Cannabis Possession Lawyer Falls Church, VA
Virginia law changed significantly when adult possession of up to one ounce of cannabis was legalized.
Yet charges for cannabis possession still occur in Falls Church, particularly when the amount exceeds the
legal limit or when other circumstances—such as distribution allegations or possession near a school—are
involved. A cannabis possession conviction can impose jail time, fines, and a criminal record that
affects employment, education, and immigration status. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends people facing
cannabis charges in the Falls Church General District Court and the Falls Church Circuit Court.
To discuss your situation with an attorney, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Cannabis Possession Means in Falls Church
Virginia’s Cannabis Control Act (Va. Code § 4.1-1100 et seq.) permits adults 21 and older to possess
up to one ounce of cannabis in a private residence. Possession in a public place, possession of more than
one ounce, and possession by someone under 21 remain prohibited under Virginia law. Falls Church, an
independent city within the Seventeenth Judicial District, prosecutes cannabis offenses through the Falls
Church General District Court for misdemeanors and the Falls Church Circuit Court for felony charges.
The court is located at 300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046.
While possession of one to four ounces carries a civil penalty, possession of more than four ounces is a
criminal offense that may be charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor or, depending on quantity and intent
evidence, as a felony. A cannabis charge in Falls Church can also involve allegations of possession
with intent to distribute or distribution, each carrying substantially more severe consequences.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in all cannabis-related proceedings, from initial
arraignment through trial or negotiated resolution. Results may vary.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Defend Cannabis Possession Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each cannabis case with a thorough examination of the evidence and
a focus on procedural protections. They review whether the law enforcement stop, search, or seizure
complied with constitutional requirements and whether the chain of custody for any recovered substance
was properly maintained. When applicable, they pursue pre-trial motions to suppress evidence that was
obtained in violation of the accused’s rights.
In Falls Church, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel routinely negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to
seek charge amendments or dismissals. Virginia law authorizes plea agreements under Rule 3A:8 of the
Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, and a prosecutor may agree to reduce or withdraw charges when the
facts support that result. For first-offense possession cases, Virginia’s first-offender statute
(Va. Code § 18.2-251) may permit deferred disposition: the defendant completes court-ordered conditions,
and the charge is ultimately dismissed. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also advise clients about the
expungement process under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 for charges resolved by dismissal, nolle prosequi, or
acquittal.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New
York. He has appeared in courts throughout Virginia, including the Falls Church General District Court
and Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to
criminal defense matters, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. In Falls Church City, they have documented 6 favorable outcomes in criminal
cases, with results that include dismissals and amended charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis possession still a crime in Falls Church?
Yes, cannabis possession can still be a crime in Falls Church when the amount exceeds one ounce,
when the person is under 21, or when the cannabis is possessed in public. Virginia law legalized
adult possession of up to one ounce in a private residence effective July 1, 2021, but possession above
one ounce remains illegal. Possession of more than four ounces is a criminal offense that can be charged
as a Class 1 misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. Charges also arise for possession
with intent to distribute or distribution. A conviction can carry jail time, a fine, and a permanent
criminal record. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at
(888) 437-7747.
What are the penalties for possessing over one ounce of cannabis in Falls Church?
Penalties increase based on the amount of cannabis possessed. Possession of one to four
ounces can result in a civil penalty up to $25. Possession of more than four ounces may lead to criminal
charges. A Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine. If the
quantity supports a felony charge?such as possession with intent to distribute?the maximum sentence can
range from one to ten years for a Class 5 felony or one to five years for a Class 6 felony. The specific
penalty depends on the charge, prior record, and case facts. To discuss the details of your matter,
contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a cannabis possession conviction be expunged in Virginia?
Virginia law generally allows expungement only for charges that did not result in a
conviction. Under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, if a cannabis charge was dismissed, nolle prossed, or
ended in an acquittal, a petition for expungement may be filed in the Falls Church Circuit Court. Most
convictions are not eligible for expungement. However, a first-offense cannabis charge that is resolved
through a deferred disposition under Va. Code § 18.2-251?where the defendant completes probation and the
charge is dismissed?may avoid a conviction, preserving future expungement eligibility. For a consultation,
reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a cannabis possession charge in Falls Church?
Yes, because a cannabis possession charge can lead to a criminal record and jail time.
Even a misdemeanor conviction can affect employment, security clearances, educational opportunities, and
professional licenses. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cannabis offenses in Falls Church General
District Court and Circuit Court, and an experienced attorney can evaluate the evidence, negotiate with
the prosecutor, and advocate for a reduction or dismissal. Representing yourself risks waiving important
procedural rights. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has represented clients in Falls Church criminal courts and
can explain your options. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
How do I find a cannabis possession lawyer near Falls Church?
Look for a criminal defense attorney who regularly appears in the Falls Church General District
Court and Circuit Court. The attorney should understand local court procedures, the practices of
the Falls Church Commonwealth’s Attorney, and the Virginia statutes governing cannabis. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a Fairfax Location at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032, and serves clients at
the Falls Church courthouse at 300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented
favorable outcomes in Falls Church criminal matters. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 for a
consultation by appointment.
Explore additional criminal defense resources in nearby communities:
Criminal Lawyer Fairfax County |
Criminal Lawyer Fairfax (City) |
Criminal Lawyer Prince William County |
Criminal Lawyer Manassas (City) |
Criminal Lawyer Manassas Park
Primary sources:
Virginia Code § 4.1-1100 (Cannabis Control Act) |
Falls Church General District Court
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.