in King William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to King William County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in King William County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in King William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King William County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Results may vary.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in King William County?
King William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles DUI defense in King William County and criminal defense in nearby Henrico County. For a broader view of our services, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.