In Lexington, possession with intent to distribute is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-248, carrying 5-40 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas. A Possession with Intent to Distribute lawyer Lexington provides the strongest defense against these serious charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-248 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines possession with intent to distribute as knowingly possessing a controlled substance with the purpose to sell or deliver it to another person. The prosecution must prove both possession and intent beyond a reasonable doubt. A Possession with Intent to Distribute lawyer Lexington challenges the evidence of intent and the legality of the search. The statute covers all controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs. The Commonwealth must show you had control over the drugs and intended to distribute them. Circumstantial evidence often forms the basis of these cases. A PWID defense lawyer Lexington examines every detail of the state’s case.
For more information, review the Va. Code § 18.2-248 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Lexington General District Court website.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond determination.
- Preliminary hearing in Lexington General District Court within 21-60 days.
- Indictment by grand jury if probable cause is found.
- Arraignment and plea in Lexington Circuit Court.
- Discovery, motions to suppress evidence, and plea negotiations.
- Trial or plea hearing in Lexington Circuit Court.
In Lexington, possession with intent to distribute carries 5-40 years in prison and fines up to $500,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession with Intent to Distribute (Schedule I/II) | Felony | 5-40 years | Up to $500,000 | License suspension possible | Permanent criminal record, federal consequences |
| Possession with Intent to Distribute (Schedule III/IV) | Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $10,000 | License suspension possible | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60. A Possession with Intent to Distribute lawyer Lexington near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. Serving Lexington and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009. By appointment only.
What is the penalty for possession with intent to distribute in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes, it is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-248. Penalties range from 5-40 years in prison and fines up to $500,000 for Schedule I/II drugs. Cases begin at Lexington General District Court.
Can possession with intent to distribute charges be reduced in Lexington?
It depends. The Commonwealth may reduce charges to simple possession if evidence of intent is weak. A PWID defense lawyer Lexington can negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
How does bail work for a PWID charge in Lexington?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Secured bond is typical for felonies, with a bail bondsman charging approximately 10%. Bond can be appealed to Lexington General District Court.
Do I need a Possession with Intent to Distribute lawyer Lexington?
Yes. These charges carry mandatory minimum sentences and a permanent criminal record. An intent to distribute charge lawyer Lexington protects your rights and builds the strongest defense.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court for PWID cases in Lexington?
Lexington General District Court handles preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. See also Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer. Related services: DUI Lawyer Lexington and Family Law Lawyer Lexington.
Learn more about Bryan Block, our primary attorney for this practice area.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.