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 courts. A Simple Possession lawyer Fairfax County can challenge unlawful searches and seek dismissal.
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, without a valid prescription. Simple possession is a Class 1 misdemeanor for most substances, but marijuana possession carries a maximum of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. A Simple Possession lawyer Fairfax County understands that first-time offenders may qualify for deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, which can lead to dismissal upon completion of conditions. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these cases at the Fairfax County General District Court located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-250.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Court and Statute Resources
For official court information, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website. The full text of Virginia’s drug possession laws is available at the Virginia Code Title 18.2, Chapter 7 (Drug Offenses).
Insider Procedural Edge for Simple Possession Cases in Fairfax County
Fairfax County General District Court handles all simple possession misdemeanor trials. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office in Fairfax County is known for aggressive prosecution of drug offenses, even for small amounts of marijuana.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a magistrate who sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense simple possession.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea at Fairfax County General District Court. A not guilty plea sets the case for trial.
- Discovery: Your attorney obtains the police report, body camera footage, and lab results to evaluate the strength of the evidence.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence if the search was unlawful — a common issue in simple possession cases.
- Trial or Negotiation: The case proceeds to trial or your attorney negotiates a deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- Disposition: If successful, the charge is dismissed or reduced. If convicted, you face up to 30 days jail and a $500 fine for marijuana possession.
In Fairfax County, simple possession of marijuana carries up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Possession (Marijuana) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record; possible probation |
| Simple Possession (Other Controlled Substance) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Criminal record; possible probation; drug testing |
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. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating the firm’s deep understanding of Virginia law. The firm’s tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects its commitment to aggressive, client-focused representation.
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
Case Results in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes — a 97% favorable outcome rate. Specific results include a possession of marijuana charge dismissed at Fairfax County General District Court and a possession of marijuana charge resolved by nolle prosequi at Fairfax Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact a Simple Possession lawyer 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 clients throughout Fairfax County including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
Looking for a drug possession defense lawyer Fairfax County or a personal use defense lawyer Fairfax County? We handle all types of possession cases.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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, a simple possession charge can be dismissed in Fairfax County. Deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allows dismissal upon successful completion of conditions. A Simple Possession lawyer Fairfax County can also challenge unlawful searches to seek dismissal.
What is the penalty for simple possession of marijuana in Fairfax County?
The penalty for simple possession of marijuana in Fairfax County is up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1. First-time offenders may qualify for deferred disposition, which can result in dismissal without a conviction.
How long does a simple possession case take in Fairfax County?
A simple possession case in Fairfax County General District Court typically takes 4-8 weeks from arraignment to trial. Deferred disposition cases may take 3-6 months to complete the conditions before dismissal is entered.
Do I need a drug possession defense lawyer Fairfax County for a first offense?
Yes, you should hire a drug possession defense lawyer Fairfax County even for a first offense. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record visible to employers and landlords. An attorney can negotiate deferred disposition or challenge the evidence to avoid conviction.
Can I get a personal use defense lawyer Fairfax County for small amounts?
Yes, a personal use defense lawyer Fairfax County can help with small amounts of marijuana or other controlled substances. Even small amounts carry criminal penalties and a permanent record. An attorney can seek dismissal through deferred disposition or challenge the legality of the search.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.